Breeze goes on holiday - The Elan Valley trail

Please meet at the place described below ready to set-off at 11.15am. There are plenty of coffee shops in Rhayader if you want a drink before you start but please be ready to leave at 11.15am. We will head up the trail, stopping for lots of scenic pictures, aiming to get to PenBont tea room for 12.30pm where we have a table booked.

Please see the website https://www.elanvalley.org.uk/explore/cycling/elan-trail for a full description of this route.
Following the line of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway for most of the way, the Elan Valley Trail offers families, novice cyclists and committed enthusiasts the opportunity to experience this beautiful part of the country at its best whilst staying healthy and helping the environment.

The trail starts from the pretty community of Cwmdeuddwr on the western side of Rhayader. Parking is available locally and Rhayader contains a number of cafes, shops, pubs, a bike shop and toilets. The linear Elan Valley Trail can be ridden in either direction but most people head west from the town towards the valley.

After leaving Cwmdeuddwr the route climbs over the impressive Rhayader Tunnel, a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Reserve that is home to many bat species. Approximately half a mile later the route crosses a road, it's at this junction where Lon Las Cymru splits off and the Elan Valley Trail continues straight along the path.

At the next junction you can either continue along the trail up to the spectacular dams and reservoirs, or drop down to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre where you can stop off for refreshments at the cafe, delve into the history of the area and visit the tourist information centre.

The trail climbs steadily from the northern end of Garreg Ddu Reservoir, providing stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the four reservoirs that feed Birmingham's water supply, and continues up to the finish at Craig Goch Dam where toilets are available. A large part of the trail has a tarmac surface, so it is also suitable for less able users, but the northern end is not surfaced.


Update******* The Elan Valley Trail is blocked just above Penygarreg dam due to a landslide; the alternative route takes you along the road passing Penbont Tea Room which is highly recommended! We will stop here for lunch.

We will be cycling the 18mile Elan valley trail. This is an out and back route taking in the reservoirs and the beautiful scenery. This is an all day outing, the drive from Cwmbran / Newport will take1.5 to 1 3/4 hrs approx. This is a good ride to buddy up and share lifts to the start point

Cycle track for the majority of the route, just some loose track at the very end

We will stop at a cafe at the start after our long drive, then we'll decide on the visitor centre or cafe stop as we head out on the ride. If you prefer to, bring a packed lunch.

Bring your helmets, spare cash and a drink and a snack for this ride

We especially welcome newbies!