Lake Vrynwy
Check-in at Hotel and meet in the evening for introduction and briefing over dinner
From the hotel we cross Wat's Dyke and pass the Mountain Bike Centre at Nantmawr to follow the river Tanat to our first stop at Llanrhaeadr-ym Mochnant. After coffee we cross the River Tanat and ride to Lake Vyrnwy our destination and furthest point. The reservoir built in the 1880's supplies Liverpool with fresh water and is surrounded by a nature reserve managed by the RSPB and water company. After a stop to admire the view we head East over the hills to Llanfyllin where there's a café. After refreshments it's an easier run back round Llanymynech Hill, past Pant and the Cambrian Heritage Railway to our Hotel.
We head South through Shropshire lanes over the Montgomery Canal to join NCN 81 at Pentre, this crosses the Severn then climbs over Long Mountain, a vantage point to defend the town in the past and the biggest climb of the day, you should be able to see Powis Castle below. We descend steeply over Offa's Dyke and back over the Severn to the historic market town of Welshpool where we'll have a much deserved café stop. After lunch we ride West over the River Vyrnwy to Meifod and at Llanfechain, re-join yesterdays route back to our Hotel.
We ride South over the Montgomery canal past Maesbury to join NCN81 at Wilcott, this takes us to the historic market town of Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin, where we follow the River Severn cycle path around the town to a café. After coffee we continue along The Severn Way to Pimley Manor, where we leave NCN81 to head North to Clive and past Cole Mere Country Park to join a short section of the Llangollen Canal before Ellesmere and a final café stop. Another historic market town Ellesmere has the faint remains of a Norman castle and is famous for it's closeness to many prominent meres and canal link to Ellesmere Port. For the last leg we follow NCN 455 West past Old Oswestry Fort and back through town to our Hotel where the tour ends.
Land Only - £261
A deposit of £80 per person is required as soon as possible once the Tour Organiser has confirmed your booking, with the final balance to be paid by 26-February 2027
Written Notice Received:
Cancellation Charge:
Before 26-February 2027
£80
26-February 2027 to tour departure
Full price of tour
Complete the online booking request form
The price of £261 (land only) is based on a minimum number of 8 people taking part in the holiday. If there are insufficient bookings by Friday 26th February 2027, we will contact you and return all monies paid.
This holiday is classed as energetic as there are some steep hills and the longest day is 87km
Based in a hotel in Oswestry for three nights, close to the Welsh border, we'll cycle to Lake Vyrnwy in North Wales, head South to Welshpool and visit the other historic market towns of Shrewsbury and Ellesmere in Shropshire, this area was known historically as The Welsh Marches.
The Tour is based in Oswestry where there is a main line railway station.
Travel to the start and from the finish is not included in this holiday. It is very important that you note that neither your Tour Organiser nor Bikexplore are responsible for you in any way until the appointed time at the designated meeting point. Should you fail to arrive at the appointed time for whatever reason, we will not be responsible for any additional expenses you may incur in order to meet up with the tour group. Before finalising travel arrangements, you should ensure that the tour is definitely going ahead.
Should there be insufficient bookings or pandemic travel restrictions are re-imposed, we reserve the right to cancel the tour at any time. It is therefore recommended that you book fully flexible and refundable transport and accommodation or wait until you have been told the tour will go ahead. In the event of the tour being cancelled we will not be responsible for any losses incurred outside what you pay us.
We will use WhatsApp to communicate details like café stops, meal arrangements, places of interest and any emergencies on route. Ideally everyone will bring a smart phone and be happy to be included in the group.
If you are unable to join the WhatsApp group we can only communicate with you in an emergency.
The maximum number of participants will be 10 excluding the tour organisers.
We are staying at the Premier Inn just South of the town centre
Prices are based on two people sharing a room, there is also a single option at extra cost.
Breakfasts and dinners are provided at the hotel
We will stop at cafes for lunches and coffee where possible but you should always carry spare food in case these aren't available.
Check that you have informed the Tour Organiser of any dietary requirements in your Booking Form.
Please remember to pack any medications that you need to take regularly.
• Ideally a touring, road, hybrid bike or electric . We suggest medium weight tyres (i.e. NOT heavily treaded mountain bike tyres). We would take a minimum of 25mm wide tyres.
• We recommend at least two spare innertubes and pump. We will carry basic general tools and a basic first aid kit, but we suggest you also bring a small first aid kit and any tools that are specific to your bike. Two water bottles should be ample as we are stopping at cafes.
• You should ensure your bike is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. A low (easy) bottom gear is useful on the hills.
• Mudguards are optional, but if it is wet then it's not so much fun cycling behind someone without them.
• A lightweight lock is advisable for when we stop at cafes.
• A bell/horn is essential for the cycle paths.
• Emergency rations e.g. energy bars are good to have, and we suggest a map, or some means of navigation.
• A fixed centre trip where we stay for three nights at the same accommodation and cycle for three days.
• Most of each day will be spent cycling. People will be able to ride with the led group at around 19-23 km/h (on level sections) or by themselves, usually meeting up at cafes for lunch and refreshment breaks, the co-leader will ride at the back of the led group.
• It is expected that you may want to stop for photographs, look at the view or explore some local object and this is okay. You are on holiday.
• Some of the route is hilly and there is no back-up vehicle, so you do need to be fit to get the most out of this tour. It is essential to get out on your bike and do at least 50-to-80 kilometer rides before the tour starts. There are some steep descents too, so you should be able to negotiate these safely. Please note it may not always be possible to follow the itinerary exactly due to road works or weather etc, as things do not always go as planned. In these circumstances, you will be advised of alternative arrangements, you will need to be aware of the route each day. This information will be given to you before, or at the beginning of the holiday, and again at daily briefings.
• Daytime temperatures-historical average range of 4-13degC
• Hopefully sunny but could be cool and damp. We suggest cycling layered tops and leggings, gloves and a lightweight wind/waterproof. Lip balm and sunglasses.
• No route sheets will be provided as such, just print the maps as you see fit.
• GPX files will be provided before the start.
• Ordnance Survey Landranger maps: 125, 126
Travel insurance is not compulsory for UK nationals traveling in the UK.
Current Covid and Influenza vaccinations are recommended for participants of 75 and 65 years of age respectively and over and those deemed medically vulnerable.
It is recommended that you are vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid, polio and tetanus and that protection has not expired. You should contact your doctor at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain these vaccinations and the latest advice for travellers.
Holders of non-UK passports are advised to check whether they require a visa.
Harvey Bell. email: harvey.bell1975@outlook.com Phone 07525125534