The best road cycling routes around the the River Severn

Embark on a moderate 19.4-mile (31.1 km) racebike loop around Llyn Clywedog, starting from Llanidloes. This route guides you through the scenic Upper Severn Valley and Hafren Forest, offering a rewarding experience. You will encounter diverse landscapes, from rolling Welsh hills to dense pine forests, with the impressive Llyn Clywedog Reservoir and Dam serving as a prominent visual anchor throughout your ride. Expect to gain 1609 feet (490 metres) in elevation, completing the journey in approximately 1 hour and 49 minutes at a steady pace.

The route primarily follows paved surfaces, including quiet roads and access roads, ensuring a smooth racebike experience. While this specific loop is mostly paved, it is worth noting that other cycling routes around Llyn Clywedog might include unpaved sections, so always check your specific tour details. You can conveniently begin your ride from Llanidloes, where parking is readily available, making it an accessible option for a day out. This setup allows for a straightforward start and finish to your cycling adventure.

Beyond the scenic beauty, this loop offers a unique glimpse into the area's industrial past. Keep an eye out for historical points of interest along the way, such as the deserted Bryntail lead mine, which adds a fascinating cultural layer to your ride. The quiet roads surrounding the reservoir enhance the feeling of being truly immersed in nature, providing a peaceful escape from busier areas. This route is an excellent way to explore both the natural splendor and the historical richness of this Welsh region.

This difficult 54.1-mile road cycling loop from Shrewsbury takes you through the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve to historic Powis Cast

Cycle an easy 13.3-mile loop from Ironbridge to Much Wenlock, exploring the historic Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

This moderate 55.1-mile road cycling loop from Gloucester takes you through the Cotswolds, featuring charming villages and panoramic views.

Embark on the Llandiloes to Rhayader loop for a moderate racebike journey across Mid Wales. This route covers 34.3 miles (55.1 km) with an elevation gain of 2822 feet (860 metres), typically completed in about 3 hours and 8 minutes. You will ride through rolling terrain and vast sheep farming country, enjoying wide-open views. The trail leads you past old woodlands and offers glimpses of the Llandinam wind farm from the area around Llidiartywaun school. You will also encounter views of man-made reservoirs and steep, tree-covered hills, which define this part of Wales.

For practical planning, both Llanidloes and Rhayader serve as excellent starting points for this loop. You can find parking facilities in either town to begin your ride. The route primarily uses quiet country lanes, ensuring a peaceful cycling experience with minimal traffic. This makes it ideal for those seeking a tranquil day out on their racebike, away from busier roads. Consider starting early to make the most of the quiet roads and the natural light.

This loop is notable for showcasing the distinct character of Mid Wales, often referred to as the "Welsh Lake District" due to its numerous reservoirs and hilly landscapes. The journey through sheep farming country highlights the region's agricultural heritage, while the old woodlands add to the natural diversity. It offers a comprehensive tour of the area's natural beauty and provides a good sense of the local environment and its unique features.

A difficult 56.1-mile road cycling loop from Stourport on Severn, featuring 3186 feet of elevation gain and scenic Worcestershire views.

Embark on a moderate road cycling adventure with the Montgomery Castle loop from Newton. This route covers 43.3 miles (69.7 km) and features 2885 feet (879 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 3 hours and 22 minutes to complete. You will experience rolling hills and picturesque views of the Mid Wales Marches, with hardwood forests and open fields. A highlight is seeing the Montgomery Castle Ruins, perched on a steep crag and offering extensive views over the English-Welsh border.

When planning your ride, expect mostly well-paved surfaces suitable for racebikes. The lanes along the route are generally free of heavy traffic, providing a peaceful cycling experience. While the Montgomery Castle Ruins are free to enter, you might need to walk your bike for a short distance to reach them from the road.

This loop offers a blend of historical routes and varied landscapes, making it notable in the region. Montgomery Castle, a masonry castle built in 1223 by Henry III, played a significant role in the English Civil War before its partial demolition. The route also incorporates sections of National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 81, and on clear days, you might even catch views as far as Cader Idris.