5.0
(4)
34
riders
8
rides
Mountain biking around Banwy offers diverse terrain within the picturesque landscapes of northwest Montgomeryshire, Powys, Wales. The region is characterized by its river valleys, such as the River Banwy, and proximity to significant natural attractions like Lake Vyrnwy and Dyfnant Forest. Riders can expect varied routes, often featuring unpaved segments and notable elevation changes, providing an adventurous experience. The area's geography includes rolling hills and forested areas, making it suitable for different mountain biking styles.
Last updated: May 14, 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.
4
riders
43.7km
02:46
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. 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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Artisans Craft and Coffee shop provides food and drink including hot toasted baguettes, homemade cakes and scones and Kelly's Ice Cream. There is also a bike hire service here if you want to take on the 12 miles (20 km) of scenic road around the lake.
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This scenic well-surfaced track is a pleasant alternative to the road. It cuts through Dynant Forest.
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The Banwy region offers a selection of 11 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels. These routes traverse picturesque landscapes, including river valleys and dense forests like Dyfnant Forest.
Yes, there is at least one easy mountain bike trail in the Banwy area. While many routes feature unpaved segments and elevation changes, options exist for those seeking a less challenging ride. For a moderate option that is often suitable for families, consider the Giants of Vyrnwy – Lake Vyrnwy Dam loop from Lake Vyrnwy, which leads through the scenic Lake Vyrnwy area.
Mountain biking in the Banwy Valley and surrounding areas features diverse terrain. You can expect a mix of unpaved segments, forest paths, and rolling hills. Routes often include significant elevation changes, providing an adventurous experience through river valleys and forested areas like Dyfnant Forest.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Banwy offers difficult trails with substantial ascents and descents. The Idris Stores loop from Aberangell is a challenging 24.9-mile path with considerable elevation changes and expansive views, requiring very good fitness.
Many mountain bike trails in Banwy offer stunning natural scenery. You'll often ride through the scenic River Banwy Valley and dense woodlands like Dyfnant Forest. A prominent natural feature is Lake Vyrnwy, which several routes explore. You might also encounter dramatic mountain scenery as some routes extend towards Eryri / Snowdonia National Park. For specific viewpoints and mountain passes, consider exploring highlights such as Bwlch y Groes or the Hirnant Pass Climb from Rhiwargor.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Banwy are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Mynydd y Cemmaes Dovey Valley loop and the Coed Fachwen loop from Penyffordd Car Park, both designed to bring you back to your starting location.
The Banwy region offers mountain biking opportunities throughout much of the year. However, spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be excellent, but trails might be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, especially on unpaved forest paths.
Yes, Dyfnant Forest is a key area for mountain biking in Banwy. Trails here often feature forest paths, some unpaved, with varying elevation changes. The Dyfnant Forest loop from Llangadfan is a moderate 30.1-kilometer route that showcases the forest's characteristics, offering a good mix of terrain and scenery.
The mountain biking experience in Banwy is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 8 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the picturesque landscapes of the river valleys and forests, and the adventurous nature of the routes, which often include significant elevation gains.
While general access to public rights of way is permitted, specific rules or permits might apply to certain managed forest areas or private lands. For areas like Dyfnant Forest, it's always advisable to check with the local forestry commission or land management authorities for any specific regulations regarding trail usage, especially for designated mountain bike trails or 'Rainbow Trails' if they are present, to ensure compliance and responsible riding.
Many public rights of way in the Banwy region are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock. When riding through forests or nature reserves, always check for specific signage regarding dogs. It's best to keep dogs on a lead to protect wildlife and ensure their safety on shared trails.
Many mountain bike routes in Banwy, especially those starting from villages or popular natural attractions like Lake Vyrnwy, typically have designated parking areas nearby. For example, the Coed Fachwen loop explicitly mentions starting from Penyffordd Car Park, indicating convenient access for riders arriving by car.


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