Border-straddling run that includes a visit to historic Devil’s Bridge

Explore the best of the border roads on our day trip route

Hereford has a lot going for it. Not least as a town from which to explore a lot of great riding country. The Malvern Hills, the Cotswolds, the Brecon Beacons, the Forest of Dean — all are within easy reach. This one-day ride heads into Wales, through the spectacular Elan Valley, to grab lunch at Devil’s Bridge — a popular biking venue. The return leg takes in the amazing A483 from Newtown down to the equally popular biking coffee stop in Crossgates.

This is a ride that has all sorts of roads — wide and sweeping, narrow and demanding; most are smooth, a few bumpy. What they all have in common is that they’re set in the most glorious scenery imaginable. Getting to Devil’s Bridge is always one hell of a good ride...

STAGE ONE

Map of motorcycling route around Hereford

Hereford to Bronllys: 30 miles
Leave Hereford on the A465 to Abergavenny. As soon as you enter the national speed limit, turn right on the B4349 to Clehonger village. Carry straight on in Clehonger as the road becomes the B4352 to Madley. Eventually this becomes the B4348 into Hay-on-Wye. When you get into town, turn left on the high street and follow the road — now called the B4350 — towards Brecon. Keep going as it becomes the A438, by the petrol station in Glasbury. After about three miles, take the right turn that’s signed for Bronllys and services, turning right again to stop for coffee.

Morning coffee: Honey Café: A gem of a café that, as well as doing teas, coffees and a mean all-day breakfast, does a fine line in Tex-Mex food in the evenings, with tortillas instead of sandwiches on the daytime menu.

STAGE TWO

Bronllys to Devil’s Bridge: 45 miles
From the Honey Café, turn left on the A438 — back towards Hay-on-Wye — and take the first left, for the A479 to Builth Wells. This becomes the A470 in Llyswen. In Builth Wells turn right to cross the river, then turn left at the roundabout at the Royal Welsh Showground, staying on the A470 to Rhayader. At the clock tower in Rhayader, turn left on the B4518 to Elan Valley. Stay on this road for 12 miles as it hugs the shores of the reservoir and when it reaches a T-junction, turn left towards Aberystwyth. This mountain road eventually becomes the B4574 to Devil’s Bridge.Lunch The HafodIf you saw the BBC Wales drama Hinterland, you’ll recognise The Hafod. It’s more than just a great location: it also has a first-rate restaurant and has an engaging tea room for sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes.

STAGE THREE

Devil’s Bridge to Crossgates: 55 miles
From the Hafod, take the A4120 to Ponterwyd, crossing the bridge above the falls. At the A44 T-junction, turn right to Llangurig. At the Llangurig roundabout, turn left on the A470 to Dolgellau. When the road goes over a level crossing, keep going as it becomes the A489 to Newtown. At the main traffic lights in the centre of Newtown, turn right onto the A483 towards Llandrindod Wells. When you get to the mini-roundabout in Crossgates, turn left on the A44 towards Leominster.

Afternoon tea: Café Express: Attached to the petrol station in Crossgates is Café Express – a hugely popular café that always has plenty of bikes in the car park. The home-made cakes are good.

STAGE FOUR

Crossgates to Hereford: 40 miles
Leave Crossgates on the A44 to Leominster. In Lynoshall, turn right on the A480 to Hereford. When it meets the A4112, turn left, then instantly right, to stay on the A480 to Hereford. At the A438 T-junction, turn left back to Hereford.

See

Devil’s Bridge Falls: It’s not just the roads that make this a great route: the falls mid-way are spectacular. There’s a host of walks to enjoy, if you’re so inclined, or a few great photos to be captured if you’re not. Well worth a visit.

Stay

The Green Dragon: Good, traditional hotel in the middle of Hereford. Good value for a city centre location with decent parking.

Route summary

Start/finish: Hereford
Distance: 170 miles
Riding time: 5 hours
Download the GPX file

Please note: This page contains the motorcycle touring routes for The RiDE Guide To Great Britain which was published in October 2017. These website pages are not regularly updated, so please check all critical information before you travel. All route files are in .gpx format. Garmin and BMW users can download the main file, which contains all the routes. TomTom users can either download the individual routes or use the MyRouteApp (depending on the age of your device).