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| Physical | Technical | Fun | Scenery | Singletrack | Rideability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **** | **** | **** | ***** | ***** | ***** |
Gradings are based upon the longer ride, average fitness, good weather
Photo courtesy of Carl Ryan
The Doethie Valley is possibly the finest piece of continuous technical singletrack in Mid Wales. Once committed to the valley, it is almost inescapable for kilometre after kilometre, with only a single track dropping 200m into the valley just before the halfway point. It would not be possible to ride this track out, but can be walked, at a push. And it would be a long hard push. But as a descent, it is second to none… read on.
The area is very desolate, and such locals as there are all friendly, providing you stay on the rights of way. It's all about respect. The nearest village to the start is Rhandirmwyn, about seven miles north of Llandovery. Llandovery lies on the A40, about halfway between Brecon and Carmarthen. There is plenty of accommodation in the area.
Camping can be had by the Tywi Bridge, just over from the pub of the same name, at Broncwrt Farm, SN 769448. The pub may also offer 'barn' type accommodation as well.
In Rhandirmwyn itself beds can be had in the Royal Oak Inn, and there is also a Caravan Club campsite beside the Tywi at SN 778437. Camping can be found across the river from Gallt y Bere, at SN 772 459, and there is seriously bike friendly accommodation and a huge welcome at Llanerchinda
Ordnance Survey Maps required are Explorer 1:25000 sheet no 187 or Landranger 1:50 000 sheet no 147. Each map covers the entire route. The route takes about 4 hours to ride in good conditions.
Photos courtesy of Carl Ryan
The route itself starts at the Llyn Brianne carpark at SN 793485. In the summer there is sometimes an ice-cream van there, luxury.
Cross the dam, via the bridge, and follow the track around the lake as it rises and falls through the forest. Stick with the main track, and climb to Dalarwen SN 791503. Take the main (left) route at the next junction SN 795503. Descend into the clear-felled area, and climb briefly to the junction at the highest point of the forest, 405m at SN 788510, where you take the right fork for a screaming descent down to the Nant Llwyd turning on the left at SN 789526.
Decision time. Long route via Soar y Mynydd and almost to Ty'n y Cornel Youth Hostel a shorter route via Nant Llwyd farm. The short route takes the easier option in many ways, and all things considered is probably the better route for first time visitors as it is far more continuous and 'flowing'. It is especially recommended as an introduction to the area as it has a good dose of everything that is on offer. The longer route has a big climb, and a really long, fast but cut up descent, and then takes you on to the upper end of the incredibly isolated, desolate and beautiful Doethie valley.
The Upside The gentle singletrack climb to the farm and beyond is a real delight, and you quickly reach the col at SN 776519, having passed a couple of fords on the way. This is followed by a final piece of open and barren hilltop. There are many places in Wales where the view and route combine to 'take your breath away', but this is one of the best. It really feels like the edge of the world with the river sparkling 200 metres below. So gird your loins and head off down to the left, then take the hairpin right and follow your nose. Take care in the rocks and bracken at the bottom. Sit and chill by the ancient ruins six hundred feet lower down, beside the stream on the valley floor at SN 771513.
Downside You miss out five kilometres of really sweet, highly technical singletrack in a stunningly desolate valley.
Photos courtesy of Carl Ryan
Upside There is a nice high mountain plateau crossing, about 3km long, followed by a 100m descent to the junction with the brilliant valley singletrack. You also get to see the most isolated chapel in the country, at Soar y Mynydd. And you get the whole valley, well worth it.
Downside There is a horrendously huge, loose climb up from the chapel that lasts for quite a while. Just get off and walk, most people do. The plateau is not a nice place in poor weather.
From the Nant Llwyd turning at SN 789526 continue on the forest road to Capel Soar y Mynydd SN 784533. Stop for a while. Rest some more. Then take the stupidly steep track on the left straight up the hill. It has been renovated recently, but it is already degenerating back in the total monster that it is surely fated always to be. Enjoy. Once at the top follow the track over the plateau to a fast but rutted descent to an easily missed left turn, at SN 756533, about 400m past the fence/stile affair. Take care; the junction is easy to miss. If you reach the river you have gone too far.
Photos courtesy of Carl Ryan
Once on the singletrack high above the river all you need to do is follow it downstream. The track rises and falls for a few kilometres, with loads of fun, eventually becoming more distinct where the Nant Lleust Fach joins the river. This is marked by a set of ancient ruins beside the stream on the valley floor at SN 771513.
The shorter route joins at this point. The route may seem lost in the bracken here, but as always, head uphill and the track soon sorts itself out and heads off down the valley with a vengeance.
The rocky gorge under Craig Cnuch Glas SN 766495 is a bit of fun, perched high at the top of the rocky ravine with the Afon Doethie raging in the gorge a long way below. Another good spot to sit and chill out.
Photos courtesy of Carl Ryan
Continue on easily followed singletrack to the track that leads immediately to the farm Troed Rhiw Rhuddwen SN 771479. Two gates, then take the first left once out of the farmyard.
You are now confronted with 'Jim's Hill', named after Jim 'Troed-Rhiw-Rhuddlan', a good bloke. He was even known to give lifts up the hill, which is an unsealed 'road' that is 'maintained' by the council. Hence the odd bits of tarmac and yellow lines that you may occasionally spot amongst the rocks and ruts. It is a magnificent descent, like a shorter version of Cwm Henog.
Jim's Hill is straight as a die, steepens as you climb and saves its best until the very top, just as you think it is all done and dusted. Have fun. Then it is back into the forest one last time to cut first right through the trees back to the dam and then return to the start. All in all, 24 km of good fun.
Extensions to the longer route have been developed and are now described online. The Doethie Valley, Route Extension Options
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Last Updated 24-06-2007
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