Traws Eryri – RideHigh MTB Edition

Guided Mountain Biking Tours Across Mid & North Wales

Experience RideHigh MTB’s unique take on the Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) tour — the ultimate guided mountain biking adventure across the wild landscapes of Mid and North Wales. Our expertly led tour follows the iconic Traws Eryri route with carefully selected variations, taking you through the heart of Eryri/Snowdonia, its breathtaking trails, and hidden gems.

What Awaits You on the Traws Eryri Guided MTB Adventure

Set out on a multi-day guided off-road mountain biking journey from Machynlleth in Mid Wales to Conwy on the northern coast. Fully supported by our experienced RideHigh MTB guiding team, this unforgettable adventure blends challenging climbs, fast descents, and sweeping Welsh mountain scenery.

Each evening, unwind in comfortable accommodation, enjoy hearty Welsh food, and soak up the camaraderie of fellow riders. We ensure every moment of your Traws Eryri experience is memorable.

Who Should Join This Adventure?

• Mountain bikers seeking professionally guided MTB tours in Wales
• Adventurous off-road riders who prefer not to bikepack this route
• Travellers in search of unique North Wales adventure cycling holidays
• Individuals and groups looking for expertly supported guided bike holidays

Reserve Your Place on the Traws Eryri – RideHigh MTB Edition

Ready for the ultimate guided mountain biking experience in Wales? RideHigh MTB delivers Snowdonia’s most exhilarating MTB tours — crafted and led by passionate local guides who know every summit, valley and hidden trail.

Contact us today to secure your place and embark on a guided bike holiday across Mid and North Wales. Experience the very best mountain biking adventure the UK has to offer with RideHigh MTB.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Machynlleth to Dolgellau

Meet your guides in Machynlleth (Maengwyn Street long-stay car park) at 09:00 for introductions and bag transfers. After rolling out at 09:30, you’ll follow quiet lanes along the Dyfi River to Corris and enjoy a first coffee stop at Idris Stores.

A tough switchback climb leads into a sweeping descent into Abergynolwyn, where lunch and refreshments await. From here, the route traverses above a beautiful gorge toward the rocky Ffordd Ddu trackway, climbing over the foothills of Cadair Idris. A fast, scenic descent drops you onto the Mawddach Trail, leading into Dolgellau for the overnight stay.

Stats: 52km | 940m+ ascent
Night 1: Plas Isa Hostel (B&B) — Evening meal at The Royal Ship Inn

Day 2 – Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd

After breakfast and good coffee in town, begin climbing into the Rhinogydd hills before descending to the Coed y Brenin visitor centre. Enjoy some of the area’s best singletrack before meeting the van for lunch.

Continue toward Trawsfynydd for night two.

Stats: 38km | 790m+ ascent (optional extra singletrack available)
Night 2: Cross Foxes Pub, Trawsfynydd — Evening meal and local beers

Day 3 – Trawsfynydd to Betws-y-Coed

Climb past the Roman remains of Castell Tomen y Mur, then continue a long ascent out of Llan Ffestiniog toward Penmachno. Ride some of the area’s great singletrack before dropping into the Lledr Valley for a van-supported lunch.

A final climb brings you into Betws-y-Coed for the night.

Stats: 45km | 988m+ ascent
Night 3: Gwydyr Hotel — Evening meal at Hangin Pizzeria

Day 4 – Betws-y-Coed to Conwy

Begin with coffee in Betws before riding fun descents on the Gwydyr Mawr singletrack. Continue through Capel Curig into the dramatic Ogwen Valley beneath Tryfan and the Glyderau.

Descend the stunning glaciated valley of Nant Ffrancon to Bethesda for lunch. From there, follow scenic back roads before climbing onto the coastal hills for a spectacular final descent into Conwy.

Celebrate with drinks or food in Conwy before transport returns you to Machynlleth.

Stats: 55km | 1100m+ ascent

Optional: Choose to stay a night in Conwy. We can help arrange accommodation and transport back to Machynlleth the next day.

Who will be guiding us?

Your RideHigh MTB guides as well as being awesome humans hold British Cycling L2 & L3 Leadership and MTB coaching qualifications. Kath is also a qualified Mountain Leader. All guides and coaches hold first aid certificates designed for outdoor professionals. All are super-experienced with many years of riding bikes and adventuring all over the world.

Date: 1st-4th May

**Other dates are available for private groups on request depending on accommodation availability etc.**

Cost:
£750 per person
4 x riders minimum
6 x riders maximum

How to Book

Please use the button below to access our booking form
or email me: kath@ridehighmtb.co.uk
or contact me @ridehighmtb on Facebook or Instagram DM

Book Now

Is this for me and other FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – Traws Eryri (RideHigh MTB Edition)

1. What is the Traws Eryri tour?

Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) is a multi-day off-road mountain bike route crossing Mid & North Wales. The RideHigh MTB edition follows the classic route with carefully chosen variations to maximise ride quality, views and trail flow.

2. How difficult is the riding?

This tour is suitable for most mountain bikers with some off-road experience. Expect technical sections (which can always be walked down), long climbs, fast descents and varied terrain. You don’t need to be elite fit, but you should be comfortable riding 40–55km per day with sustained climbing.

