Cyclists are being encouraged to get in the saddle and explore the magical Lon Las Cymru national cycle route in Mid Wales on an electric bike.
The bike’s electric battery provides a gentle boost to cyclists when they most need it, ensuring that there are no more mad dashes to catch up with stronger cycling partners. Most importantly, it brings a smile to tackling the Welsh hills!
The route takes in idyllic country lanes before crossing the River Lugg into Wales and stopping in Presteigne, home to the unique Judge’s Lodging Museum and many arts events, including a classical music festival in August.
Next day, the journey continues through the picturesque half-timbered villages of North Herefordshire, visiting a cider farm, the 600-year-old New Inn and local gardens.
Finish the day, by crossing the toll bridge to Hay-on-Wye. Dominated by its castle, Hay is internationally known as a book town with 30 book shops selling more than a million books.
On day three, cyclists can either have a rest day or cycle to Llangorse Lake or Brecon, go canoeing down the River Wye or take the time to explore Hay and all those bookshops.
Leaving Hay-on-Wye, cyclists follow the spectacular River Wye upstream on an old railway line, with the chance to stop at an old station for coffee and lunch in the spa town of Builth Wells.
Then, keeping the River Wye as a guide, journey through meadows and moorland with a short off-road section before crossing a tiny suspension bridge over the River Elan to an overnight stop at Rhayader
Next day, cyclists explore the Elan Valley dams and lakes, taking the new cycle path and sculpture trail for a picnic with great views and visiting the Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm.
Day six really tests the mettle of electric bikes as the route takes cyclists through a magical valley of Abbeycwmhir with its ruined Cistercian abbey and grand Victorian house to visit.
Then it’s over the Black Hill and Offa’s Dyke on old sheep drovers’ routes to finish the day with a 15-mile downhill ride to the border town of Knighton, where cyclists can visit the Offa’s Dyke Centre.
The last day is reserved for a gentle ride down the River Teme, visiting two castles – Brampton Bryan and Hopton Castle – along the way and making a short detour to visit England’s best tearoom in 1930s style.
Lunch is taken at a riverside pub in a roman village before the route arrives back at the starting point, Petchfield Farm, near Ludlow.
Wheely Wonderful Cycling’s Lon Las Cymru Mid Wales cycling holiday is a seven-day tour with six nights B&B. The company offers Lon las Cymru cycle tours from three to eight days, ranging from easy to difficult. Full details are on www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk
