Elan Valley - Welsh Water - Cycling

Adventures on

Two Wheels

Elan Valley

Adventures on

Two Wheels

Elan Valley

Yours to explore

Brought to you by Welsh Water

Cycling in the Elan Valley


Elan Valley is a hub for leisure and mountain biking in Mid Wales.

We welcome all ages and all abilities – just get on your bike!

Bike Hire

Here you can hire different sized adult and child bikes as well as bike trailers.

Please carefully read the sizing guide below to make sure the bikes you hire are right for you. 

Bikes For Adults

Extra Small: 5’0 – 5’3 / 152cm – 160cm

Small: 5’3 – 5’5 / 160cm – 165cm

Medium: 5’5 – 5’8 / 165cm – 172cm

Large: 5’8 – 6’2+ / 172cm – 187cm

Electric Bikes

Small – Medium: 5’3 – 5’9 / 157cm – 175cm

Medium – Large: 5-9 – 6’2 / 175cm – 187cm

Bikes For Children

Small: 3’2 – 3’9 / 97cm – 114cm

Medium: 3’9 – 4’4″ / 114cm – 132cm

Large: 4’4 – 4’9 / 132cm – 144cm

Child Trailer: <45kg / 100lb

Booking online in advance is always recommended to avoid disappointment, especially for groups.

Please note: proof of identity is required at the time of hire such as a valid passport or driving licence. Full terms & conditions of hire are available upon request and a signed booking form acknowledging that you have read these terms and conditions must be completed at the time of hire.

Bike Hub

Our Bike Hub is located next to the Visitor Centre. We have a variety of children’s and adult bikes, including e-bikes and trailers for hire. We also have a bike wash station to clean off the mud before you head home after your adventure.

Choose your Mountain Biking Trail


Mountain bike trails have a difficulty grading from Green (easy) to Blue (moderate), Red (difficult) and Black (Severe).

Click here for a reference guide to the colour-coded grading system used for cross-country single-track trails. Mountain biking is a potentially hazardous activity carrying a significant risk. Always ride within your own abilities.

Blue Routes

Elan Trail

Explore all or part of this 29km route offering families, novice cyclists and committed enthusiasts the opportunity to experience this beautiful part of the country.

• READ MORE •

Ant Hills

Starting from Rhayader, this easy circular trail of 9km rolls through scenic Mid Wales lanes and has a downhill finish.

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Red Routes

Around Caban

A short (15km), moderate route that takes you around Caban Coch reservoir which should take about an hour to complete.

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Golf Links

A popular hour-long trail of moderate difficulty that includes a lengthy descent which sweeps down Rhayader’s old nine hole golf course.

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Roman Camp

This moderate 32km route takes three to four hours to complete and includes the ancient site of its title as well as open hills and four reservoirs.

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Nannerth Loop

Taking about three hours, this moderate 29km trail leads you through parts of the Wye valley in addition to the Elan valley.

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Wye Valley Loop

A trail that takes in open hills, dappled woodland and working farmland. Its 19km length should take about two hours…

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Black Routes

Black Cottage

A difficult technical route of 30km with big climbs taking in both the Elan and Claerwen Valleys for some glorious views.

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Elan Epic

Why choose just one route when you can do them all? This difficult trail takes in everything that the Elan Valley has to offer for mountain-bikers.

• READ MORE •

OTHER WELSH WATER ADVENTURES

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