From a motorcycling point of view, if you are going to Wales to ride the epic roads, then staying in mid-Wales gives you the best of all options. From the middle, you can ride circular routes that will take in most of the great roads. Leaving the luggage at the B&B, Pub or Hotel, also maximises the potential for fun and riding the narrower roads with ease.
All you need now is somewhere to stay. We have long been fans of the Cain Valley Hotel in Llanfyllin and also the Neuadd Arms pub in Llanwrtyd Wells, a town known for many things, including being at one end of the Devil’s Staircase.
The middle of Wales is also a relatively crime-free area. Yet, we are a paranoid bunch, especially regarding our motorcycles. So when the Riverbank B&B in Llanwrtyd Wells with secure motorcycle storage was pointed out to me, I needed to know more.
The Riverbank B&B is owned by Tony and Denise Thorpe, who bought what was once a pub and then a restaurant just before lockdown began. Following an extensive renovation, including turning one of the ground floor buildings into secure motorcycle storage, they are now up and running and often packing out the ground floor garage.
Tony’s biking history goes back to an FS1E, followed by a GT250 Ram Air and the iconic Yamaha LC350. Somewhere in our conversation, there was also mention of a Puch Maxi and a GT380(?) both being used as field bikes. I’m sure that is what he said, but you might want to ask him for clarity over a beer sometime.
Like any motorcyclist living in Wales, Tony has his favourite routes, amongst which you’ll find the Devil’s Bridge, the Elan Valley, Llynne Brianne Reservoir and the Brecon Beacons, for which Tony has provided the free GPX route files and narrative below.
But there is a problem. Every time we write about the exquisite motorcycling roads in Wales, we receive at least one email saying we missed the best road.
It is wonderful that people point these hidden gems out to us, but often, they forget to mention the road by name. It is almost as if they don’t want outsiders to know about them – other than to point out we missed them.
All of which is why, when visiting Wales on a motorcycle, you might want to consider staying at the Riverbank B&B. It is close to the centre of Wales, has secure overnight storage for your bike and can be a source of that all-important local knowledge. The sort of knowledge that can turn a good ride into an epic one.
Clarity: We have no association with Tony, Denise and the Riverbank B&B other than as guests.
When importing GPX files, your GPS or Phone navigation app will recalulate the route based on your navigation preferences. We add waypoints to hopefully minimise any differences, but it is always worth double-checking.
If you have a route that you would like to share, get in touch and with the Editor, and we will do our best to include it. Download, ride and enjoy. What could possibly go wrong? All the motorcycle touring routes are GPX 1.1 version files.
All of the motorcycle touring routes are provided “as is” without guarantee, liability or any assurances. The lawyers said we had to include that sentence. All we can tell you is that we had an excellent time planning and riding them.
Llynne Brianne Reservoir & the Brecon Beacons
Points To Ponder
As planned, the route will take you to the Welsh Rarebit Centre, the Dan-y-Ogof National Showcaves, along the famous Black Mountain Road and to the Owl’s Nest Biker Café.
From the Café you have two options.
Option 1: Follow the road for 11 miles until you arrive back at Riverbank Bed and Breakfast. The total journey time without stopping is 3 hours 21 minutes.
Option 2: Extend your journey to visit the scenic Llynne Brianne reservoir and return via the Devil’s Staircase.
Devil's Bridge and the Elan Valley
Points To Ponder
As planned, the route will take you through Abergwesyn, Tregaron, and the hairpin bends of the Devil’s Staircase.
The Talbot Hotel in Tregaron is a good place for lunch, or perhaps a visit to the Welsh Gold and Craft Centre is of interest.
There is a cafe at the Devil’s Bridge (Pontarfynach in Welsh), and for a small fee, you can walk around the nearby waterfalls.
There is also a short detour on the route that will take you to Claerwen, the most impressive location for a view of the reservoir dams.
A more detailed route description is in the PDF file below or talk to Tony in the bar of the Riverbank B&B.
