greentraveller
Less Carbon, More Fun
 
You are here:
 

A perfect weekend ride which begins in the Mid Wales town of Builth Wells, then follows the River Wye on a journey southwards to the book town of Hay-on-Wye. On the second day you will tour Herefordshire's picturesque Black and White villages.

Price:

£165 per person based on two people sharing

Duration: 2 days
Departures: Available year-round to start on any day of the week
Start point: Builth Wells
End point: Hay- on- Wye
 

A perfect weekend ride which begins in the Mid Wales town of Builth Wells, then follows the River Wye on a journey southwards to the book town of Hay-on-Wye, nestling below the Black Mountains on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. On the second day you head into England on a circular ride through a flatter but equally picturesque landscape visiting Herefordshire's Black and White villages.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Builth Wells.

Day 2: Builth Wells to Hay-on-Wye, 22 miles (35 km)
The ride begins in Builth Wells, once a Victorian Spa Town and now home to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show which draws thousands of visitors annually. No major hills today, though plenty of high ground all around as you follow the Wye Valley on its meandering southerly course. Look out for Red Kites and Buzzards overhead, or stop off at Erwood Station – a craft centre and art gallery beside the river. Approaching the Brecon Beacons, you cross the river at Glasbury and turn east for the renowned book town of Hay-on-Wye. For a small town, Hay has a huge number of bookshops but also plenty of welcoming pubs! So after a rummage through the bookshelves, settle down and rest your limbs with a pint of Wye Valley ale at your elbow before retiring for a good night's sleep.

Day 3: Hay-on-Wye to Eardisley, 20 miles (32 km)
The ride continues parallel to the River Wye as you enter England. The Black Mountains loom to the right but the gradient is gentle as you head north through the Black and White Villages and a peaceful rural landscape of cider orchards and browsing sheep. There are sleepy villages like Almeley, a 700 year old hamlet with several of the half-timbered houses typical of this region. Look out also for The Eardisley Oak – a magnificent tree which has been growing here for at least 6 centuries! You cross the River Wye again at Brobury via a fine red-brick bridge. This tiny village is home to Brobury House, set in eight acres of formal Victorian gardens and water meadows. Then it’s back across the border to end your ride in Hay -on- Wye.

Tour summary:
- Duration: 2 days biking
- Distance: 42 miles (67 km)
- Grading: Moderate

Notes:
The price is 165 Pound Sterling (GBP) per person based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room. Contact operator for sole traveller/single occupancy rates.

Options: Add an extra night at any stage of the tour, prices from 40 Pound Sterling (GBP) per person per night.

What price includes

 
  • Transfer from/to nearest rail or bus station at start/finish
  • Accommodation in cyclist-friendly B&Bs, Inns & small hotels
  • Bike hire - hybrid or touring bikes available
  • Cycle equipment inc. helmet, repair kit and water bottle
  • Luggage transfer each day
  • Customised Ordnance Survey maps & written directions
 

Location

 

Plan your journey by train

Meeting point:
B&B in Builth Wells or Llandrindod Railway Station or Abergavenny Railway Station

Nearest train station to meeting point:
Llandrindod Railway Station or Abergavenny Railway Station

Transfer to meeting point:
Operator collects guests from station

 
Plan your journey by train to Llandrindod
 

Plan your journey by train

Finish point:
Hay on Wye

Nearest train station to finish point:
Abergavenny

Transfer to finish point:
Operator drops guests off at station

 
Plan your return train journey from Abergavenny