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I'm looking at a possible trip to Wales for a few days this easter weekend, travelling by train.
So I need somewhere to ride near a station and somewhere (cheap) to stay.
From riding in Scotland I'd say I prefer grand days of natural riding in great surroundings (eg Cairngorms, West Highland Way, Glen Kinglass) as oppose to technical trailcentres in dull forests - but a mix of both is good.
And whilst it would be nice to have accommodation in a village near the train station, I don't mind biking all day to finish at the accomodation spot if necessary.
What ideas you got??
Station at Machynellth (from Brum New St) you can access Dyffi Forest, Mach Routes and Nant y Arian.
I think the coastal line from borth (nr Mach) will take you up towards snowdonia.
Machynlleth (Nant Y Moch Res/Dyfi Forest), Llanwrtyd Wells (Doethie Valley/Irfon Valley Loop) or Llanrwst (Drum/Llyn Cowlyd Loop/Sarn Helen) all spring to mind.
Builth Wells is on the heart of Wales line and there's great riding from there.
Or you can start the Gap ride from Brecon.
Or you could for a trail centre, get off the train at Port Talbot and quickly cycle up the valley to afan - takes about 30/40 minutes and is quite pleasant on cycle path or riverside path. Just turn right at the viaduct with mx bike gates.
Not sure about accommodation, theres' camping options at all the above, but also bunkhouses/hostels in brecon and builth, I'd imagine.
Aberystwyth (nant yr Arian) and Machynlleth (climachx) are both on the Cambrian coast line and 20 mins appart. Climachx is about 3 miles ride from station. Nant is more like 7. Check out "joes back yard" mbr route for wild and wonderful loop near nant
Train station at Betws for marin (mleh) and Penmachno
The train station at Llandudno Junction is on the main line from London to Holyhead so has a fast service in from crewe etc
This would give you easy access to the Northern Carneddau. YHA accomodation in Conwy
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You could then either cycle / bus / train down the Conwy Valley towards Betws y Coed giving you access to the following rides
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You could then hop back on the train again and head further into North Wales linking up with the Ffestiniog Railway for rides based out of Blaenau, Porthmadog and Rydd Ddu. With a map, the bike fax guide and a bit of nouse there is loads of riding to go at
Hope this helps
Ian