Plas Dolau is fortunate to be located within cycling distance of fantastic mountain biking country. With the centres at Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian and Machynlleth accessible by bike and the numerous trails and bridleways across the Cambrian Mountains and the Elan Valley close by, we provide an excellent base for exploration. We have secure bike storage and bike washing facilities on site and are very happy to provide help to locate spares and assistance if needed.
Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian
Set in the wild scenery of the Cambrian mountains, with three trails containing a mixture of technical riding and remote moorland trails Nant-y-Arian offers a unique riding experience. The official trails start within 7 miles of us, and can be reached by a combination of quiet country lanes and bridal ways, with the possibility of working out circular routes between us and Nant-yr-Arian.
Machynlleth
Machynleth is 17 miles from Plas Dolau (accessible by train if you don’t fancy the ride) and offers two styles of ride, either out into the hills xc with a map, on the Mach 1,2 and 3 trails or the purpose built cli-machx. Assuming you are a confident navigator it is possible to link through from the Mach 3 trail to the Nant-yr-Arian trails providing a stunning 50 mile circular ride through the mountains and back to Plas Dolau.
Ystwyth and Rheidol Trails
For a gentler riding experience there are both the Rheidol and Ystwyth trails.
The Rhedol trail
This trail follows the rhedol valley from the sea Abersytwyth to either Devil’s Bridge or Cwm Rhedol Mines. It follows quiet country roads with some purpose built cycle path near Abersytwyth. It can be picked up at Glan-yr-afon from Plas Dolau and provides a good opportunity for a quiet afternoons cycling with the Tynlliat Arms, The Butterfly centre and the Rhedol hydroelectric power station (visitor centre and dam) on route.
The Ystwyth Trail
This follows the route of the old Aberystwyth to Camarthen railay line along the ystwyth valley, it is a semi off road trail and is more or less traffic free to just beyond Trawscoed. It can be accessed from Plas Dolau by following the Rhedol trail to just outside Aberystwyth and then switching to the start of the Ystwyth Trail at Tan-y-bwlch. Following the trail to Tawscoed provides an easy 20 mile round trip.
