Llandovery to Machynlleth
The Elenydd Divide is a 145km bikepacking route through the "Desert of Wales" incorporating remote mountain roads and gravel tracks. The route is intended to show that wilderness still exists in the UK: there aren't really any resupply points on the route, although the route passes near to some should you need them. To experience it properly, take all your food and make sure to bring a water filter!
From Llandovery the route heads north past Llyn Brianne and the remote chapel at Soar-y-Mynydd before picking up the remote gravel trail to Strata Florida Abbey. From there it crosses back over the mountains into the stunning Elan Valley, skirting close to civilisation before heading back out into the wilderness towards the watershed at the top of the Ystwyth valley. From here water flows either west and out to the Irish Sea at Aberystwyth or east down the Elan, Wye and Severn into the Bristol Channel.
The famous Mohican Road climb beckons, a tiny ribbon of tarmac on what was once a road that climbs up and into the Cefn Croes wind farm. Roaming amongst the turbines you are eventually rudely interrupted by civilisation in the form of the A44 but it passes quickly and the wilderness beckons once again. You climb on the southern flank of Pen Pumulumon Fawr, the highest peak in this remote green desert and cross over to the Nant y Moch reservoir and the start of the final push.
The best saved until last? Some will say so. The remote gravel track from the reservoir through to Machynlleth is yet another area of wilderness and hailed as one of the finest in Wales. There aren't even bridges, so be ready to get your feet wet! Soon you are riding on the Mach trails, one of the reasons why this area has become so popular for off-road cycling. A fine way to descend back to civilisation and a well earned rest in Machynlleth.
