Ideas for a SE England to Snowdonia route?

[rollindoughnut]

Might well get the chance to ride to meet a friend somewhere in Snowdonia next month. Have been thinking about routes and would welcome ideas.

Previously I've done North Downs Way - KAW anticlockwise - Kennet & Avon canal, which has got me to the Severn crossing, so can rule that one out.

Idea 1: SDW - then up through the Cotswolds. Where then?

Idea 2: Grand union canal to Birmingham. Where then?

Will be on a mtb so wilder the better really. Have about 4 days to do it.

[javatime]

Stu's Offa's Byke route would get you from Chepstow (after the Cotswolds) to Prestatyn, I imagine generally head off west well before you hit the Welsh coast - maybe around Oswestry.

4 days from the S.E. seems tight, but happy to be proven wrong!

[Blackhound]

There is a waymarked route from Salisbury to Chester (NCN45) that you might be able to use for a section.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I'd imagine riding up through Wales would be much more pleasant than riding north through the midlands and cutting across. Lots of options for a Welsh leg but what's best would likely depend on what type of terrain you prefer, type of bike etc.

If time's tight then maybe a train up to Shrewsbury or Crewe, then head west. It should provide the best of the riding.

[jameso]

I'm just finishing up a trip that started in Glos and went over the Severn Bridge so I could ride the TCW from Knighton. I used parts of the Offa's Bike and Big Bear 500 to get to the start of the TCW and then up around Snowdonia to return the long way. Prob 45% off road once I got past Hay in Wye. Can share some route files and notes if interested? Just pm me an email address. Cracking riding all the way, it's been a great week.

I used to live in Herts so have ridden to the bridge from there also, road / Ridgeway mix was good.
4 days from SE to Snowdonia will be ok if you stick to the faster rolling tracks and lanes, should be a great ride!

[rollindoughnut]

Thanks. I've messaged you.
I agree that riding up through Wales has to be the best plan.
Might get a train to Winchester to knock a day off my end.

[godivatrailrider]

Following the Wye to it's source from Chepstow would get you most of the way there...

[Mariner]

SDW until it meets King Alfred Way then north to Reading.
Then Kennet and Avon to Bristol.
Choice of train to Bristol Parkway and cycle over bridge to Newport and up the canal to Brecon.
There is an onward route that will take you to Rhayader which is BB territory so lots of route information.
Or train to Swansea from Bristol TM and pick up the Wales North South route.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Following the Wye to it's source

I'd not bother with the last 5 miles or you'll end up here

[godivatrailrider]

Following the Wye to it's source

I'd not bother with the last 5 miles or you'll end up here

Yeah ... I've roughly mapped a vague route ( does the train stop at LLanbrynmair?) and get into the Hafren Forest ... but ignored the last mile or two for exactly these reasons

[RIP]

( does the train stop at LLanbrynmair?)

Sadly not - it should, specially for Boners!

Caersws nearest, then 90 mins to Hafren via Trefeglwys and Staylittle. Smashing little ride it is

[godivatrailrider]

( does the train stop at LLanbrynmair?)

Sadly not - it should, specially for Boners!

Caersws nearest, then 90 mins to Hafren via Trefeglwys and Staylittle. Smashing little ride it is

cheers Reg !