The best traffic-free bike rides around Dyfnant Forest
4.9
(45)
633
riders
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No traffic touring cycling routes around Dyfnant Forest traverse a varied landscape of upland forest, rolling hills, and river valleys in northeastern-central Powys, Wales. The region is characterized by extensive coniferous woodlands interspersed with native deciduous trees and open grasslands. Situated on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains, the terrain features significant elevation changes, with routes offering views of the Banw and Vyrnwy valleys. Water features like the Afon Twrch and Afon Efyrnwy (River Vyrnwy) are prominent, with some trails…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
4
riders
24.6km
02:17
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
16.1km
01:20
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
24.5km
02:24
660m
660m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
33.6km
03:17
880m
880m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
27.2km
01:56
510m
510m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Dyfnant Forest
Tips from the Community
The hills of the great Dyfnant Forest were once rode by Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr, who led the rebellion against English rule in Wales during the 15th century. Today, the woodland is still enjoyed by those on horseback, as well as hikers on the Glyndŵr’s Way long-distance trail. The coniferous woodland here is part of the National Forest for Wales project.
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Gorgeous area. Be aware the road/trail on the south side (including access to/from Llanymawddwy) are currently closed due to damage from storm Darragh. See https://www.hdcymru.co.uk/our-visitor-sites/lake-vyrnwy/storm-darragh/ for more details.
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There is a little cafe above the main car park for a coffee and cake after the "gift shop" labelled walks. As usual, Komoot makes the walk easier than using signposts - remember to download to the phone app. Kayaking/canoeing around the lake is only possible for about half of it due to a protected bird sanctuary.
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This car park is Free and it’s at the start of all the walks in the area!
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The Straining Tower at Lake Vyrnwy is an intake tower built to extract water from the lake. The tower stands on the north shore of Lake Vyrnwy, near the village of Llanwddyn, in Powys, Wales. The Lake Vyrnwy dam project was designed to provide a water supply to the city of Liverpool and work on the dam began in 1881. On its completion 11 years later, the lake was the largest reservoir in Europe and water was drawn from it into the straining tower and carried to Liverpool on a 110km-long aqueduct. The engineers for the project were Thomas Hawksley and George Frederick Deacon, although the straining tower was entirely Deacon's design. The tower is constructed in a Gothic Revival style, purportedly based on the tower of the castle at Chillon, Switzerland. It draws heavily on the contemporaneous work of William Burges, whose Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch are clear influences. The straining tower is a Grade I listed building
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Artisans Craft and Coffee shop provides food and drink including hot toasted baguettes, homemade cakes and scones and Kelly's Ice Cream. There is also a bike hire service here if you want to take on the 12 miles (20 km) of scenic road around the lake.
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This scenic well-surfaced track is a pleasant alternative to the road. It cuts through Dynant Forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Dyfnant Forest?
There are currently 4 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes detailed in this guide for Dyfnant Forest. These routes offer a range of challenges, from moderate to difficult, ensuring a rewarding experience for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no traffic touring cycling routes in Dyfnant Forest?
Dyfnant Forest offers a varied landscape with routes that include both paved and unpaved surfaces. You'll encounter rolling hills and lush valleys, with some routes requiring very good fitness due to significant elevation gains. The forest environment is characterized by coniferous trees interspersed with native deciduous trees, providing a scenic backdrop.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes in Dyfnant Forest?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Dyfnant Forest – Glyndwr's Way loop from Penyffordd Car Park offers a challenging 29 km ride, while the Glyndwr's Way loop from Hendre Car Park is a moderate 16 km option.
What are the best times of year to go touring cycling in Dyfnant Forest?
The spring, summer, and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Dyfnant Forest. During these seasons, the weather is typically milder, and the forest scenery is at its most vibrant. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy conditions on some trails.
What attractions or natural features can I see along the no traffic touring cycling routes?
Many routes offer stunning views of the Banw and Vyrnwy valleys, and distant vistas of the Arran and Berwyn mountains. The forest itself is a key attraction, with diverse woodlands and open areas like Dyfnant Meadows. You'll also find routes near the Afon Twrch and Afon Efyrnwy (River Vyrnwy), with some trails, like those in Pont Llogel Wood, running alongside the river.
Is there parking available for touring cyclists in Dyfnant Forest?
Yes, Dyfnant Forest has purpose-built car parks to accommodate trail users. Penyffordd Car Park, for instance, is well-equipped and provides ample parking, making it a convenient starting point for many routes.
Are there any routes that pass by Lake Vyrnwy?
Yes, Dyfnant Forest is in close proximity to Lake Vyrnwy. The Lake Vyrnwy and Dam – Lake Vyrnwy Dam loop from Abertridwr is a challenging 24 km route that allows you to experience the impressive 33-arched dam and scenic views of the lake.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Dyfnant Forest?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from 44 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the stunning natural beauty of the forest and surrounding valleys, and the sense of escape offered by this remote region.
Are there any long-distance trails that intersect with the no traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, the Glyndŵr's Way National Trail, a significant long-distance path, passes through Dyfnant Forest. Some of the touring cycling routes, such as the Dyfnant Forest – Glyndwr's Way loop from Penyffordd Car Park, incorporate sections of this historic trail.
What is the difficulty level of the no traffic touring cycling routes in Dyfnant Forest?
The routes in this guide range from moderate to difficult. There is one moderate route, the Glyndwr's Way loop from Hendre Car Park, which is 16 km long. The remaining three routes are classified as difficult, offering longer distances and more significant elevation gains, suitable for experienced riders.
Most popular routes around Dyfnant Forest
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