Buy the OS Route Map and instructions for this route

Mid Wales has been at the heart of the British mtb’ing scene from the word go. Hardly surprising really, considering the expansive network of good, rideable trails, and the very remote nature of the wonderfully rolling terrain. Of the numerous hubs that evolved, the Elan Valley is the best known, and almost any loop in the hills above the lakes could be considered a classic.
This one gets the nod though: firstly for the fast-flowing tracks that sneak craftily around the broad, grassy hilltops, offering top-notch fun with no real complications; and secondly, for the incredibly steep, narrow and technical descent that plunges from Y Glog Fawr down to the shores of the Carreg-ddu Reservoir — clean this one and you really can call yourself an expert.
Other highlights include a fast, grassy drop down from Esgair Penygarreg, sweeping singletrack that hurdles the boggy ridge of Esgair Perfedd towards the end, and a helter-skelter drop from Penrhiw-wen at the end. The scenery is magical — it’s little wonder that this region has been dubbed the Lake District of Wales — and there are plenty of other trails if you fancy making a weekend of it.