The best MTB trails around St. Harmon
4.2
(101)
955
riders
33
rides
Mountain biking around St. Harmon offers diverse terrain in Mid Wales, characterized by high hills, the Afon Marteg, and the significant Elan Valley. This region features a mix of natural trails that trace reservoirs and ascend valley tops, providing varied experiences for mountain bikers. The area is also home to the River Wye, recognized for its natural beauty and wildlife. The landscape includes impressive structures like the Caban-Coch Dam and Reservoir, which are integrated into scenic routes.
Best mountain bike trails around St. Harmon
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Elan Valley loop, a 33.6 miles (54.0 km) difficult trail that takes 5 hours 0 minutes to complete. This route explores the extensive Elan Valley, known for its natural trails and reservoir views.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Rhayader and Elan Valley loop, a difficult 22.1 miles (35.5 km) path. This trail combines the town of Rhayader with the scenic landscapes of the Elan Valley, featuring significant elevation changes.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Craig Goch Dam – Caban-Coch Dam and Reservoir loop from Rhayader, a 20.3 miles (32.7 km) trail leading through the impressive reservoir system, often completed in about 2 hours 34 minutes.
- Mountain biking around St. Harmon is defined by high hills, the Afon Marteg valley, and the extensive Elan Valley reservoir system. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
- The routes in St. Harmon are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from around 90 reviews. More than 900 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore St. Harmon's varied terrain.
Last updated: November 4, 2026
4.6
(18)
231
riders
54.0km
05:01
1,330m
1,330m
The Elan Valley loop offers a challenging mountain biking experience through the stunning landscapes of Mid Wales. You'll navigate a diverse and often rugged terrain, including roads, bridleways, open moorland, and technical singletrack, with sections featuring loose rocks and ruts. The route spans 33.6 miles (54.0 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 4371 feet (1332 metres), making it a difficult ride that typically takes around 5 hours to complete. As you ride, you'll pass majestic Victorian dams and clear reservoirs like Caban-Coch and Craig Goch, set against a backdrop of open hills and woodlands.
This difficult mountain bike loop is designed for experienced riders with very good fitness and advanced riding skills. Be prepared for physically demanding sections, including steep grassy climbs and rocky tracks, where you might even need to push your bike. The varied surfaces, from fast-flowing tracks to exhilarating helter-skelter descents, require careful control and a readiness for technical challenges.
The Elan Valley stands out for its spectacular scenery, combining historic dams with the remote, wild Cambrian Mountains, often called "Wales' last wilderness." The area has a strong reputation for quality natural mountain bike trails, even recognized by Red Bull as a top destination. This extensive network provides a sense of remoteness and offers epic rides through an unspoiled landscape, making it a truly unique adventure.
3.8
(4)
69
riders
35.5km
03:30
1,020m
1,020m
Embark on a difficult mountain biking adventure through the Elan Valley, a 22.1 miles (35.5 km) loop that challenges you with 3336 feet (1017 metres) of elevation gain. This route takes you through ancient woodlands and open moorland, past iconic Victorian dams and clear reservoirs like the striking Craig Goch. Expect a remote, wild feeling, especially beautiful when the bracken turns rust-colored in autumn, offering broad valley vistas.
This challenging mountain bike ride requires very good fitness and advanced riding skills. The weather in the Cambrian Mountains can change quickly, so pack appropriate clothing and gear for varied conditions. Rhayader, known as the "outdoors capital of Wales," serves as an excellent base, providing facilities for cyclists, including bike shops, hire, and repair services.
The Rhayader and Elan Valley loop is set in the heart of Mid Wales, an area celebrated for its expansive, undeveloped nature. The landscape, often referred to as Wales' "green desert," offers a unique and wild experience. This trail stands out for its blend of natural beauty and historical engineering, making it a notable ride in the region.
5.0
(3)
42
riders
32.7km
02:34
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
4.3
(3)
32
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.5
(4)
16
riders
19.2km
01:27
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
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Tips from the Community
If your walking up this one, you'll be crawling up some of the later ones!
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Part of the Cambrian Way, this section is not for the faint hearted, the track is very rocky and full of huge pools. The only way to navigate is to get your feet wet! The river also floods the path, shoes off, and wade with the bike!! I recommend the road which is just the other side of the river.😅
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Sorted me out with fresh brake pads. Proper bike shop with almost everything you’d need.
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Basic gift shop and toilets, along with a cafe.
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0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around St. Harmon?
There are over 30 mountain bike trails available around St. Harmon, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has recorded 34 routes in total.
What is the overall difficulty level of mountain biking in St. Harmon?
The trails around St. Harmon offer a good mix of difficulties. You'll find 6 easy routes, 23 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes, catering to beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced mountain bikers alike.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in St. Harmon?
The mountain bike trails in St. Harmon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from around 90 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the stunning natural landscapes of the Elan Valley, and the well-integrated reservoir routes.
Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are 6 easy mountain bike trails around St. Harmon. For a moderate option that's still manageable, consider the Elan Valley Trail – Stone Wall Lane loop from Rhayader, which is 18.7 km long and features gentle elevation changes, making it suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in the St. Harmon area?
Many of the mountain bike routes in the St. Harmon area are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the challenging Elan Valley loop and the moderate Craig Goch Dam – Caban-Coch Dam and Reservoir loop from Rhayader.
Where can I find parking for mountain biking in St. Harmon?
While direct parking in St. Harmon for specific trailheads might be limited, the Elan Valley, which hosts many of the region's popular mountain bike routes, offers dedicated parking facilities around its visitor centers and dams. Rhayader also serves as a convenient base with parking options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails around St. Harmon?
The terrain around St. Harmon is highly varied, characteristic of Mid Wales. You can expect a mix of high hills, river valleys (like the Afon Marteg), moorland, woodland, and rocky upland rivers. The Elan Valley trails often trace reservoirs and ascend valley tops, providing diverse surfaces from gravel paths to natural singletrack.
Are there any notable natural attractions or landmarks along the mountain bike routes?
Yes, the region is rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter impressive structures like the Caban-Coch Dam and Reservoir and the Pen-y-Garreg Dam within the Elan Valley. The broader area also features significant peaks such as Pegwn Mawr Summit and Bryn y Fan Summit, offering expansive views.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in St. Harmon?
The varied terrain of St. Harmon can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes. During winter, be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, especially on natural trails, and check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any long-distance mountain bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, experienced riders will find several challenging long-distance routes. The Elan Valley loop is a difficult 54 km trail that takes around 5 hours to complete, exploring the extensive Elan Valley. Another demanding option is the Rhayader and Elan Valley loop, a 35.5 km path with significant elevation changes.
Can I access the mountain bike trails using public transport?
Due to its rural location, direct public transport to St. Harmon's cycling routes can be limited. Rhayader, a nearby town, offers more accessibility and serves as a common starting point for exploring the extensive Elan Valley biking opportunities.
Are there any specific safety considerations for mountain biking in this region?
The region features varied terrain, including high hills and potentially remote areas. Always carry appropriate gear, including navigation tools, sufficient water and food, and a first-aid kit. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Cambrian Mountains, so be prepared for all eventualities. Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
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