Cycle Llanidloes

Severn (Hafren) Valley Short Loop

A short ride up the valley to Glan y Nant and back along the other side of the valley via a footbridge. It's quiet and not very hilly and gives you a glimpse of the superb valley scenery in this area, as well as views up the Hafren/Severn valley. Always plenty of sheep and chances to see buzzards, red kites or river birds. Spring and summer give lots of opportunity to enjoy the wild flowers along the road sides.

Start	Llanidloes Market Hall
Total distance	4.5 miles (6.5 km)
Rating	Easy.
Riding description	Gently undulating - a few short steep hills. The route is hard-surfaced all the way, except for the path down to the footbridge and back up to the road. The road is mainly one track with sufficient space for one car passing. It narrows a bit at times on the return journey. Road surfaces are good.
Facilities	Food and drink, WC at Llanidloes only.

Map directions

We recommend you consult Explorer 214 (Ordnance Survey 1:25,000)
Alternatively: Landranger 136 (OS 1:50,000)

Route Description

1. From the Market Hall head down Shortbridge Street (Highlight A). Cross the Bridge and turn LEFT.
2. After about half a mile go straight on up the hill at the junction. (ignoring the left fork signed for Sustrans routes and walking routes). There is a short but steep hill to climb at this point.
3. After about 1.5 miles you arrive at Glan y Nant. Ride through Glan y Nant.
4. After leaving Glan y Nant look for the first track to the left, about 200 metres beyond. You will see a white house on the road ahead the left of the road. You should also be able to see another white house to your left by the river, to which the track leads. At this point there is a footbridge across the river and a track to the road on the other side of the valley. You may need to push your bike the short way up to the road. Turn LEFT and follow the road along the side of the valley for about 2 miles, ignoring any right turns.
5. You will arrive at a small housing estate called Felindre Mill. Turn LEFT , cycle over Felindre Bridge and up the hill to join your original route out. Turn RIGHT and head back to Llanidloes.

Highlights

A. Short Bridge
In Shortbridge Street the unusually named "The Royal Head" is an amalgamation of two pubs, The Royal Oak and the King's head. Despite initial appearances, only the Royal Oak is half timbered.

As you turn left admire the Bridgend Factory to your left. It was built in 1834 and was one of the many flannel mills in the area, most of which have now gone. It is a reminder of the areas industrial past which also included lead mining and leather tanning. For short time (1851 -1864) the town's iron and brass foundry was also based next to the Bridgend Factory.

If you pause on the bridge you might reflect on the legend of Lady Jeffries, a malignant influence whose spirit in supposed to be in a bottle under Shortbridge. She will be free, it is claimed, when the ivy from either side joins in the middle. If the river is low and you see a bottle in the river, please don't open it!

B. Afon Hafren / River Severn
Hafren is Welsh and Severn is English. Interestingly Severn may well be closer to the original form due to subsequent changes in Welsh language where the sound for S changed to an H. It is speculated that the Anglo-Saxons got their version from the Welsh before this change and so kept the S. However, regardless of antiquity, you are riding the Welsh Afon Hafren today! (Pronounced Avon Havren)

Afon Hafren in the stretch above Llanidloes is a haven for wildlife. Here you may see crossbills, siskins, dippers, grey wagtails and kingfishers. Look higher for the commonplace buzzards and the slimmer red kites with their V-shaped tails are also often seen.

Llanidloes - Cycle Llanidloes