Cycling Around Llanwrtyd Wells: Routes, Climbs and Coffee Stops
Mid Wales offers some of the quietest, most rewarding road cycling in the UK — and Llanwrtyd Wells sits right at the heart of it. With rolling Cambrian Mountain scenery, long steady climbs, technical descents and almost traffic-free lanes, this small town has become a favourite base for riders seeking space and challenge.
Whether you’re planning a steady endurance loop or targeting iconic Welsh climbs, here’s your practical guide to cycling around Llanwrtyd Wells.
Why Cycle in Llanwrtyd Wells?
This area stands out for three reasons:
1. Quiet Roads
You can ride for miles without heavy traffic — ideal for steady pacing and uninterrupted climbing.
2. Varied Terrain
Expect everything from rolling valley roads to exposed upland ascents.
3. Big Scenery
The surrounding Cambrian Mountains provide sweeping views and remote landscapes that feel far from the busier national parks.
The Devil’s Staircase Loop (Abergwesyn Route)
No cycling guide to Llanwrtyd Wells is complete without mentioning the legendary climb near Abergwesyn.
The Devil’s Staircase
The famous Devil’s Staircase is a brutally steep, stepped ascent cutting through open hillside. It’s short but savage, with gradients that demand full focus and low gearing.
Route idea:
Start in Llanwrtyd Wells
Head west toward Abergwesyn
Climb the Devil’s Staircase
Continue across remote uplands
Loop back via Beulah or forest roads
This route offers:
Long valley approaches
A signature climbing challenge
Fast, technical descents
Minimal traffic
Riding down the Devil’s Staircase toward Abergwesyn is technical and narrow — control and awareness are essential.
Irfon Valley Endurance Ride
Following the River Irfon west of Llanwrtyd Wells provides a steadier, scenic ride.
Expect:
Rolling gradients
Riverside sections
Smooth pacing terrain
Excellent long-ride training conditions
This is ideal for base miles, steady endurance work or relaxed social riding.
Elan Valley Extension
For a longer day out, connect south or east toward the spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan Valley.
The Elan Valley roads offer:
Long, consistent climbs
Sweeping bends
Dramatic reservoir backdrops
Well-surfaced stretches
It’s one of the most scenic extended loops accessible from Llanwrtyd Wells.
Forest and Gravel Options
While the region is best known for quiet tarmac riding, there are also forestry roads and mixed-surface routes suitable for riders comfortable with rougher terrain.
Nearby, the woodland trails around Cwm Rhaeadr provide additional off-road options for those combining road riding with exploration.
Practical Cycling Tips for Mid Wales
Carry food and water — services are limited between villages
Check weather forecasts — conditions change quickly on exposed climbs
Ensure brakes are well maintained for steep descents
Expect sheep on the road in remote sections
Mobile signal can be inconsistent in upland areas
Preparation matters here more than in busier cycling regions.
Coffee Stops in Llanwrtyd Wells
After a demanding ride, Llanwrtyd Wells offers a proper recovery stop.
TOST is an independent coffee shop in town serving speciality coffee alongside light bites, pastries and cakes baked on site. It’s become a natural meeting point for riders tackling local climbs or finishing longer Cambrian loops.
Located conveniently for routes heading toward Abergwesyn or the Elan Valley, it’s an easy addition before or after your ride.
Best Time of Year to Ride
Late spring through early autumn provides:
Longer daylight hours
Drier road conditions
More stable weather
However, clear winter days can offer exceptional visibility and quiet roads — with the right kit.
Why Llanwrtyd Wells Works as a Cycling Base
Unlike busier cycling destinations, Llanwrtyd Wells offers:
Access to iconic climbs
Remote upland riding
Flexible route options from short loops to full-day epics
A peaceful town centre to start and finish
It’s a place where you ride for the landscape as much as the elevation.
Cycling around Llanwrtyd Wells delivers challenge, solitude and scenery in equal measure. From the demanding gradients of the Devil’s Staircase near Abergwesyn to the sweeping roads of the Elan Valley, this part of Mid Wales rewards riders willing to seek out its hills.
