Machynlleth
Southern rail gateway and a practical start point with bike shops, cafes, and trains.
Route overview
196 km of committed off-road riding through Eryri
Traws Eryri links Machynlleth and Conwy using bridleways, forest tracks, quiet lanes, and mountain-country connections. It is best approached as a capable-rider journey rather than a casual cycle path.
What to expect
The route is designed for experienced off-road cyclists with good fitness, reliable navigation, and a bike suitable for rough tracks. Expect steep climbs, fast-changing weather, remote sections, and places where progress is slower than the mileage suggests.
Most riders should plan conservatively, carry waterproof layers, food, water, tools, and lights, and check access or route updates before setting off.
- Distance
- 196 km / 122 miles
- Direction
- Machynlleth to Conwy, or reverse with adjusted logistics
- Suggested duration
- 3 to 4 days
- Best bike
- Gravel, hardtail, or light bikepacking mountain bike
Route sections
Corris
Slate villages, forest tracks, and steep-sided valley riding above the Dyfi.
Dolgellau
A strong overnight base close to the Mawddach Trail and Cadair Idris.
Coed y Brenin
Well-known forest riding centre with trails, facilities, and all-weather options.
Trawsfynydd
Open upland riding, big views, and a useful mid-route resupply point.
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Slate landscape, railway links, indoor attractions, and wet-weather shelter.
Penmachno
Remote lanes and bridleways close to one of North Wales' classic mountain bike areas.
Betws-y-Coed
Major visitor hub with rail, accommodation, outdoor shops, and food stops.
Capel Curig
Mountain views, hostel options, and access towards the Glyderau and Yr Wyddfa.
Llanfairfechan
Coastal approach with rail connections and a final resupply before Conwy.
Conwy
Northern finish beside the castle, quay, rail station, and places to stay.
Navigation
Use a current GPX, a charged navigation device, and offline mapping. Treat this guide's map as an overview, not turn-by-turn navigation.
Cycling UK map and GPXTransport
Machynlleth, Betws-y-Coed, Llanfairfechan, Llandudno Junction, and Conwy provide useful rail links, but bikes on trains may need booking or flexible timing.
Season
Late spring to early autumn gives longer daylight and better odds of dry tracks. Winter and storm periods need a serious mountain-weather judgement.