Traws Eryri Mountain Biking

Accommodation

• 5 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation

Twin rooms

Solo explorers will be matched up with a likeminded traveller of the same gender to share with as the rooms in Betws-Y-Coed will be on a twin basis.

Single room supplement

If you would prefer your own room this can usually be accommodated, though an extra charge would apply.

Bike set-up

Let an experienced mechanic set up your bike for the week ahead.

Bike hire

Hard tail mountain bikes are available to hire – if you don’t want to bring your own bike, there are Nukeproof Scouts or similar available to hire.

Who is it for?

Are active mountain bikers, keen to undertake an epic multi-day mountain biking journey along the Traws Eryri MTB route. Expect to be in the saddle for around 6 hours each day. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Machynlleth

  Arrive at your accommodation in Machynlleth between 16:00 and 17:00 for check-in.

  This evening you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner. Get to know your guide and fellow mountain bikers over a meal, a pint and a route map.

  If you require transfers from the train station, airport or ferry port, please contact us to make arrangements prior to travelling.

• Day 2 - Machynlleth to Dolgellau (61km / 1200m)

  After a hearty breakfast and a bike/kit check, it’s time to hit the trails for your first day of exploring the off-road Traws Eryri MTB route (also known as the Trans Snowdonia cycle route).

  Your adventure begins!

  Today’s 61 km journey kicks off at the iconic clock tower of Machynlleth. From here, you’ll head north out of town along the Traws Eryri trail, following the cycle path next to the Dyfi River. Singletrack roads take you on a scenic roller coaster ride north up the valley with the steep slopes of Dyfi Forest on one side and the fast-flowing Dulas River on the other.

  From Cadair Idris to Dolgellau 

  After a well-deserved lunch break, the Traws Eryri trail continues to impress with stunning scenery. You’ll pass the striking Craig Yr Aderyn (Bird’s Rock) while cycling beneath the towering Cadair Idris, one of the highest mountains in southern Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. As you ride the Traws Eryri MTB route from Cadair Idris, take in the panoramic views of your journey so far as you pass the Mawddach Estuary and Barmouth Bay, before the imposing mountains of north Snowdonia emerge into view. 

  Ride into Dolgellau where you will be reunited with your luggage that has been transferred here for you. Take the chance to enjoy a hot shower and unwind with a free evening to relax after an exhilarating day of riding along the Trans Snowdonia cycle route.

• Day 3 - Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd (41km / 915m)

  After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be rejoining the Traws Eryri cycle route right from your bunkhouse door. Today kicks off with some easy-riding wide off-road track. This relaxing start to the day will allow you to take in the beautiful views of the open salt marsh landscape. Look out for Egrets and kingfishers that thrive in this unique environment.

  Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park

  Ride into Coed-y-Brenin (Welsh for King’s Forest) Forest Park, the spiritual home of MTB in the UK. Since 1990 mountain bikers have been making the pilgrimage to Coed-y-Brenin. Home to a great range of waymarked mountain biking trails and a visitor centre cafe perfect for a lunch stop. 

  From the visitor centre, the next section is a challenging steep and rocky climb before the route takes you into open moorland with views across the wild Rhinog Mountains.

  Trawsfynedd Reservoir

  For bonus views, your guide will lead you on a lap of this mighty reservoir before joining the cycle path into Trawsfynydd where you will spend the night. Enjoy a free evening to relax.

• Day 4 - Trawsfynydd to Betws-y-Coed (51km / 1280m)

  Start your morning with a hearty breakfast and a bike/kit check before setting off for another day of riding through this epic Trans Snowdonia cycling route with your guide and fellow bikers. 

  Roman roads and forts

  Follow the expertly curated Trans Snowdonia cycle trail as you ride along some fascinating ancient tracks. A grassy climb takes you towards a Norman Castle mound and the Roman castle remains of Castell Tomen y Mur.

  Waterfalls and lakes

  Before continuing towards Penmachno, pause for a picnic lunch at the impressive viewpoint of Rhaeadr Y Cwm, a beautiful waterfall set in the hillside. Pass Llyn (lake) Elsi as you descend into Betws-y-Coed. This pretty Alpine-style village is your final destination of the day and offers a selection of small bars and eateries to relax and refuel.

• Day 5 - Betws-y-Coed to Conwy (54km / 1264m)

  Tuck into a hearty breakfast before gearing up for another glorious day of mountain bike riding along the Traws Eryri cycle route, right from the heart of Betws-y-Coed. Get ready for rocky rooty trails, dense forest and stunning views across Snowdonia National Park.

  Snowdonia Slate Trail & Ogwen Valley

  Leave the buzz of Betws-y-Coed behind as you tackle a mix of different Trans Snowdonia cycle trails. Skirt through the villages of Capel Curig and Bethesda. Pedal along the historic path and soak up stunning views of the Ogwen Valley as you pass between the mountains of Carnedd Llewelyn and Glyder Fawr.  

  We’ll be stopping en route again for lunch, so pack your sandwiches and we’ll find the perfect spot for a picnic.