3. Do I need to carry my own gear?

No. This is a fully supported MTB tour. RideHigh transfers your overnight bags each day in the support van, so you only carry what you need for riding (water, snacks, tools).

4. What type of bike should I bring?

A modern, well-maintained hardtail or full-suspension MTB with at least 120mm travel is recommended. Good tyres with puncture protection are essential. If you’re unsure, we can advise you on setup.

5. Is e-MTB allowed on this tour?

Yes, e-MTBs are welcome. Please bring a spare battery if possible or a range extender. Let the team know in advance so we can plan charging stops where needed.

6. What level of fitness do I need?

You should be capable of riding several consecutive days of 4–6+ hours on mixed off-road terrain. A solid level of cycling fitness and stamina will help you enjoy the experience fully.

7. What is included in the tour price?

  • 4 days of expert local MTB guiding

  • Support van for luggage and daily meet-ups

  • 3 nights’ accommodation

  • Breakfasts and packed lunches

  • Evening meals (as specified)

  • Daily snacks, drinks and rider support

  • Return transport to Machynlleth at the end of the trip

8. What is not included?

  • Personal travel to/from Machynlleth

  • Bike hire or repairs

  • Personal insurance

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Optional night in Conwy (if you choose to stay on)

9. What is the group size?

We keep groups small for safety and enjoyment — generally 6–8 riders, led by two experienced RideHigh MTB guides.

10. What accommodation can I expect?

Comfortable and welcoming rider-friendly accommodation including hostels, pubs and small hotels. Rooms may be shared depending on availability. We prioritise great food, hot showers and a good night’s sleep. *Single room supplement applies if you would prefer not to share.

11. What should I bring?

A full kit list will be provided after booking, but essentials include:

  • MTB helmet (mandatory)

  • Riding clothing for mixed Welsh weather

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Hydration system

  • Spares (tubes, brake pads, chain link)

  • Personal items and evening wear

12. What happens if the weather is bad?

We run the tour in most conditions — it is Wales! Your guides will adapt the route if needed to ensure safe, enjoyable riding.

13. Can I book as an individual?

Absolutely. Solo riders are very welcome and often make up a large part of the group. It’s a great way to meet fellow mountain bikers.

14. Do you offer private or custom group trips?

Yes, RideHigh MTB can arrange private group tours, custom dates, or bespoke versions of the Traws Eryri. Contact us for options.

15. How do I book my place?

Simply get in touch via our website or contact page, and the RideHigh MTB team will confirm availability, answer any questions, and secure your booking.

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What if I am isolating or ill and can’t attend the weekend?

We strongly recommend you take out holiday insurance as we cannot refund due to illness / injury. We will however fill your place if we have a waiting list and, in that case, we will refund your booking cost. Please see T&Cs on the RideHigh MTB website.
Terms & Conditions – Ride High MTB

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What if the weather forecast is bad and I don’t want to ride in bad weather? Can I cancel?

Of course, you can cancel but we will not issue a refund. Please note that the weekend will go ahead despite any poor weather. There are many different ride options and locations which are more sheltered than others. We also recommend that participants bring warm and wet weather riding kit as this is Scotland after all!

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What is the riding like? Will my riding be up to it?

Weather permitting, the riding on these weekends will be mainly natural trails along with some technical riding on rocky terrain.

If you are happy riding a variety of red and black, trail centre trails and have ridden some off-piste then these weekend are suitable for you. Please note that the Introduction to Lake District Trails weekend is suitable for riders comfortable on blue/red trails.

There is also a fair amount of climbing involved as you'd expect in any mountainous region. Around 600-1000m of climbing (more for the E-Bike tours) and on the Helvellyn day though! We will be on-hand to offer coaching tips to help you build confidence with this style of riding.

We are used to introducing customers to challenging terrain, but you must be aware of your limits and not feel any pressure to ride any feature you are unsure of.

**Please get in touch to chat about this if you are at all concerned**

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How fit do I need to be?
We will be out on the bikes for a full day on Saturday and Sunday and a half day on Monday. So, you should be used to spending at least 4-6 hours in the saddle. * See itinerary for more detail* The fitter you are, the more enjoyable the weekend will be BUT please try not to worry, everyone climbs at their own pace and in my experience, on a weekend MTB course, riders are very happy to chat, take pictures and encourage each other on both climbs and descents.
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What riding kit/equipment do I need to bring?

A well-fitting helmet is a must. No helmet, no ride! A half shell/ full-face with detachable chin bar / lightweight, enduro style full-face is suitable. You are likely to overheat if you ride in a heavy, DH full-face helmet.

  • Gloves
  • Goggles / Glasses
  • Kneepads (elbow pads optional)
  • Body armour which you are comfortable pedalling in
  • Backpack / bumbag
  • Water bottle/camelback
  • Trail snacks/gels/bars/ trail mix
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Riding clothes for both warm and cold weather
  • Any component spares specific to your bike i.e. mech hanger, brake pads
  • Inner tube + any usual trailside fix kit

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What if I realise, I’ve bitten off more than I can chew?

Don’t panic… Anyone can have a bad day! Your guides are also qualified coaches and can offer top tips to help you. However, no-one should ever feel pressured to ride a feature they don't like the look of. Simply hopping off and walking bike down is often the best strategy.