Elan Valley Mountain Bike Trails

Experience the thrill of Elan Valley's mountain bike trails and take your biking skills to new heights.

Elan Valley is situated in the county of Powys in mid-Wales and has earned a solid reputation for natural mountain bike trails, echoed by Red Bull's vote placing Elan in Wales' Top 10 for mountain bike trails.

Set amongst a spectacular backdrop of Victorian dams and reservoirs, open hills, old railways and woodlands, the scenery is as much a reward as the sweeping valley descents.

Choose from beginner routes through to more technical, longer rides, you're all welcome at Elan. Our hassle-free bike hire service from the Visitor Centre will get you on two wheels in no time.

Cycling and mountain biking trails at Elan Valley

• The Ant Hills: 1 - 1.5 hours/ 9 km (Blue)
• Around Caban: 1 hour/ 15 km (Red)
• Roman Camp: 3-4 hours/ 32 km (Red)
• Nannerth Loop: 3 hours/ 29 km (Red)
• Golf Links: 1 hour/ 13 km (Red)
• Wye Valley Loop: 2 hours/ 19 km (Red)
• Black Cottage: 3-4 hours/ 30 km (Black)
• Elan Epic: 7 hours/ 60 km (Black)

Ant Hills Mountain Bike Trail

1 - 1.5 hours/ 9 km (Blue)

Starting from Rhayader, this easy circular trail of 9km rolls through scenic Mid Wales lanes and has a downhill finish.

Around Caban Mountain Bike Trail

1 hour/ 15 km (Red)

A short (15km), moderate route that takes you around Caban Coch reservoir which should take about an hour to complete.

Roman Camp Mountain Bike Trail

3-4 hours/ 32 km (Red)

This moderate 32km route takes three to four hours to complete and includes the ancient site of its title as well as open hills and four reservoirs.

Nannerth Loop Mountain Bike Trail

3 hours/ 29 km (Red)

A moderate 29km route that leads you through parts of the Wye valley in addition to the Elan valley. Starts in Rhayader.

Golf Links Mountain Bike Trail

1 hour/ 13 km (Red)

A popular hour-long trail of moderate difficulty that includes a lengthy descent which sweeps down Rhayader’s old nine hole golf course.

Wye Valley Loop Mountain Bike Trail

2 hours/ 19 km (Red)

Starting from Rhayader, this moderate route takes in open hills, dappled woodland and working farmland.

Black Cottage Mountain Bike Trail

3-4 hours/ 30 km (Black)

Start out from Cwmdauddwr Car Park down the Elan Valley Trail. A gentle start but don’t be fooled – this is a complex route. The sunken Claerwen Valley road is a challenge as are many of the downhills. Journeying through woodland and open hills past dams and reservoirs, you’ll be treated to some glorious views.

Elan Epic Mountain Bike Trail

7 hours/ 60 km (Black)

Starting from Rhayader, this difficult route takes in everything that the Elan Valley has to offer for mountain-bikers. The trail requires a good level of fitness and off-road experience as you take in the rapid descents and rocky sections. Some stretches are very technical with loose stones, slabs and drops.