Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) Mountain Bike

You will be mountain biking for between five and seven hours each day, but this is not a race! This is a group trip and we like to ride as such. The Traws Eryri is a demanding off-road route with significant climbing every day, technical descents and some remote, exposed sections where pushing your bike may be required. You must be an experienced and confident mountain biker who is comfortable riding varied terrain for sustained periods. The pace will be determined by your Cycle Leader. If you are unable to keep to a moderate pace, you will be asked to travel in the support vehicle.

You must prepare before coming on the trip — anything cardiovascular will help, as will plenty of time in the saddle on varied terrain. You will need to be comfortable riding for five or more hours at a time over hilly, technical ground. We can provide you with a training plan if required — please contact us at info@moreadventure.co.uk.

A link to our trip grades that explains in depth our star rating is here: www.moreadventure.co.uk/cycling-grades

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Machynlleth

Welcome to Machynlleth — once the ancient capital of Wales and the gateway to Eryri National Park. This evening you’ll check in to your hotel, meet your guide and fellow riders over a group dinner, and get properly briefed on the four days of incredible mountain biking ahead. It’s the perfect opportunity to go over the route, check your kit, sort out any last-minute questions and get excited — because tomorrow the real adventure begins. Get an early night; you’ll be glad you did.

 

Day 2: Machynlleth to Dolgellau

35 miles / 56km | 1,400m / 4,600ft ascent

From Machynlleth’s famous clock tower you head north through Dyfi Forest and up onto the ancient mountain pass of Ffordd Ddu, where the effort of the climb is rewarded with a staggering panorama over the golden Mawddach Estuary, Cadair Idris and the peaks of northern Eryri stretched out before you. The first day sets the tone immediately — this is rugged, remote, demanding mountain biking at its very best. After a thrilling descent through the Arthog and Mawddach Trail, you roll into the charming market town of Dolgellau, tired, exhilarated and already looking forward to tomorrow. Be under no illusions though — the climbing today is serious, and the technical descents require your full focus throughout.

 

Day 3: Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd

27 miles / 43km | 1,100m / 3,600ft ascent

The shortest day on the route but every bit as spectacular. You leave Dolgellau and head north through Coed y Brenin, the spiritual home of mountain biking in the UK, before climbing into raw, open slate country where the landscape feels ancient and utterly wild. The day’s standout moment comes as you crest a ridge and the vast expanse of Llyn Trawsfynydd reservoir appears below — a moody, shimmering lake watched over by the hulking silhouette of Wales’ decommissioned nuclear power station on the far shore. It’s one of the most surreal and memorable sights on the entire route. Descend to your overnight stop in Trawsfynydd feeling like you’ve genuinely earned the evening ahead.

 

Day 4: Trawsfynydd to Betws-y-Coed

42 miles / 68km | 1,200m / 3,900ft ascent

The big one. Today is the longest and most demanding day of the trip, and also the most varied and rewarding. The route climbs past the Roman remains of Castell Tomen y Mur, pushes through remote and exhilarating terrain to the legendary singletrack trails of Penmachno, then dips into the beautiful Lledr Valley before one final climb into the enchanting Gwydir Forest. By the time Betws-y-Coed appears in the valley below you’ll have ridden through landscapes that feel genuinely untouched and earned every single metre of descent. Betws-y-Coed is a brilliant overnight stop — full of great pubs and restaurants — and a wonderful place to reflect on what has been a truly epic day in the mountains.

 

Day 5: Betws-y-Coed to Conwy — trip ends

34 miles / 55km | 950m / 3,100ft ascent

The final day begins with coffee in Betws-y-Coed and the knowledge that Conwy is within reach — but Eryri has one last surprise in store. Leaving town you head into Gwydir Forest for flowing descents and short punchy climbs before the landscape opens up and the Irish Sea appears on the horizon for the first time. Between you and the finish stands Conwy Mountain — one last breathtaking climb — but the reward is extraordinary: sweeping views over the Menai Strait and Anglesey, followed by a glorious final descent into the medieval walled town of Conwy. Ride to the quayside, touch the water, take the photo. You’ve crossed Eryri. Congratulations!

Single room supplement is £200 and you can add this upon booking.

Map

Includes

• Professional cycle leader/guide
• Support driver & bicycle mechanic
• Support vehicle throughout
• 4 x nights hotel accommodation (min 3*) throughout*
• 4 x breakfasts
• All luggage transported during your trip
• GPX files of the route (if requested)
• Joining instructions and kit lists
• Risk assessments and event insurance

*Based upon twin sharing. A single room supplement is £200 and you can add this upon booking.

Not Included

• Bicycle and helmet
• Evening meals, drinks and personal snacks
• Getting to/from start/finish locations*
• Personal travel insurance

*We may be able to help with getting bicycles to/from the start/finish locations — please get in touch for further information.

FAQs

What level of mountain biker do I need to be?

This is a challenging route and is best suited to experienced, confident mountain bikers who are comfortable riding varied, technical terrain for five or more hours a day. You don't need to be a downhill specialist, but you will encounter steep climbs, rocky descents and some exposed, remote sections where a push may be required. If you're unsure whether this trip is right for you, drop us a message and we'll be happy to advise.

What kind of bike do I need?

A hardtail mountain bike is strongly recommended. It is possible to ride the route on a gravel bike but some of the terrain includes rocky, technical sections and steep descents where wider tyres, lower gearing and suspension are beneficial. Please get in touch if you're unsure whether your current bike is appropriate for this route.

How much climbing is there?

A lot! The total elevation gain across the four riding days is approximately 4,400 metres (14,400 feet) — the equivalent of climbing Snowdon from sea level more than four times. Each day has significant ascent, and the climbs can be steep and demanding. Good preparation is essential.

Is this a supported trip?

es, fully. A support vehicle and experienced guide will be with you throughout. All your luggage is transported between hotels each day so you only need to carry a small daysack while riding. The support vehicle will meet you at regular points and can assist with mechanical issues, extra layers and snacks.

What if I can't keep up with the group?

This is a group trip and your guide will set a pace that works for everyone. If you are unable to maintain a moderate pace, you may be asked to travel in the support vehicle for part of the day. The best thing you can do is arrive well-prepared — we can provide a training plan on request.

Can you help with getting my bike to the start?

Possibly yes! We can help with getting bicycles to and from the start and finish locations. Please get in touch before booking for further details and pricing.

What's the weather likely to be like?

Eryri is famous for its changeable weather — the locals say you can experience all four seasons in a single day, and they mean it. Even in summer, rain, wind and cold temperatures are all possible, particularly on higher ground. Please come prepared for all conditions. Detailed kit recommendations will be issued upon booking.

How do I get to Machynlleth?

Machynlleth has its own train station and is served by the scenic Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury. By car it is approximately 3 hours from London, 2 hours from Birmingham and 1.5 hours from Cardiff. Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports are both approximately 2.5 hours away.