Forgotten Roads of Wales Tour
Discover the Roads Most Riders Never Find
One of the SmoothRider Adventure Series
Everyone knows the famous Welsh motorcycle roads.
The EVO Triangle.
The Elan Valley.
The Black Mountain Pass.
They deserve their reputation.
But Wales has another side.
Hidden valleys. Quiet mountain passes. Remote lanes. Roads that don't appear on the usual motorcycle route guides but deliver some of the most rewarding riding in the country.
The Forgotten Roads of Wales takes riders away from the crowds and into the heart of rural Wales.
A two-day motorcycle adventure exploring the roads that locals know, experienced riders seek out and most visitors simply miss.
Day 1 – Into the Forgotten Heart of Mid Wales.
Shrewsbury
The journey begins on the Welsh border before heading into some of the country's most rewarding riding
Montgomeryshire Back Roads
Leaving the main routes behind, we explore the quiet roads around:
Montgomery
Llanfyllin
Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant
These roads are classic SmoothRider territory:
Unhurried
Technical
Scenic
Rewarding
Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant
A hidden Welsh village famous for the spectacular Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall.
A perfect example of what this tour is about.
A destination many riders have never visited.
Lake Vyrnwy
Although known by some riders, the quieter roads surrounding the lake remain some of Wales' finest.
Hirnant Pass
A hidden gem crossing the Berwyn Mountains.
A beautiful mountain road offering:
Sweeping bends
Open views
Minimal traffic
Bala
Lunch stop beside Llyn Tegid.
B4391
One of Wales' greatest roads.
A perfect example of a road that deserves far more recognition.
Overnight
Rhayader / Llanidloes area.
Two Days. Away From the Crowd
Starting and finishing in Shrewsbury, this carefully designed route explores some of Wales' most overlooked riding areas.
Expect:
Empty roads
Stunning scenery
Challenging but rewarding bends
Hidden villages
Mountain landscapes
Reservoir valleys
Roads where the only traffic may be sheep
This is not a tour about ticking off famous locations.
It is about discovering somewhere new.
Day 2 – The Roads Wales Forgot
Abergwesyn Mountain Road
One of the most remote and rewarding roads in Wales.
Including the famous Devil's Staircase, this road demands smooth riding and careful observation.
Llyn Brianne
A hidden reservoir deep in the Cambrian Mountains.
The journey here is exactly why riders come to Wales:
Empty roads
Incredible scenery
Complete escape
Ceredigion Mountain Roads
Exploring the lesser-known routes between:
Tregaron
Lampeter
Aberystwyth
These roads provide some of the most enjoyable riding in Wales.
Devil's Bridge
A legendary Welsh location hidden among the hills.
Elan Valley Back Roads
Rather than simply visiting the famous reservoirs, we explore the quieter roads surrounding them.
A different perspective on one of Wales' greatest riding destinations.
Return to Shrewsbury
Via the quiet roads of Mid Wales.
Roads Featured
Potential highlights include:
✓ Abergwesyn Mountain Road
✓ Devil's Staircase
✓ B4391
✓ Hirnant Pass
✓ Llyn Brianne roads
✓ Ceredigion mountain roads
✓ Elan Valley routes
✓ Montgomeryshire lanes
✓ Cambrian Mountains crossings
What Makes This a SmoothRider Experience?
Many motorcycle tours are simply about getting from A to B.
SmoothRider is different.
Throughout the three days, you will benefit from expert guidance and coaching designed to help you become a more confident, capable and relaxed rider.
We focus on the skills that make every ride more enjoyable:
Observation
Learning to see further and plan earlier.
Positioning
Using the road effectively to improve safety and visibility.
Cornering Confidence
Understanding how to approach bends smoothly and consistently.
Smooth Inputs
Making the motorcycle work with you rather than against you.
Riding Your Own Ride
Enjoying the experience without pressure or comparison.
The Details
Duration: 3 days
Starting Point: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Daily Mileage: Approximately 200–250 miles
Group Size: Small groups to ensure a personal experience
Suitable For: Experienced riders who want to explore Wales while improving their riding skills
Each day includes:
✓ Morning coffee stop
✓ Lunch stop
✓ Afternoon coffee stop
✓ Pre-ride briefing
✓ Expert riding guidance
✓ Carefully planned motorcycle routes
Who Is This Tour For?
The Welsh Mountain Mastery Tour is ideal for riders who:
Love exploring new roads
Want to improve their confidence on unfamiliar routes
Ride adventure bikes, sports tourers, naked bikes or touring motorcycles
Want a more rewarding experience than simply following a sat-nav
Appreciate great roads, great scenery and great riding
Whether you ride a 600cc sports bike, a large adventure motorcycle or anything in between, the principles remain the same:
Smooth riding is enjoyable riding.
Ready to Experience Wales Differently?
Join SmoothRider for three unforgettable days exploring some of Britain's finest motorcycle roads while developing the skills and confidence to enjoy them even more.
Three days. Hundreds of miles. Better riding for every road ahead.
[Book your place on the Welsh Mountain Mastery Tour]
What Makes This Tour Different?
The Forgotten Roads of Wales is designed for riders who have moved beyond simply collecting famous roads.
It is about:
Finding hidden gems
Exploring confidently
Understanding the landscape
Enjoying roads at a sensible pace
The best roads are not always the ones with the biggest reputation.
Sometimes they are the ones you discover yourself.
Suitable Motorcycles
Suitable for:
Adventure bikes
Touring motorcycles
Sports bikes
Naked bikes
Classic motorcycles
Cruisers
The route is fully road-based.
Riding Level
Intermediate riders and above.
You should be comfortable with:
Full days in the saddle
Narrow country roads
Variable surfaces
Changing weather conditions