Tackle a mix of man-made and natural trails on the epic Traws Eryri mountain biking route. On this self-guided mountain bike holiday, you’ll have the chance to visit one of Wales’s best mountain bike trail centres, Coed y Brenin, and experience incredible off-road Trans Snowdonia cycle trails. Enjoy the stunning natural scenery as you journey from Machynlleth in mid-Wales to Conwy in the north.
6 days, zero-hassle and all this included in this Traws Eryri MTB cycle route:
- 4 days self-guided mountain biking with gpx route maps provided
- 6 nights accommodation in local guesthouses
- breakfast each day
- luggage transfers each day
- handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips
- 24/7 telephone support during your adventure
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
Check out the full Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) mountain biking itinerary in the tab above!
For adventurers who:
Are experienced mountain bikers, capable of riding a red-grade trail or equivalent, and keen to undertake a self-guided multi-day mountain biking journey along the Traws Eryri MTB route. Expect to be in the saddle for around 6 hours each day.
Perfect for friends, couples and solo riders.
Day 1 - Machynlleth
Welcome to Wales! Arrive in the market town of Machynlleth this afternoon ready to check in to your guesthouse.
Enjoy a relaxed evening as you get ready to start your Traws Eryri adventure tomorrow.
Day 2 - Machynlleth to Dolgellau (61km / 1200m)
After a hearty breakfast and a bike/kit check, it’s time to hit the trails for your first day of exploring the off-road Traws Eryri MTB route (also known as the Trans Snowdonia cycle route).
Your adventure begins!
Today’s 61km self-guided ride kicks off at the iconic clock tower of Machynlleth. From here, you’ll head north out of town along the Traws Eryri trail, following the cycle path next to the Dyfi River. Singletrack roads take you on a scenic roller coaster ride north up the valley with the steep slopes of Dyfi Forest on one side and the fast-flowing Dulas River on the other.
From Cadair Idris to Dolgellau
After a well-deserved break for lunch, the Traws Eryri trail continues to impress with stunning scenery. You’ll pass the striking Craig Yr Aderyn (Bird’s Rock) while cycling beneath the towering Cadair Idris, one of the highest mountains in southern Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. As you ride the Traws Eryri MTB route from Cadair Idris, take in the panoramic views of your journey so far as you pass the Mawddach Estuary and Barmouth Bay, before the imposing mountains of north Snowdonia emerge into view.
Ride into Dolgellau where you will be reunited with your luggage that has been transferred here for you. Take the chance to enjoy a hot shower and unwind with a relaxed evening after your exhilarating day of riding.
Day 3 - Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd (41km / 915m)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be rejoining the Traws Eryri cycle route right from your door. Today kicks off with some easy-riding wide off-road track. This relaxing start to the day will allow you to take in the beautiful views of the open salt marsh landscape. Look out for Egrets and Kingfishers that thrive in this unique environment.
Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park
Ride into Coed-y-Brenin (Welsh for King’s Forest) Forest Park, the spiritual home of MTB in the UK. Since 1990 mountain bikers have been making the pilgrimage to Coed-y-Brenin. Home to a great range of waymarked mountain biking trails and a bike shop, perfect for any kit bits you might want.
From the visitor centre, the next section is a challenging steep and rocky climb before the route takes you into open moorland with views across the wild Rhinog Mountains.
Trawsfynedd Reservoir
For bonus views, enjoy a lap of this mighty reservoir before joining the cycle path into Trawsfynydd. Enjoy a relaxed evening in this quiet, rural village.
Day 4 - Trawsfynydd to Betws-y-Coed (51km / 1280m)
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast and a bike/kit check before setting off for another day of self-guided mountain biking along the Trans Snowdonia cycling route.
Roman roads and forts
Follow the expertly curated Traws Eryri as you ride ancient tracks and grassy climbs, leading to a Norman Castle mound and the Roman castle remains of Castell Tomen y Mur.
