6 Reasons to book a guided MTB break

If you are looking for inspiration booking a guided MTB holiday in the UK, look no further.  MTB WALES has pretty much everything you could dream of.  Here Owner Phil Stasiw gives us the lowdown:

What is MTB Wales and what’s on offer?

We specialise in multi-day off road adventures across Wales. Every type of riding to suit the client, from those just looking for a leisurely ride on fire roads and smooth single tracks, to full on enduro style riding on rocks and roots to test all the skills a seasoned rider would have. We make sure that all weekends are tailor made, with plenty of chatter with clients of what they are looking for. Many beginner groups will enjoy a mix of coaching and a journey to try out their new skills and push that comfort zone a little, but always careful not to go too far.

The Trans Cambrian! How epic is it?

Epic! Three days of riding off road covering approx. 160km, and around 1500m of climbing each day in some of the most sparsely populated terrain in Wales. Every day is different, big grassy climbs on day one through farmland off the borders. Day two and the rugged Elan Valley and Teifi Pools, very remote and open.

The last day has forests and an alpine feel with a huge descent from Foel Fadian toward the coast. But don’t be fooled, looks all downhill but it isn’t! It truly is a journey to remember, and best of all, quiet!

For a group of 4 medium level riders who’ve done a fair few weekends away before, what itinerary would you suggest?

A lot always depends on fitness and map reading skills. And how well they get on should the main reader of the map take a lucky left, when they should have gone risky right. Nant Yr Arian to Machynlleth and back is a great days out, pretty epic in every sense of the word. Trail centre start, wilderness and will trails into Machynlleth. Quick bit to eat, refuel and the long climb back up the Cambrian Mountains, wild and exposed heading for the forest centre. Good map skills are required, and level of fitness. It’s approx 68km.

Facilities and workshop.

There is the Elan Cyclery in Rhayader run by Clive Powell, the god father of guiding and a man who taught me a thing or two about guiding and Neil, the man with a spanner. He can fix anything within reason. We always pass by on the TC late day one, early day two, so plenty of time to sort. We also hire bikes from here too, either before clients turn up, or on the weekend if there bike has a catastrophic failure. We always have a logistics support on our weekends to collect riders, bikes etc. So all covered.

Mouthwatering hearty meals and pubs!

Mid Wales is scattered with quaint market towns and local pubs that serve good food and local ale. We use the Horse and Jockey in Knighton to kick off the TC, and the second night in  Ty Morgans in Rhayader. We base most of our weekends from here when doing circular routes, amazing food and beer to choose from and the staff are amazing. On the the last night of the TC we stay with Dewi and Liz at the Bluebell in Llangurig. Great beer, warm fire and slate floors, very traditional in every sense and great for the rugby! Liz even wash’s and drys the riders kit and shoes ready for the last day, how’s that for service! Nightclubbing isn’t really on the itinerary, everyone’s too tired by 10pm!

Women’s groups, what’s on offer?

We have run a few women only weekends in Elan Valley, and this summer will be the first women only Trans Cambrian. We’re very excited to be offering a three day journey across Wales just for women. Booking have come in from a few friends together and a few on their own, all very keen to have an epic adventure and some wild, natural trail riding.  All weekends are tailored to suit, so if a rider prefers a good night sleep, there are single rooms available, no problem at all.

All our weekends are based in a 4 star public house with evening meals and breakfast included. A great place to stay and unwind after a long day in the saddle. Safe bike storage and washing facilities too. We have open weekends where somebody may come on their own, and can feel comfortable, or bespoke weekends with single party bookings of friends, corporate gatherings or charity rides. We cater rides for everyone.

For more information, whatever your level, from beginner to pro, check out:  MTB WALES