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MTB trails
United Kingdom
Wales
Powys

Llanerfyl

The best MTB trails around Llanerfyl

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.

Best mountain bike trails around Llanerfyl

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is Mynydd y Cemmaes Dovey Valley loop, a 20.2 miles (32.6 km) trail that takes 3 hours 3 minutes…

Last updated: June 26, 2026

#1.

Mynydd y Cemmaes Dovey Valley loop

32.6km

03:03

800m

810m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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Moderate

5.0

(3)

11

riders

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

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Tips from the Community

Alex Foxfield
October 22, 2025, Dyfnant Forest

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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Alex Foxfield
October 22, 2025, Llanwddyn

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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embee999
September 26, 2024, Lake Vyrnwy Dam

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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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are there around Llanerfyl?

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.

Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Llanerfyl?

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.

What are the options for more advanced mountain bikers in the Llanerfyl area?

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.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes around Llanerfyl?

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.

What natural features or landmarks can I see while mountain biking near Llanerfyl?

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.

Are there any mountain bike trails that pass by Lake Vyrnwy?

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.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Llanerfyl?

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.

Are there any mountain bike routes that go through forests?

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.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Llanerfyl?

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.

Are there any cafes or pubs near the mountain bike trails in Llanerfyl?

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.

Where can I find more information about mountain biking in Mid Wales?

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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