Escape to the Elan Valley

“I love people, but there are occasions when I want to be somewhere really remote, with just a close friend or a small group for company. The Elan Valley is the perfect place for this. The scenery is all about mountains, valleys and reservoirs. And as this ride suits a gravel or cyclocross bike, it means you hardly see other people during the first half.

“The ride starts with a gentle uphill, then a transition from paved to gravel roads. There’s some incredible scenery as you head past multiple reservoirs. But it’s rough terrain that’s not for tyres narrower than 32mm. There are lots of beautiful stone Victorian dams to appreciate if you’re a geek like me. And you can stop at the Elan Valley Visitors’ Centre – it’s not hipster, but it is rider-friendly with many food and drink options. You can take some deviations along the way because it’s all so remote and beautiful. But it’s worth doing it clockwise as I wouldn’t want to descend on some of the gravel tracks you climb up.

“The second half’s on a road that’s really quiet. This is more of a long, steady climb, but then you get to enjoy the descent. There’s a sharp climb halfway round. I’ve tried to delete it from my memory as it felt like 20 per cent. However, Strava tells me it’s about 1.6km at 9 per cent! I reached for the non-existent ‘one easier gear’ more than once. If you have a campervan or tent, you could treat yourself to a night without a phone signal and there are nice pubs in Rhayader, which have rooms to stay in. But it’s just a really beautiful and remote route to do even for one day.”

LOCATION:

Elan Valley, Mid Wales

DETAILS:

77km, 1068m of climbing

TYPE:

Gravel/cyclocross

RECOMMENDED BY:

Gareth Mills – Strava’s UK country manager

ROUTE:

strava.com/ activities/2489887072