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 Eyri 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 Eyri 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 Paenmaenpool, Plas Isa offers relaxed, cosy accommodation for individuals, couples, or small groups. Sleeping up to 19, all rooms are private (no dormitories), there's a lockable bike store for 6/8 bikes and all the 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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In Snowdonia National Park, just over a mile from the small town of Bethesda, Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse provides spacious, eco friendly accommodation for individuals, couples, families and groups. The large open plan communal area has a well equipped kitchen, a large dining table and plenty of comfy chairs. With underfloor heating, comfortable beds and a drying room guests invariably return. On Snowdonia Slate Trail & Lon Las Cymru .
Caban Cysgu, run by Gerlan community, offers purpose-built accommodation at the foot of the Carneddau. Perfect for walking in Eryri (Snowdonia), Tryfan 10 mins away and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) 25 mins drive. A great base for the ‘Welsh 3,000’. Convenient for Snowdonia & Cambrian Ways & Slate Trail. Just 5 mins from Zip World; the longest & fastest zip line in Europe. Plenty of mountain bike trails on the doorstep & road cyclists have Sustrans ‘Lôn Las Ogwen’ route a mile away. For climbers, Idwal is nearby, for canoeists Afon Ogwen is popular.
Platt’s Farm Campsite and 3* Bunkhouse is situated in a range of Victorian farm buildings, in the charming village of Llanfairfechan. Close to the A55, the Bunkhouse lies at the start/end of the 14 Welsh 3000 Peaks walks in the Snowdonia National Park, within a 10 min walk of the Wales Coastal Path and on the NCN 5 Cycle Route. Shops, pubs and cafés are within 5 mins’ walk. Just 15 mins from Zipworld, Bethesda & 20 mins from Surf Snowdonia.
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.
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 UK cycling
