Rhayader Wales...anyone been there?

[Chris-H]

We have found a lovely cottage near Rhayader Mid Wales for our honeymoon in July,it seems perfect but we dont know the area whatsoever.What we are trying to find out is what the roads are like for riding,we will be taking the road bikes as well as the mtb's.We know the off road riding is good but dont know about the road riding.We are really hoping for very scenic quiet roads and maybe take in a mountain or 2.Any advice or opinions greatfully recieved.

 

[Alan Frame]

I cycled via there on the way to Aberystwyth from Brum last October. Lovely scenery, roads and not a single issue with any motorist in the week I was away ! Now there's a first.
I can thoroughly recommend a ride round the Elan Valley dams and also one up over the mountain road to Aberystwyth..allegedly very scenic, but I was up in the clouds when I went that way.
I've never seen so many pubs in such a small area as are in Rhayader and it can get a bit boisterous in the evenings....setting off on the Sunday morning I had to get off to carry my bike because there was so much smashed glass in the road !
Don't let that put you off though, I enjoyed my short stay so much I'm going back in a month or two's time.

 

[Chris-H]

I cycled via there on the way to Aberystwyth from Brum last October. Lovely scenery, roads and not a single issue with any motorist in the week I was away ! Now there's a first.
I can thoroughly recommend a ride round the Elan Valley dams and also one up over the mountain road to Aberystwyth..allegedly very scenic, but I was up in the clouds when I went that way.
I've never seen so many pubs in such a small area as are in Rhayader and it can get a bit boisterous in the evenings....setting off on the Sunday morning I had to get off to carry my bike because there was so much smashed glass in the road !
Don't let that put you off though, I enjoyed my short stay so much I'm going back in a month or two's time.

Thanks for the info,much appreciated.It sounds ideal apart from the rowdiness in the evenings.How far would you say the mountain road to Aberystwyth is? Also any other locations that you could reccomend?

 

[rich p]

A few of us from the forum did this ride in October which went through Rhyader
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1581799
thread here FWIW
Great roads to cycle on.

 

[john59]

We've cycled around Llanidloes in 2011, 24 miles from Rhayader.
Here's a link, http://www.llanidloes.com/cycle_llanidloes/cycle1.html

John

 

[Alan Frame]

Thanks for the info,much appreciated.It sounds ideal apart from the rowdiness in the evenings.How far would you say the mountain road to Aberystwyth is? Also any other locations that you could reccomend?

It's probably about 35-40 miles to Aberystwyth itself, but you don't need to go that far unless you want to.
The mountain road itself is beautiful and was very sparcely trafficked when I went, apart from a few motorcyclists who all gave me the thumbs up as I trundled along with my overloaded trailer.
It's superb around Cwmystwyth and Devils Bridge on that route and I spent ages just watching the red kite wheel above.
The roads seemed quiet compared to what I'm used to and without exception the drivers very patient. Maybe it's because they're all relaxed by being in such a beautiful area ?
I'm sure you'll love the area. Happy honeymoon, btw.

 

[Chris-H]

Wow some stunning scenery and great pics,thanks John.I now have a very happy mrs I'm going to buy a map of the area but what area is it i'll need? Would a road map of Mid Wales do the job.I know i sound rather dim and thats because i am.We have never done this before so need to find out what maps etc we will need.

 

[Chris-H]

It's probably about 35-40 miles to Aberystwyth itself, but you don't need to go that far unless you want to.
The mountain road itself is beautiful and was very sparcely trafficked when I went, apart from a few motorcyclists who all gave me the thumbs up as I trundled along with my overloaded trailer.
It's superb around Cwmystwyth and Devils Bridge on that route and I spent ages just watching the red kite wheel above.
The roads seemed quiet compared to what I'm used to and without exception the drivers very patient. Maybe it's because they're all relaxed by being in such a beautiful area ?
I'm sure you'll love the area. Happy honeymoon, btw.

Sounds stunning.Ithink these replies have set our minds at ease that we have chosen a suitable location

 

[john59]

For road use, especially the minor roads I’d use OS 1:50k series maps. Or if you have a Garmin you could upload the routes to that. Enjoy your honeymoon!


John

 

[Alan Frame]

Sounds stunning.Ithink these replies have set our minds at ease that we have chosen a suitable location

You won't be disappointed.

But what on Earth are you venturing outdoors for on your honeymoon ?

 

[bikepacker]

The Welsh Cycling Festival has been held there a few times. It is lovely cycling country. A really nice ride is to take the old drovers road to Aberystwyth and at the top do a left and cycle down through the reservoirs.

 

[john59]

Another nice ride which we've done, http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/wales/easy-rides-in-wales/elan-valley-trail-rhayader

John

 

[coffeejo]

Definitely recommend an OS Map - I grew up in rural Wales and while they're much better at signposting the main roads, they don't tend to bother with the minor roads.

For Rhayader, you'll need map #147 in the Landranger series (1:50,000). Aber is #135.

 

[Banjo]

Rhayader is a perfect base for cycling. Can recommend the Elan Valley and Nant Y Moch resevoir area for some great scenery.Clive Powells bike shop in Rhayader has a good name if you need anything.

Elan Valley