Launched in 2023 by Cycling UK & Natural Resources Wales, the Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) is a 124 mile (200 km) multi-terrain route that links Machynlleth on the southern edge of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) to Conwy on the coastal northern tip.
The route will take you through wild forests, lush green valleys, incredible mountain scenery and rugged peaks. You will ride along ancient tracks, Roman roads and deserted lanes. The route is not for the faint-hearted, but the 4,000 metres of climbing reward you with thrilling descents, awesome views and that wonderful and very rare sense of complete isolation. Isolation that is balanced by the friendly village communities the route takes you through.
The route can be split into 4 days/ 3 nights, or if you really fancy a challenge you can do it in 3 days/2 nights.
If you want to extend your route then you can combine it with the Trans Cambrian route from Machynlleth to Knighton to make it a week long adventure.
For great value accommodation along the route choose from the independent hostels below.
Traws Eryri Bikepacking Route
Toad Hall offers simple private rooms to cyclists on the Traws Eyri route. Centrally heated and double glazed, there's a small self-catering kitchen. Outside there's a small flat garden suitable for camping if you prefer, and a small workshop for bike repair/storage.
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If you are doing the Traws Eyri with a large group of friends or with your mountain biking club, then put Corris Hostel on your accommodation list. Sleeping groups of 15-40, this award-winning hostel offers an easy going atmosphere with local paintings and art, chill out areas, cosy wood fires and a library. Stay an extra day and visit the Dyfi bike park, just 3 miles down the road.
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Groups of 12-42 on the Traws Eyri route would be warmly welcomed at Kings Hostel. Tucked away off the beaten track, just 2 miles from the route at Penmaenpool, the hostel boasts a large well-equipped kitchen, spacious dining room and comfy lounge.
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Bunkorama Bunkhouse occupying a splendid position overlooking Cardigan Bay makes for a perfect 1st night's stop-over on your Traws Eyri adventure, (if you start your route at Machynlleth). Just 7.5 miles from the route at Pen-y- Bryn (just north of Penmaenpool), the extra few miles are well worth it for the fantastic view and the cosy, great value accommodation. Bunkorama sleeps 8/10 in two dorms.
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Conveniently situated in the centre of Dolgellau, just 2.5 miles from the route at Penmaenpool, Plas Isa is set up for mountain bikers with a lockable bike store for 4-6 bikes, outdoor hose pipe to fight off any mud and dirt with a drying room to get your gear clean and dry again. Your beds will be fully made, ready to dive straight in, all bedding and a towel provided. You will have shared use of the bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, the dining room, the tv room. All further amenities of the small historic town of Dolgellau are on the doorstep.
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Just 5 miles from the route at the northern tip of LLyn (Lake) Trawsfynydd, Maentwrog Bunkhouse is a small 4 person bunkhouse. Geared up for mountain bikers, it has a power washer and a lockup for bikes. With underfloor heating you are sure of a cosy evening and the local pub serving food is just a mile away. Sleeping bags can be hired.
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As the route heads east away from Ffestiniog, you'll find Treks bunkhouse. This sole use only bunkhouse is perfect for groups of up to 13. There is often a 2 night min stay, but as there is so much to do in the area, it may be just the excuse you need, to take a day from the route and explore.
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Cycling clubs and large groups of up to 33 will find a perfect stop-over on their Traws Eyri Bikepacking expedition at the Woodlands Centre in Betws-y-Coed.
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Snowdon Mountain Hostel lies directly on the route as it winds up the Ogwen Valley just north of Nant Fracon. Perfect for groups of up to 24.
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A short diversion from your Traws Eyri route, just north of Nant Ffrancon, will take you to Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse. You can book this cosy, comfortable bunkhouse by the bed, the room or take over the whole place, (it sleeps 16).
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Just off the route in Bethseda you'll find Caban Cysgu Gerlan Bunkhouse. With the convenience of shops and pubs within walking distance, this could be the answer to stop-over on your Traws Eyri adventure.
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Just 7 miles before Conwy, right on the coast , Platts Farm Bunkhouse offers an idyllic place for some R & R after you've finished your Traws Eyri route. Shops, pubs and cafés are within 5 minutes' walk.
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Conwy Valley Backpackers is situated on a peaceful organic farm in the heart of the beautiful Conwy Valley, with excellent access to Snowdonia.Centrally heated with a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, log fires and hot showers. Bike/canoe storage and tourist information are available. Local activities include fishing, hiking, white water rafting and mountain biking. Surf Snowdonia is within walking distance and Zip World is a short drive.
Perched at 290m (950ft) in the foothills of Snowdonia with direct access to the Carneddau mountains and close to the end of the Welsh 3000s Challenge route, Bron-y-Gader Bunkhouse offers comfortable & great value accommodation for up to 37.Remote and isolated but just 8 miles to Conwy and 2 miles to the nearest pub. The many attractions and high adrenaline activities in Snowdonia are just a short drive away.
Llandudno Hostel is a Victorian 4* boutique, award-winning hostel where individuals, families & groups (including schools) are welcome all year. Set in the heart of the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, it’s your perfect base for shopping & exploring many local attractions, including blue flag beaches, dry slope skiing, Zip World, Surf Snowdonia, bronze age copper mine, traditional pier, museums & fishing trips.
Once Rowen Youth Hostel, this traditional Welsh farmhouse has breathtaking views over the Conwy Valley and Eryri (Snowdonia). Downstairs is a modern kitchen, a dining room with log burner and a cosy lounge. Upstairs are four bedrooms sleeping a total of 14 people. The garden has stunning views and picnic tables. There is a basic self-contained flat adjoining the bunkhouse available to let in conjunction with the bunkhouse allowing up to 18 guests
Much more detailed information about the route can be found on the Cycling UK’s website.
There is also a Traws Eryri Facebook group , where you will be able to get advice, join conversations and ask questions of other riders.
Header photo kindly supplied by cycling UK
