Getting on two wheels and heading off into the distance is the perfect way to escape and abandon the pressures of life. When it comes to cycling in the area we have something to offer everyone who can ride a bike.
Most people choose simple, circular rides that will take anything from a few hours to a full day to complete. This is perhaps the most enjoyable way to enjoy the area; a morning’s riding amongst the wonderful scenery, followed by a lingering lunch; or even a full day in the hills before retiring to one of our hospitable pubs or restaurants for a pleasant evening.
You could also use the Heart of Wales railway line to extend your range both sides of the border. The possibilities are endless but there are a few suggestions to set you on your way.
“Abandon the pressures of life!”
For Leisure cyclists, Visit Wales has identified Knighton as a Cycle Break Centre. Cycle Break Centres are selected because they give holidaymakers access to some of the loveliest day cycling in Wales while staying in welcoming holiday areas. Packs are available from Offa’s Dyke Centre featuring easy-to-follow maps and written route instructions. Circular rides range from 9 to 33 miles (15 to 55km) in length.
On the English side of the border it’s great to get out and about on a bike in Shropshire. Discover hundreds of miles of National Cycle Network routes along quiet lanes, explore traffic free trails along old railways and waterways and follow the cycle rides from historic towns.
For those interested in cycle touring, Knighton offers the Radnor Ring Cycle Route. It goes through the centre of Knighton, around 84 miles of quiet country lanes, crossing some of mid Wales’ most spectacular scenery, and brings you back to Knighton. There are exciting off road alternatives for those with mountain bike skills. The route is fully signed as Regional Route 25 and links with National Cycle Route 8 – Lôn Las Cymru – the long distance route across Wales.
The Trans-Cambrian Way
The Trans Cambrian Way is a long distance mountain bike route that snakes its way through the heart of mid Wales, and climbs over the oldest mountain range in Europe, the Cambrian Mountains.
It’s 106 Miles in length (approx 175km) and takes in around 13,000ft of climbing, Starting in Knighton on the border of England and Wales, it finishes at Dyfi Junction just south of Machynlleth.
Follow the Trans Cambrian Way to the Elan Valley.
“Visit Wales has identified Knighton as a Cycle Break Centre.”
There are also good opportunities for mountain biking in Kinsley Wood on the eastern edge of Knighton and on local bridleways.
More extensive off road cycling facilities are to be found nearby at Hopton Wood, 9 miles (15km) from Knighton. You can travel from Knighton, along with your bike to Hopton Heath station on the Heart of Wales railway line. Hopton Wood lies amid the glorious scenery of South Shropshire Hills and offers 19 miles (32km) of forest roads, tracks and single tracks covering 350 hectares of woodland. There are colour coded routes for both leisure and thrill seeking off road cyclists and mountain bikers. There are also exciting off road opportunities at Radnor Forest where there are two main trails: the 5-mile (8km), “Easy” grade Rhiw Pool Trail and the 10-mile (16km) “Moderate to Strenuous” Black Mixen Trail.
Our nearest hire facility –Wheely Wonderful Cycling– is 12miles away (20km) so you may want to bring your own cycle. However, the cycle hire company will deliver bikes to Knighton accommodations providers for an extra fee of around £21. Please contact them for more information on 01568 770755
If you’ve had enough of cycling but can’t get enough of bikes then take the train to LLandrindod Wells and visit the National Cycle Museum.