  The final push to Conwy

  This afternoon the landscape changes as you head towards the North Wales coast. Grassy descending tracks make for some fast and enjoyable riding. Enjoy stunning views across the Menai Strait and over to the Isle of Anglesey. 

  The last section of the Traws Eryri cycle route takes you via the viewpoint of Sychnant Pass. Pause here to reflect on your achievement, looking back along the incredible Trans Snowdonia cycle trail you’ve ridden and the short distance ahead to your ultimate destination. Enjoy the final descent into the historic walled town of Conwy to complete this amazing journey!

  Enjoy a long hot soak to ease those aching legs before heading into town for a celebratory farewell dinner together.

• Day 6 - Depart Conwy

  Enjoy the final breakfast together with your fellow riders before packing away your kit and wheels to make your way home.

  After an epic week together, it’ll be bear hugs all round with your new biking mates.

Included

6 days, zero-hassle and all this included in this Traws Eryri MTB cycle route:

• 4 days of guided riding along the new 225km / 140-mile Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) mountain bike route 
• 5 nights of comfortable accommodation in local guesthouses and bunkhouses
• 5 breakfasts
• 2 evening meals 
• Local, professional mountain bike guide 
• Luggage transfers throughout your ride
• 1 native tree planted in our woodland

Adventure promise

Making travel better for everyone

The Adventure Promise is simple and honest. It’s the commitment that this challenge will always do right by you, local communities and the world we live in:

• Payment Instalments
• Flexible Booking
• Low Carbon
• Low Impact
• Support Local
• All Abilities
• Covid Secure

Costs

Meeting point

Betws-y-Coed
Betws-y-Coed
Clwyd
LL24
UK

Getting there

• By air

  The closest international airports are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport. It is approximately a 1 hour 40 minute taxi transfer from Liverpool John Lennon Airport or 2 hour 10 minute transfer from Manchester Airport to the tour start point in Betws-y-Coed or alternatively travel by rail to Betws-Y-Coed. It is approximately a 2 hour taxi transfer to either airport from the tour end point in Betws-y-Coed or alternatively travel by rail from Bangor.

• By rail

  The tour start point is in Betws-y-Coed which has its own station. From Wrexham Station, it is a 1 hour taxi transfer to the tour start point in Bala or alternatively travel by bus from Wrexham via Arriva X94. From the tour end point in Betws-y-Coed, there’s a train station walking distance from your hotel. Bangor Station is a 45 minute taxi transfer from Betws-y-Coed or alternatively travel by bus from Betws-y-Coed.

• By road

  The tour start point in Betws-y-Coed is located on the A470, and less than 1.5 hours from M56 and M54 motorways. The tour end point in Trearddur Bay is located less than 30 minutes from the A5, and less than 1.5 hours from the M56 and less than 3 hours from the M54 motorways.

Caring for the world as you do

This adventure supports local, independent businesses. Local guides are always used – people who will give you a more authentic experience and share the hidden secrets only local adventurers can bring. And because this is their home, they have a truly active interest in caring for their environment.

The carbon footprint of all trips is measured and reduced to be as low as possible. Any carbon that is yet to be mitigated is off-set through a local tree planting project. One tree exceeds what is needed to offset the emissions of your low carbon adventure holiday. 

Here is a summary of the Sustainability Policy:

Economic responsibility

• Keeping it local

  Working exclusively with local, independently-owned businesses to ensure your money goes straight into the communities that you're visiting.

• Fair pay for quality service

  Treating partners fairly for the high standards of service they deliver to you, whilst still ensuring value for money.

• Supporting local producers

  Local, independent shops, accommodation, bars and eateries are used and encouraged.

Environmental responsibility

• Low carbon travel

  Ensuring the carbon footprint of this adventure is offset by planting native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash and birch.

  Responsibility is taken for ensuring the carbon footprint of your travel is offset. By working with the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, the unavoidable carbon emissions created by travel are offset, but also new, biodiverse woodland areas within the UK are created that will benefit both the planet and the community. Planting native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash and birch, is helping to increase the available natural habitat for the UK’s native wildlife. Species such as bullfinches, beavers, the brimstone butterfly and many more are all benefitting from this.

• Avoiding single-use plastics

  Reusable aluminium bottles are provided on arrival at your accommodation and packed lunches use more sustainable wrapping such as paper bags or wax paper wrap.

• Locally sourced food

  Accommodation and catering partners have been carefully selected based on their commitment to sourcing local produce, organically produced wherever possible.

• Blue Flag Award

  Partnering with one of the first boat tour operators in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Sustainable Boat Tour Operator status.

Social responsibility

• Small group tours

  The primary concern with tourism in the UK’s wild spaces is to ensure it only has a positive impact on the local communities and culture so for this reason small group trips never exceed 15 guests.

• Live like a local

  Learning the history and culture of a region plays a big role in your travelling experience – it’s what brings a place to life.

• Read the landscape

  The historical significance of the area is brought to life by the local guides who help you understand the features of the landscape.

• Learn the language

  Keeping local languages alive is sacred, so you’re encouraged to learn simple words and phrases during your time on the adventure.

• Understanding farming culture

  Respecting the countryside code and understanding farming practices are important for visitors to the area.