A picturesque cycle ride which follows part of Route 81 on country lanes between Leighton and Berriew. You’ll encounter some hills; mainly gentle apart from a few short, steep sections by Hendomen, Powis Castle and Berriew. A detour to the grounds of Powis Castle is highly recommended.

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Distance: 38.1km (23.7miles)  Time: 3 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. From the recycling car park, go to the main road and turn right. Follow this road through Montgomery. Opposite a converted chapel on the left, turn right onto the B4386 signed for Chirbury, heading downhill past the war memorial.

2. Turn left into New Road at the end of the houses.

3. At the crossroads go straight over, then past a small sewerage plant and several farms before climbing a short, steep hill to the hamlet of Hendomen.

4. At the staggered crossroads go straight over into a lane by a post box. Drop down a narrow lane to a level crossing. Cross only if the lights are on green and close the gates.

5. At the lane’s end, turn right opposite Rhydwhyman Ford. Follow the road around several bends, over the railway, past a pub and into the village of Forden. Continue past the school until the end of the road – 4km (2.5 miles).

6. Turn left onto the B4388. It can be busy at times but has a shared cycle path.

7. Opposite the Cock Hotel, turn right off the main road and follow the B4388 for about 4.7km (3 miles), descending to Lower Leighton Farm.

8. Turn left at the farm onto B4381, signed for Welshpool and picking up signs for the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 81.

9. Cross the River Severn. As you enter Welshpool turn left at the first roundabout, then up over the railway and by-pass.

10. Turn left at the roundabout and follow Severn Street to a bridge over a canal. On the far side of the bridge is a blue NCN Route 81 sign. Turn left here passing Powysland museum on your left. Follow the canal and go through the supermarket carpark.

11. At the end of the car park turn left at the traffic lights. Follow Route 81 on A458, then turn right into Red Lane signed to Powis Castle.

12. Still following Route 81, cycle uphill passing Powis Castle grounds, unless you’re going in to explore, and continue on this road for about 5.6km (3ó miles) to the end.

13. Follow the Route 81 sign. Turn left and follow B4385 into Berriew.

14. As you approach Berriew, turn left at the bottom of the hill, still following Route 81.

15. Follow Route 81 through the village, taking two right turns to lead you on to the B4385 towards Newtown.

16. Cross a stone bridge, then continue uphill and straight on for approx 3.2km (2 miles).

17. On the flat you will see a Route 81 confirmation sign (on a ‘give way’ post). Turn sharp left here just before the sign. Drop down into a small lane. You are leaving Route 81. Follow the lane to the main road (A483).

18. Turn left on to the A483, then almost immediately right into small lane. You will soon cross over a canal.

19. At the end of the lane turn right on to B4385 which soon crosses the River Severn at a traffic light controlled bridge.

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

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

22. Cross the level crossing and continue uphill to Hendomen.

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

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

25. Turn left at T-junction towards Bishop’s Castle (B4385). Continue through Montgomery, turning left just past the children’s playground, to return 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