Tackle a mix of man-made and natural trails with a small group of like-minded riders. Our expert local guide will lead the way on this awesome route. Visit three of Wales’s best mountain bike trail centres and experience quality riding in beautiful natural surroundings as you journey from Machynlleth in mid Wales to Conwy in the north. Simply stunning!
6 days, zero-hassle and all this included:
- 4 days of guided riding along the new 225km / 140-mile Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) mountain bike route
- 5 nights comfortable local accommodation
- 5 breakfasts & 2 evening meals
- Local, professional mountain bike guide
- Experience three of the UK’s best-rated trail centres
- Luggage transfers throughout your ride
Check out the full itinerary in the tab above!
And give this video a play for a taste of what to expect.
For adventurers who:
Are active mountain bikers, keen to undertake an epic multi-day mountain biking journey. Expect to be in the saddle for around 6 hours each day.
Perfect for solo travellers, couples and friends.
Day 1 - Machynlleth
Arrive at your accommodation in Machynlleth between 16:00 and 17:00 for check in.
This evening you’ll enjoy a welcome meal. Get to know your guide and fellow mountain bikers over a meal, a pint and a route map.
If you require transfers from the train station, airport or ferry port, please contact us to make arrangements prior to travelling.
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 riding on the Traws Eryri off-road cycling route.
Your adventure begins!
Today’s 61km journey starts at the iconic clock tower of Machynlleth. From here you will head north out of town and up the cycle path alongside the Dyfi River. Singletrack roads take you on a scenic roller coaster ride north up the valley with the steep slopes of the Dyfi Forest on one side and the fast-flowing Dulas River on the other.
From Cadair Idris to Dolgellau
After a pit-stop lunch break the route takes you on through some impressive scenery. Pass the striking Craig Yr Aderyn (Bird’s Rock) and enjoy cycling in the shadow of Cadair Idris, one of the highest mountains in the south of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. 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 opportunity for a hot shower and enjoy a free evening to relax after a big day of riding.
Day 3 - Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd (41km / 915m)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be rejoining the Traws Eryri route right from your bunkhouse 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 visitor centre cafe perfect, for a lunch stop.
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, your guide will lead you on a lap of this mighty reservoir before joining the cycle path into Trawsfynydd where you will spend the night. Enjoy a free evening to relax.
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 riding through Snowdonia with your guide and fellow bikers.
Roman roads and forts
Follow the expertly curated Traws Eryri route as you ride along some fascinating ancient tracks. A grassy climb takes you towards a Norman Castle mound and the Roman castle remains of Castell Tomen y Mur.
Waterfalls and lakes
Before continuing towards Penmachno, pause for a picnic lunch at the impressive viewpoint of Rhaedr 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 glorious day of mountain bike riding, right 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
Leaving the buzz of Betws-y-Coed behind you’ll ride along a mixture of trails passing through the villages of Capel Curig and Bethesda. Pedalling along this historic path you will be treated to stunning views of the Ogwen Valley as you pass between the mountains of Carnedd Llywelyn and Glyder Fawr.
We’ll be stopping en route again for lunch, so pack your sandwiches and we’ll find the perfect spot for a picnic.
The final push to Conwy
This afternoon the landscape changes as you head towards the North Wales coast. Grassy descending tracks make for some fast and enjoyable riding. Enjoy stunning views across the Menai Strait and over to the Isle of Anglesey.
The last section of the Traws Eryri cycling route takes you via the viewpoint of Sychnant Pass. Pause here to reflect on your achievement, looking back along the route 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 this amazing Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) journey!
Enjoy a long hot soak to ease those aching legs before heading into town for a celebratory farewell dinner together
Day 6
Enjoy the final breakfast together with your fellow riders before packing away your kit and wheels to make your way home.
After an epic week together, it’ll be bear hugs all round with your new biking mates.
What’s included
- 4 days of guided riding along the new 225km / 140-mile Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) mountain bike route
- 5 nights 3-star comfortable local accommodation
- 5 breakfasts & 2 evening meals
- Local, professional mountain bike guide
- Experience three of the UK’s best-rated trail centres
- Luggage transfers throughout your ride
- 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 – we can usually accommodate requests for your own room, please select option when booking online please
- Return transfers are available with prior arrangement from nearby airports, train stations and ferry ports – please enquire when booking
What you need to bring
- Suitable mountain bike in full working order
- Suitable bike helmet and gloves – mandatory, you will not be allowed to ride without these
- Suitable mountain bike clothing, including base layer and waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers or shorts (recommended)
- Hydration – bottles or backpack
- Riding backpack – to carry spare layers / waterproofs, lunch, tools and spare tubes, mobile phone etc
- Bring your biking legs!
What you need to know
- Enjoy the reassurance of flexible booking terms, part of our Adventure Promise
- You must be 18 years or over to join this adventure
- Expect to be out mountain biking for around 6 hours each day
- Arrive for check in between 16:00 and 17:00
- You’ll be staying in a hotel room, sharing with 1 other person of the same gender. If you would prefer your own room we can usually accommodate that, though an extra charge would apply
- To make sure you enjoy that authentic experience only a small group brings, this trip will run with no more than 8 people
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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