Elan Valley loop

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.