The network of trails that local riders and business’s have set up round Machynlleth in mid-Wales have now opened after being under foot and mouth siege for several months.The three waymarked trails start right from the centre and vary from 10 mile scoots around local lanes and tracks to technical mountain peak epics. The scenery and riding is truly fantastic and there are plenty of expansion or bail out options to the pre planned routes, as well as free range forestry riding in the Dovey forest to the south.

Machynlleth itself is far more cosmopolitan than you’d expect, and has a reputation as the alternative capital of Wales (if not Britain) so there’s plenty of stuff (shops, art galleries, cafe’s, centre for alternative technology, celtica museum etc.) to keep non-bikers occupied while you take on the Welsh hills. There’s a bike shop, several pubs and restaurants as well as bike friendly accomodation including the superb Wynnstay Hotel if you feel like being pampered and fed like a lord.

Go on treat yourself……