Waterfalls and lakes
Before continuing towards Penmachno village, perhaps pause for a picnic lunch at the impressive viewpoint of Rhaeadr Y Cwm, a beautiful waterfall set in the hillside. Pass Llyn (lake) Elsi as you descend into Betws-y-Coed. This pretty Alpine-style village is your final destination of the day and offers a selection of small bars and eateries to relax and refuel.
Day 5 - Betws-y-Coed to Conwy (54km / 1264m)
Tuck into a hearty breakfast before gearing up for another day in the saddle, riding the Traws Eryri cycle route from the heart of Betws-y-Coed. Get ready for rocky rooty trails, dense forest and stunning views across Snowdonia National Park.
Snowdonia Slate Trail & Ogwen Valley
Leave the buzz of Betws-y-Coed behind as you tackle a mix of Trans Snowdonia cycle trails. Skirt through the villages of Capel Curig and Bethesda. Pedal along the historic path and soak up stunning views of the Ogwen Valley as you pass between the mountains of Carnedd Llewelyn and Glyder Fawr.
The final push to Conwy
As you head towards the North Wales coast the landscape changes. Grassy descents make for fast and enjoyable riding, with stunning views across the Menai Strait and over to the Isle of Anglesey.
The final section of the Traws Eryri mountain bike route runs via the viewpoint of Sychnant Pass. Pause here to reflect on your achievement, looking back along the incredible trails you’ve ridden and the short distance ahead to your ultimate destination. Enjoy the final descent into the historic walled town of Conwy to complete your amazing journey!
Enjoy a long hot soak to ease those aching legs, before enjoying a lively night in Conwy to celebrate your achievement!
Day 6 - Depart Conwy
Enjoy a final breakfast in this historic town, before packing away your kit and wheels to begin your onward journey home. If you have the time, we recommend visiting the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of Conwy Castle in the centre of town for one final, impressive, glimpse into Welsh history.
What’s included
- 4 days self-guided mountain biking with gpx route maps provided
- 6 nights accommodation in local guesthouses
- breakfast each day
- luggage transfers each day
- handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips
- 24/7 telephone support during your adventure
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
Supercharge your trip
Even more ways to take your adventure to the next level! Simply make your selections Step 2 when you book online:
- Private room – advertised from prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a room but a private room can usually be arranged, please let us know when you submit your enquiry
- Return transfers are available with prior arrangement from nearby airports, train stations and ferry ports – please advise if required
- Extend your stay with additional nights to really make the most of your time in Wales
What you need to bring
- Suitable mountain bike in full working order (alternatively please enquire about bike hire)
- Suitable bike helmet and gloves
- Suitable mountain bike clothing, including base layer and waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers or shorts (recommended)
- Hydration – bottles or bladder for a full day in the saddle
- Riding backpack – to carry spare layers / waterproofs, lunch, tools and spare tubes, mobile phone etc
- Rear bike / helmet light
- Bring your biking legs!
What you need to know
- Dates are booked to suit you – please use the enquiry form to request availability of your preferred dates
- Enjoy the reassurance of flexible booking terms, part of our Adventure Promise
- Spread the cost of your adventure with instalment payments
- Check in is usually from 15:00 on your arrival day
- Expect to be out riding for 4-6 hours per day
- This is your adventure and you’re in control – if you’d like any additional experiences or an extended stay, simply let us know when you submit your enquiry
- We’ll manage all the bookings and arrangements to make your experience perfect
- This is a self-guided experience through remote and at times technical terrain – if you have an concerns and would prefer to have a local guide, please let us know
Getting Here
- The closest international airports to Machynlleth & Conway are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport
- It is approximately a 2 hour 30 minute taxi transfer from either airport to the tour start point in Machynlleth or alternatively travel by rail to Machynlleth and follow the By Rail instructions below
By Rail
- The closest train station to Machynlleth is Machynlleth Station
- From Machynlleth Station, it is a 15 minute walk to your accommodation
- The closest train station to Conway is Conway
- From your accommodation to Conway Station, it is a 10 minute walk
By Road
- Machynlleth is located less than 2 hours from the M6, M56 and M54 motorways
If you require assistance with arranging taxi transfers, please get in touch with a member of our team
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