A moderate cycle ride on peaceful, rural lanes with two steep hills to reach both Montgomery

and Dolforwyn Castles. There are also a couple of more gentle climbs with many attractive views and an opportunity to detour along the traffic-free Montgomery Canal Path to Newtown.

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Distance: 28.2km (17.5miles)  Time: 2.5 hours​

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Map: OS Explorer 215 & 216

Toilets: To rear of Town Hall

Parking: at start/finish

Start/finish: Recycling Car Park Bishop’s Castle Road (B4385) SO 22470 96301

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Directions:

1. Starting at the recycling car park, go to the main road and turn right towards Montgomery centre. Turn left into Broad Street, pass the Town Hall on the left and head towards the castle by turning left into Kerry Street. Follow the road round to the right, signed Llandyssil (Hill Road).

2. This section is steep but the view over Montgomery is worth it! After passing the Castle car park, continue towards Llandyssil, dropping down three hills. Go straight over two crossroads, unless you wish to detour into the village which is on your left.

3. Follow the road along the valley; at the end, turn left onto B4386. You’ll soon cross over a railway bridge.

4. Turn right at the roundabout and cross a bridge over the River Severn. If you wish to take the 7 km (4.3 mile) detour to Newtown, turn left before reaching the main road along the traffic-free canal path; otherwise continue on to the A483.

5. Turn right on to the main road and almost immediately you see a brown tourist sign for Dolforwyn Castle. Turn left and follow the lane around a left-hand bend then, following the brown castle sign, turn left.

6. Stay on the main road and continue uphill. Soon you’ll pass the entrance to Dolforwyn Castle on your right which is a detour of 1km (0.6 miles) and well worth a visit – probably on foot!

7. From the small castle car park you follow the winding road for 2.4km (1ó miles) until you reach the B4389.

8. Turn right and follow the National Cycle Network Route 81 signs to Bettws Cedewain.

9. Continue into the village. Just after you cross a river bridge, turn right towards Berriew, following the Route 81 signs.

10. Follow this road for 4.8km (3 miles). You will see a small lane dropping away to the right, where there is a Route 81 confirmation sign (on a ‘give way’ post).

11. Turn right into this lane and follow it for 2.4km (1.5miles) until it meets the main road (A483). Turn left and almost immediately right into a small lane.

12. Cross over a canal and continue to the end of the lane, turning right at the junction on to B4385. This road crosses the River Severn at a traffic light controlled bridge.

13. Turn left towards Caerhowel just before the railway bridge.

14. Go through the village of Caerhowel, then turn first right into the lane opposite Rhydwhyman Ford.

15. Cross the level crossing, only if the lights are green, close the gates and continue uphill to Hendomen.

16. Cross the staggered crossroads, then go down a steep lane, past a small sewerage plant and back to the B4385.

17. Cross the junction into New Road and continue to the end. Turn right into Chirbury Road and then continue uphill into Montgomery.

18. Turn left at the junction towards Bishop’s Castle (B4385) and continue through Montgomery, turning left just past the children’s playground to the recycling car park.

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PLEASE FOLLOW THE HIGHWAY CODE

• Wear appropriate, high visibility clothing, suitable footwear and

a cycling helmet • Ride in single file on narrow or busy roads

• Do not cycle on pavements and obey all traffic signs • Use front

and rear lights when cycling in poor light