Any ideas on best place to start (leave the car), any must sees in the region. Is the Plynlimon plateau worth a visit? Looking at ride, sleep, bag a peak and then ride out. Currently thinking at starting near the dam at Nant-Y-Moch reservoir, as the map shows a car park.

Oh yes, an area that's been called my playground!

Loads of options depending how much time you've got. Here's one idea.

Park at SN798841 and head west, you should end up at SN758847. Now head north on tarmac until you reach SN768874 where you'll pick up a double track on your right. Follow this until you reach SN792879 which makes a nice spot for the night.

If you want to bag a peak then it's a brisk walk to the summit of Pumlumon Fawr. Your options now are, retrace your steps or take your bike to the summit and drop south (past the mines) back to your starting point ... although slightly cheeky, you'll not get shot!

What do you think about this as a circuit?

Couple of days riding with a bivvy when I find somewhere nice. Heading up mid week in a few weeks. Then a day riding the fire roads in the forest north of Machynellth with a loaded bike.

Looks cracking

What you gonna do for the rest of the afternoon?

Play in the bog?

s8tannorm wrote:What you gonna do for the rest of the afternoon?

I have memory mapped assorted extras :D

Worse case I'll pedal up Tarrenhendre

The bit of track between 825849 and the road at Eisteddfa Gurig has no entry signs at either end and the moorland is used for shooting birds. The people are usually wearing camoflage gear and hiding in holes so you can pretend you haven't seen them, but it might be less aggravation to go another way.

Thanks, made a revision and will head back via Cae Gaer Roman fort

I'd take some waterproof socks and midge repellent if I were you

Is it really just a big bog in that area?

Not entirely, just one particular path that you've opted to follow NE of Nant-y-moch. There is an alternative north, evident on Google Earth and 1:25k maps, but not shown on 1:50k maps.

Cheers thanks for the heads up :)

DNF if you can't track down what Ians talking about email me and I'll give you some GR.

I'm guessing it's in the region of SN768 888, heading North East towards some standing stones? Will it matter being a bog under foot/tyre? My track record of Wales suggests the moment I arrive the heaven's will open and rain will poor down! I haven't really given any thought to bivvy spot, will just sleep where suits, although I'm thinking the northern tip of Lyn Cwm byr, may provide a nice spot.
Midges, I'll survive, this trip is as much about gear testing as it is about seeing somewhere I haven't been.

More details here: http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/t ... ing/page/3

I haven't really given any thought to bivvy spot, will just sleep where suits

Taking care to avoid exposed hill tops and 45 degree slopes, I presume?

45 degree slopes are optional

I've googled the area; reading walking blogs, there seems to be the potential to be really boggy in this area, guess I'll figure it out as I go.