4.8
(109)
1,912
riders
57
rides
Touring cycling routes around Mawddwy are set within an Alpine-style landscape of steep, forested hillsides at the southern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. The region features diverse terrain, including the flat Mawddach Estuary trail, challenging mountain passes like Bwlch y Groes, and scenic routes around Lake Vyrnwy and through the Dyfi Valley. This area offers a variety of experiences for different fitness levels, characterized by forests, moorlands, and prominent peaks.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
5.0
(3)
15
riders
59.2km
03:47
740m
740m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
58.1km
04:07
1,000m
1,000m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
32
riders
48.4km
03:06
610m
610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
10
riders
52.2km
03:40
1,000m
1,000m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
8
riders
53.9km
03:23
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lake Vyrnwys straining tower! Lovely place and gives it that fairy tale vibe. One of my special places is Vyrnwy.
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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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Stayed at The Wynnstay, perfect place to prepare for starting the Traws Eryri the following day...
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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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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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Lake Vyrnwy (Welsh: Llyn Efyrnwy, pronounced [ɛˈvərnʊɨ] or Llyn Llanwddyn) is a reservoir in Powys, Wales, built in the 1880s for Liverpool Corporation Waterworks to supply Liverpool with fresh water. It flooded the head of the Vyrnwy (Welsh: Afon Efyrnwy) valley and submerged the village of Llanwddyn.
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Mawddwy offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 50 options available. These routes cater to various preferences, ranging from easy rides to challenging mountain passes.
The touring cycling routes in Mawddwy offer a diverse range of difficulties. You'll find a few easy routes, over 20 moderate options, and more than 30 difficult routes, many featuring significant elevation gain through mountainous terrain.
Yes, Mawddwy is renowned for its challenging mountain passes. For experienced cyclists, routes like the Bwlch y Groes Pass – Lake Vyrnwy and Dam loop from Dinas Mawddwy offer significant elevation gain and panoramic views. Bwlch y Groes is known as the highest road pass in Wales, providing a formidable challenge.
While many routes in Mawddwy are challenging, the region also offers easier options. The Mawddach Trail, though not directly listed in the provided routes, is a well-known, largely flat, traffic-free path along the Mawddach Estuary, suitable for all ages and abilities. Within the Komoot selection, there are a few easy touring cycling routes available.
Mawddwy's touring cycling routes traverse an Alpine-style landscape, featuring steep, forested hillsides, and the southern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. You can expect stunning views of the Mawddach Estuary, prominent mountains like Cadair Idris, and scenic stretches through forests, moorlands, and around Lake Vyrnwy.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Mawddwy are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Llanbrynmair & Machynlleth loop from Dinas Mawddwy and the Pont Minllyn – Domen Fawr loop from Y Gribin.
The touring cycling routes in Mawddwy are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning natural beauty, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs.
Yes, the region offers several natural landmarks and attractions. You might encounter sights like Llyn Cau and Llyn Cynwch, both beautiful lakes. The Lake Vyrnwy Dam is also a prominent feature on some routes, offering impressive views.
While specific route regulations vary, many trails in the Mawddwy area, particularly those on public rights of way or designated cycle paths like parts of the Mawddach Trail, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature reserves, and to check local signage for any restrictions.
The best time for touring cycling in Mawddwy is typically from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the stunning landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer offers longer daylight hours, but spring and autumn can provide cooler temperatures ideal for challenging climbs.
Public transport options to Mawddwy are limited, as it is a rural area. Dinas Mawddwy, a central village, may have bus connections, but these are often infrequent. Cyclists typically rely on personal vehicles to reach starting points, though some routes might be accessible from larger towns with better public transport links, such as Machynlleth or Dolgellau, which are connected by the Mawddach Trail.
Parking is generally available in or near the main villages and trailheads in the Mawddwy area. For example, Dinas Mawddwy often has parking facilities. For routes along the Mawddach Estuary, parking can be found in towns like Dolgellau or Barmouth. It's advisable to check specific starting points for designated parking areas.


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