Does anybody know anything about the monks trail( i think that is what it is called) that runs through mid wales. My brother rode it a good many years ago but he cant remember anything about it. He reckons it was about 70 km in length.
Cheers
Rich
I have ridden the Monks Trod from the mountain road outside Rhyader a few times,it's only about 20kms though,might be worth contacting Clive Powell Mountainbikes in Rhyader,Clive knows this area better than anyone and should be able to help.
What do you want to know? Every time I go there I swear never to return. It is a very wet place indeed and will involve a load of pushing and carrying. You will get wet and filthy and need to be very competent with your navigation and hillcraft. The biking is in no way technical but the environment might challenge you if you get it wrong. Crossing the Claerwen will give you wet feet at the best, I've crossed when it has been thigh deep and a bit worrying!
The bogs are truly majestic, capable of delaying even the freshest and fittest.
Good luck, can I join you?
everyone should have to ride the monks trod. i did and i'll only feel better if i make as many people as possible endure the same thing.
it feels like 70 km 😉
there is some amazing riding in that area.
The complete route runs from Strata Florida to Abbey Cwm Hir I believe, the part from Claerwen to Pont yr Elan is as Ambrose describes. Best attempted during long dry spell or long hard frozen spell 8)
Yeah it's certainly quite a ride, or is that swim...
http://iwillbebacksoon.com/2012/05/the-welsh-ride-thing-2010-day-1.html