5.0
(5)
27
riders
6
rides
Mountain biking around Llanerfyl offers diverse landscapes in the heart of Powys, Wales. The region features a mix of tranquil natural lakes, expansive reservoirs like Lake Vyrnwy, and extensive forests and moorlands. Remote uplands characterize the broader Mid-Wales area, providing varied terrain suitable for challenging mountain bike routes.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
32.6km
03:03
800m
810m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
11
riders
28.8km
02:46
720m
720m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
6
riders
22.0km
01:53
440m
440m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
31.2km
02:25
560m
560m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
14.5km
01:14
250m
250m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The hills of the great Dyfnant Forest were once rode by Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr, who led the rebellion against English rule in Wales during the 15th century. Today, the woodland is still enjoyed by those on horseback, as well as hikers on the Glyndŵr’s Way long-distance trail. The coniferous woodland here is part of the National Forest for Wales project.
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Llanwddyn is a small village beneath the Llanwddyn Dam on Lake Vyrnwy. The original village was flooded when the reservoir was created in the 1880s. There are a couple of accommodation options in the surroundings: the beautifully situated Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa to the north-east and the Lake Vyrnwy campsite to the east.
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Gorgeous area. Be aware the road/trail on the south side (including access to/from Llanymawddwy) are currently closed due to damage from storm Darragh. See https://www.hdcymru.co.uk/our-visitor-sites/lake-vyrnwy/storm-darragh/ for more details.
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There is a little cafe above the main car park for a coffee and cake after the "gift shop" labelled walks. As usual, Komoot makes the walk easier than using signposts - remember to download to the phone app. Kayaking/canoeing around the lake is only possible for about half of it due to a protected bird sanctuary.
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The dam across the Vyrnwy Valley, Montgomeryshire, was the first large masonry dam, and was completed in 1888. Water from the reservoir supplies Liverpool, travelling there along a 70 mile aqueduct. They have a bike hire and cafe in the car part. You can hire a bike to ride around the lake the road surface is great with some spectacular views of the lake and dam. The dam at Lake Vyrnwy is often associated with practice bombing runs for Operation Chastise in The Second World War. Better known as the “Dambusters” raid, Lancasters of 617 Squadron breached the German Möhne and Eder dams and damaged the Sorpe dam in May 1943. However, the association with Lake Vyrnwy seems to be something of a local myth as the dam was never actually used for this purpose. So where did this story originate? It seems that at least one scene in the famous 1955 film, “The Dambusters” was shot at Lake Vyrnwy leading to the mistaken belief that the wartime RAF Lancaster bomber crews practiced there.
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Lake Vyrnwy (Welsh: Llyn Efyrnwy, pronounced [ɛˈvərnʊɨ] or Llyn Llanwddyn) is a reservoir in Powys, Wales, built in the 1880s for Liverpool Corporation Waterworks to supply Liverpool with fresh water. It flooded the head of the Vyrnwy (Welsh: Afon Efyrnwy) valley and submerged the village of Llanwddyn.
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This rugged gravel track crosses from the Rhiw to the Carno Valley. To the north, you'll enjoy views of Garreg-hir, a summit rising to 1,588 ft (484 m).
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Here, you'll cycle over a small ford that is part of Nant y Llyn Mawr, a tributary of the River Rhiw. This stony track will lead you north towards the Rhiw, a small river meaning 'slope'.
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There are currently 7 mountain bike trails available around Llanerfyl. These routes offer a range of difficulties, from easy loops to more challenging, longer rides through varied terrain.
Yes, there is an easy mountain bike trail available. The Llyn Mawr – Nant y Llyn Mawr Ford loop from Dwyriw is a 9.0-mile (14.5 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 14 minutes to complete, leading through natural lakes and rural landscapes.
For advanced riders seeking a challenge, the Machynlleth Clock Tower – Machynlleth Golf Course Road loop from Mallwyd is a difficult 61.9-mile (99.7 km) route with significant elevation gain, typically taking over 4 hours to complete. This trail offers a demanding experience through the region's wilder landscapes.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in the area are circular. For example, the popular Mynydd y Cemmaes Dovey Valley loop is a 20.2-mile (32.6 km) circular route, and the Coed Fachwen loop from Penyffordd Car Park is another excellent circular option exploring forested areas.
The Llanerfyl area is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter impressive features like the Lake Vyrnwy Dam and the tranquil Llyn Mawr. The Nant y Maes Waterfall is also a beautiful natural feature accessible via a small bridge. Many routes traverse forests and moorlands, offering diverse scenery.
While specific mountain bike routes directly circling Lake Vyrnwy are not listed in this guide, the region's trails are in close proximity to this expansive reservoir. The area around Lake Vyrnwy is a prominent natural feature known for its beauty and wildlife, and it's a hub for various outdoor pursuits, including cycling. You can explore the Lake Vyrnwy Dam and the Giant Hand of Lake Vyrnwy as nearby attractions.
Llanerfyl's diverse landscapes, including forests and moorlands, offer varied conditions throughout the year. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially wilder and more exposed conditions in the Mid-Wales uplands, which can affect trail conditions.
Yes, the region around Llanerfyl is characterized by extensive forests. The Coed Fachwen loop from Penyffordd Car Park specifically explores forested areas, offering a mix of ascents and descents. Similarly, the Dyfnant Forest loop from Llangadfan provides another excellent opportunity to ride through woodland.
The mountain bike trails in Llanerfyl are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 6 reviews. Over 160 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and challenging routes available in the heart of Powys, Wales.
While specific routes in this guide don't detail pub or cafe stops, the area around Llanerfyl does have amenities. For example, the Artisans Café & Gift Shop is a notable spot near Lake Vyrnwy, offering a place to refuel. It's always a good idea to check local listings for current opening times and locations of establishments along your chosen route.
For broader information about mountain biking opportunities across the Mid Wales region, you can visit the official tourism website: visitmidwales.co.uk. This resource can provide additional context on the wider network of trails and facilities available.


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