A Cyclist’s Guide to Riding Around Llanwrtyd Wells, Mid Wales
Road rides, iconic climbs and mountain bike trails
Set deep in the Cambrian Mountains, Llanwrtyd Wells is one of the most rewarding cycling bases in Mid Wales. Quiet roads, relentless climbs and wide-open scenery attract riders who value space, challenge and uninterrupted miles.
From the legendary Devil’s Staircase to flowing forest singletrack, this area offers something for both road cyclists and mountain bikers.
Road Cycling Around Llanwrtyd Wells
The Devil’s Staircase
Near Abergwesyn lies one of Wales’ most talked-about climbs: the Devil’s Staircase.
Short but extremely steep, it features:
Sharp switchbacks
Sustained double-digit gradients
Expansive valley views
Many riders set out from Llanwrtyd Wells, roll through the Abergwesyn valley, and take on the climb before looping back. The descent requires care — it’s narrow, exposed and fast in places.
This is a bucket-list ascent for cyclists visiting Mid Wales.
The Abergwesyn Valley Route
Even without the Devil’s Staircase, the road toward Abergwesyn is a standout ride:
Remote, lightly trafficked lanes
River sections alongside the Afon Irfon
Rolling terrain before the major gradients begin
It’s ideal for endurance training or long steady miles in beautiful surroundings.
Longer Loops Toward the Elan Valley
Stronger riders often extend routes toward the reservoirs of the Elan Valley, creating a demanding but unforgettable day ride through wild Welsh scenery. Expect sustained climbing and exposed sections where wind can play a role.
Mountain Biking at Cwm Rhaeadr
For off-road riders, the standout destination is Cwm Rhaeadr MTB Trail.
Just outside Llanwrtyd Wells, Cwm Rhaeadr offers purpose-built mountain bike trails in a forested setting. The trail network includes:
Technical climbs
Fast descents
Rocky features
Forest singletrack
It’s well suited to intermediate riders, though experienced mountain bikers will enjoy pushing pace on the descents. The terrain drains reasonably well but can still be slippery after heavy rain.
For visitors combining road and trail riding in one weekend, Llanwrtyd Wells is an ideal base.
Why Llanwrtyd Wells Works So Well for Cyclists
What makes this area special is the combination of:
Minimal traffic
Serious climbing
Wild, open landscapes
Easy access to both road and MTB routes
You can ride hard all morning and still feel like you’ve discovered somewhere relatively untouched.
Practical Riding Tips
Bring appropriate gearing for steep gradients.
Check the weather forecast — conditions change quickly in the hills.
Download offline maps, as mobile signal can be patchy.
Take enough food and water, especially on remote valley routes.
Descend cautiously — roads are narrow and sometimes rough.
Refuelling Back in Llanwrtyd Wells
After a morning on the road or trails, returning to Llanwrtyd Wells feels well earned. The town provides a welcoming base for coffee, freshly baked treats and a chance to recover before the journey home.
Planning your route so you finish back in town makes for a satisfying end to a challenging Mid Wales ride.
A Hidden Gem in Mid Wales
Llanwrtyd Wells may be small, but for cyclists it offers big rewards. From the Devil’s Staircase to the forest trails of Cwm Rhaeadr, this is a region built for those who enjoy climbing, exploring and riding without crowds.
For road cyclists, mountain bikers and anyone seeking quiet Welsh miles, this corner of Powys is hard to beat.