Discover the rolling green landscapes of the old county of Radnor on this 3-day ride through Mid Wales. The Radnor Ring tour begins in the friendly town of Rhayader, then traces a loop through Newbridge, Llandrindod Wells, Presteigne and Knighton. Sticking to small roads and tracks, the route offers tranquil cycling - often there's nothing but a Red Kite wheeling overhead to disturb you. There are plenty of opportunities for diversions – from 13th century churches to a Red Kite feeding site, a spa treatment centre and excellent pubs! Though daily distances are fairly low, this route is hilly so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. The Radnor Ring includes some optional off-road sections – ideal if you fancy mixing mix tarmac with some cross-country mountain biking.
Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Rhayader Day 2: Rhayader to Gladestry, 34 miles (54 km) Heading south from Rhayader, the route follows the River Elan to its confluence with River Wye, then meanders on down the valley to Newbridge-on-Wye. This ancient settlement was a crossing place and the site of a weekly market since the year 1292. Here you leave the Wye and head north-east to Llandrindod Wells, a Victorian Spa town and now home to The National Cycle Collection. Also worth of a visit is the Heritage Exhibition on the Llandrindod Spa. If your limbs are already aching, you can even try the therapies available at the Complementary Health Centre next door. The route now climbs, following small lanes and passing the inaccurately named “Shaky Bridge” which you can cross for a diversion to ruined Cefnllys Castle and a 13th century church. Soon after the hamlet of Hundred House, come another two climbs before the route descends to Gladestry where you will spend the night. Day 3: Gladestry to Knighton, 20 miles (32 km) An easier day as the route heads into England, following the River Arrow to Kington, with the bulk of Hergest Ridge to the north. Hergest Croft Gardens are worthy of a short detour here. A fairly level ride along a minor road brings you to Presteigne, then it's due north along the border, with a climb to tackle before you dip back down into Wales at Knighton. Known in Welsh as Tref-y-Clawdd, the “town on the dyke” is the starting point for Glyndwr's Way and the mid-way point on Offa's Dyke Path. An Iron Age hillfort overlooks the town, which nestles with its black-and-white timbered houses in the picturesque Teme Valley. Day 4: Knighton to Rhayader, 30 miles (48 km) The Heart of Wales railway accompanies you for the first ten miles today, as you ride west from Knighton passing the impressive viaduct at Knucklas. Built in 1863, it has 13 graceful arches and stands 69 feet above the valley floor. The ruins of “The Abbey of the Long Valley” at Abbey-cwm-Hir are not to be missed. The little village is today a quiet and prettily unassuming place, but the Cistercian monastery which stood here in the 13th century at the time rivalled the greatest religious architecture in Britain. A couple of steep climbs are encountered on the final five miles to journey's end at Rhayader, back in the Elan Valley. Tour summary Duration: 3 days biking Distance: 84 miles (135 km) Grading: Moderate Notes: The price is 260 Pound Sterling (GBP) per person based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room. Contact operator for sole traveller/single occupancy rates.
Also see tour packages in: Europe Wales Outdoor: Land Rambler Bicycle Touring Wildlife Viewing Email it to a friend: Click here to email this vacation to a friend |
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