The Nag's Head

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.