TRANS-CAMBRIAN WAY, WALES

DISTANCE 166KM (103 MILES) CLIMBING 3,800M (12,467FT) TIME 2 DAYS TO 3 DAYS

Route summary: A long-distance point-to-point ride in the heart of Wales, passing through the Cambrian Mountains Start: Knighton station (postcode LD7 1DY, grid ref SO 291/724)

1 Leave Knighton on quiet lanes to Knucklas, then climb off-road and briefly join Glyndwr’s Way before descending to Llanbadarn Fynydd. After a river crossing, a mixture of tarmac and off-road follows, briefly sharing the Glyndwr’s Way again. Head south through Bwlch-y-sarnau along singletrack, then head to Rhayader by road, which has a campsite, places to get refreshments and a bike shop.

2 Continue into the Elan Valley, passing the dams – and probably wet crossings – and Claerwen reservoir, and into the remote Welsh hills. After Llyn Teifi, start heading north, skirting Pont-rhyd-y-groes on a mixture of tarmac and off-road trails. Then descend to Llangurig.

3 Head uphill through the Hafren Forest, to Staylittle, and join Glyndwr’s Way again. Enjoy the big descent off Foel Fadian, joining the Mach 2 trail. Follow a variety of trails and roads, on and off Glyndwr’s Way, to the Dyfi Estuary mudflats and the remote Dovey Junction station to finish.

LOCATION The Cambrians in Mid Wales are the oldest mountain range in Europe and offer some spectacularly remote countryside, perfect for mountain bike adventures.

GETTING THERE Knighton lies west of Birmingham, on the southern edge of the Shropshire Hills, on the A488 and the River Teme. Our route starts from the Bowling Green car park or the railway station. There’s also a station near the end, in Dyfi, near Machynlleth.

USEFUL INFO For detailed information about cycling in the area, visit www.transcambrianway.org.uk.

FACILITIES There are some places along the route that offer camping or a proper bed for the night. Mountain Bike Wales (www.mtb.wales) run guided group rides.