5.0
(1)
5
riders
Gravel biking around Llanyblodwel offers varied terrain within a scenic rural landscape, situated in the River Tanat valley with views of the Welsh hills. The area features a mix of undulating paths and more challenging ascents, characteristic of its proximity to the Welsh border. Nearby natural features like Llanymynech Rocks Nature Reserve, a former quarry with a limestone outcrop, contribute to the diverse geological profile. This setting provides a range of off-road cycling experiences for gravel bikers.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
2
riders
81.5km
05:55
1,640m
1,640m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
49.4km
03:51
1,140m
1,140m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
1
riders
44.8km
03:18
960m
960m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Lake Vyrnwys straining tower! Lovely place and gives it that fairy tale vibe. One of my special places is Vyrnwy.
0
0
The track from the East is broken but doable on a gravel bike - I had to push the last few hundred metres. Awkward terrain - large stones - and plenty of puddles - but a fabulous day on 2 wheels!
0
0
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.
3
0
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
5
0
Lake Vyrnwy (Welsh: Llyn Efyrnwy, pronounced [ΙΛvΙrnΚΙ¨] 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.
5
0
This scenic well-surfaced track is a pleasant alternative to the road. It cuts through Dynant Forest.
1
0
The gravel biking terrain around Llanyblodwel is quite varied, characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and forested sections. You'll find a mix of undulating paths and more challenging ascents, especially given its proximity to the Welsh border. The area includes diverse geological features, such as those found near the Llanymynech Rocks Nature Reserve, a former quarry with a limestone outcrop.
Yes, while many routes offer challenging ascents, there are options for different ability levels. For a moderate experience, consider the Closed Bridge loop from Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, which covers about 27.7 miles (44.7 km).
The region offers stunning natural beauty and interesting landmarks. You can expect attractive views of the Welsh hills and routes along the River Tanat valley. The Llanymynech Rocks Nature Reserve, a significant natural monument and former quarry, is a fascinating area to explore. For panoramic views, consider routes that pass by viewpoints like Moel y Golfa Summit Monument or View from Llanymynech Hill.
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Lake Vyrnwy Straining Tower β Wayfarer Eastern Approach loop from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog offers significant elevation gain and expansive views. Another option is the Wayfarer Memorial Traverse β Llangynog Climb loop from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, known for its varied terrain and panoramic vistas.
The scenic rural landscape of Llanyblodwel is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. While winter conditions can be challenging, the area's varied terrain can still be explored, though some paths might be muddy or require more robust tires.
Yes, the area features forested sections. The Dyfnant Forest Track β Llanfyllin Town Centre loop from Llanfyllin is a popular route that leads directly through Dyfnant Forest, offering a different kind of riding experience.
The gravel biking routes around Llanyblodwel are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the challenging ascents, and the rewarding panoramic views of the Welsh hills.
While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, Llanyblodwel is a rural area, and parking is generally available in or near villages that serve as starting points for routes. It's advisable to check specific route descriptions on komoot for detailed parking information at trailheads like those for Lake Vyrnwy or Dyfnant Forest.
Llanyblodwel and the surrounding villages offer local amenities. While specific cafes or pubs directly on every trail are not guaranteed, many routes start or pass through towns like Llanfyllin or Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, where you can find places to refuel and refresh after your ride.
The network of routes around Llanyblodwel offers options for different ability levels. While many trails feature significant elevation and are rated as difficult, there are moderate options like the Closed Bridge loop from Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain that might be more suitable for families seeking a less strenuous ride. Always check the route's difficulty and elevation profile to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.
There are several gravel bike trails to explore around Llanyblodwel, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. Our guide highlights four distinct routes, each providing unique views and challenges in the scenic rural landscape.


Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.