This week-long cycling tour is designed to give you a genuine, well-rounded taste of the borderland between Mid and South East Wales, looping out from the book town of Hay-on-Wye through some of the finest scenery the region has to offer. Rather than focusing on a single trail or theme, Best of Mid Wales strings together the highlights, gentle river valleys, historic market towns, castle ruins and the dramatic backdrop of the Black Mountains, into one relaxed, family-friendly week in the saddle.
The route begins and ends in Hay-on-Wye itself, the famous “town of books” set on the banks of the River Wye, with the Black Mountains rising to the south and gentler Powys countryside stretching away to the north. From here, quiet lanes lead through the Wye Valley towards Talgarth, a handsome small town beneath the mountains, and on past the tranquil waters of Llangorse Lake, the largest natural lake in South Wales, a beautiful and peaceful spot to pause for a picnic.
Continuing on, the route reaches Crickhowell, one of the prettiest towns in the Brecon Beacons, sitting beneath the distinctive peak of the Sugar Loaf and offering plenty of good places to eat, drink and rest. From here, quieter lanes and stretches of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal towpath lead towards Abergavenny, often described as the gateway to Wales, and within easy reach of the celebrated Three Castles of Gwent for those wanting to add a little medieval history to their week.
The return leg towards Hay offers a proper change of scenery, climbing gently into the Black Mountains and passing close to the beautifully atmospheric ruins of Llanthony Priory in the Vale of Ewyas, before the final miles bring you back to Hay-on-Wye, ready to relax and explore its famous bookshops one last time.
What makes Best of Mid Wales such a rewarding week is precisely this variety, gentle valley cycling, historic castles and priories, welcoming market towns and genuinely beautiful mountain scenery, all covered at a relaxed, family-friendly pace with plenty of opportunity to stop wherever takes your fancy, whether that is a village pub, a quiet picnic spot, or a castle ruin worth lingering over.
If you want to see the best of Mid Wales, you’ve chosen the right holiday. On this family-friendly self-guided cycling tour, you can travel at your own pace and stop where you like, whether that’s a pub, a picnic spot or a castle. Combining independent travel with genuine comfort, this Welsh cycling break is available throughout the summer, simply decide on a date and we will do the rest. Our Best of Mid Wales package includes pick-up and drop-off at either Hereford or Abergavenny railway station at the start and end of the tour, six nights’ accommodation in quality B&Bs and guesthouses, daily luggage transfer, emergency vehicle back-up, custom maps with your daily ride highlighted, a detailed route guide with directions and background information, and a well-equipped 27-speed hybrid bike complete with handlebar bag, puncture repair kit, cycle computer, first aid kit, lock and water bottle.
Day 1: Arrive in Hay-on-Wye Make your own way to Hay-on-Wye, and spend the afternoon browsing its famous bookshops before settling in for the evening.
Day 2: Hay-on-Wye to Talgarth A gentle day along the Wye Valley to the small market town of Talgarth, beneath the northern slopes of the Black Mountains.
Day 3: Talgarth to Crickhowell The route continues past the peaceful waters of Llangorse Lake on the way to Crickhowell, one of the prettiest towns in the Brecon Beacons, beneath the distinctive Sugar Loaf.
Day 4: Crickhowell to Abergavenny A shorter day following quiet lanes and canal towpath into Abergavenny, gateway to Wales, with time to explore the town and its own castle ruins.
Day 5: Abergavenny and the Three Castles An optional day exploring the celebrated Three Castles of Gwent, Skenfrith, Grosmont and White Castle, at a relaxed pace through the surrounding Monnow Valley countryside.
Day 6: Abergavenny to Hay-on-Wye via Llanthony The final leg climbs gently into the Black Mountains, passing close to the atmospheric ruins of Llanthony Priory in the Vale of Ewyas, before descending back into Hay-on-Wye.
Day 7: Depart Enjoy a final morning in Hay-on-Wye before making your way home.
(Itinerary shown as an example – the route, daily distances and stops can be adjusted to suit fitness levels and interests.)
