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Pump Track Wales – Rhayader
If you have bikes with you, Pump Track Wales in Rhayader is well worth a stop. It is fast, free and designed so riders can keep their momentum by pumping through the rollers and banked turns rather than constantly pedalling.
The track is particularly good for confident young riders, BMX fans and mountain bikers, but you do not need to be an expert to have a go. Start steadily, learn the layout and build your speed as you get used to the corners.
What Makes It Different
Pump Track Wales is described locally as the UK’s first split-sprint pump track. Instead of simply following one loop, riders can race side by side on separate lines and see who reaches the finish first.
That makes it much more fun for friends, siblings or family members who want a little competition rather than just riding round on their own.
Have a Few Practice Laps
If you have never ridden a pump track before, the trick is not to attack it at full speed straight away.
Use the first few laps to understand where the rollers and turns are, then gradually try to carry more speed through the circuit. More experienced riders can start linking sections smoothly and racing the split-sprint lanes.
Helmets are strongly recommended, particularly for children and anyone riding at speed.
Make It Part of a Rhayader Day
One of the advantages of this track is its location. It sits on the western side of Rhayader, close enough to the town that you can combine a riding session with food, shops or a walk beside the River Wye.
The local Riverside Walk also passes close to Pump Track Wales, so anyone in the family who does not want to ride can still enjoy the river and green spaces nearby.
If you have more time, the Elan Valley is just beyond Rhayader and makes an excellent second half of the day.
Who Will Enjoy It Most?
This is mainly an active stop rather than a traditional sightseeing attraction. Children who enjoy bikes and scooters are likely to get far more from it than someone who simply wants to watch.
Older riders and experienced cyclists can still enjoy it because the track rewards technique and speed rather than just being a children’s play area.
For families travelling with bikes, it is exactly the sort of place that can turn an ordinary stop in town into an hour of proper fun.
A Few Useful Tips
Pump Track Wales is currently listed as open all year and completely free to use. It is on the western side of Rhayader at LD6 5AH.
From Rhayader town centre, head west towards the Elan Valley along West Street and continue down towards Rhayader Bridge. The local visitor information gives directions from there to the track.
Bring your own bike, scooter and safety equipment. Because this is an unsupervised outdoor facility, younger children should be watched closely and riders should check that the track surface is safe before using it.
Rhayader has cafés, pubs, shops and other facilities within easy reach, so there is no need to treat the track as a full-day attraction. It works particularly well as a one- or two-hour stop. The town also promotes itself as a base for walking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Stay around Rhayader: Find hotels and cottages for exploring Rhayader, the Elan Valley and the surrounding Mid Wales countryside.