hardest cycling climbs in wales

It starts steep from the village of Clydach and beats you up for a whole mile before easing just a touch. Finish at the car park at the top of the climb. This gorgeous country road is testing for even the best cyclists, but it provides great views north towards the western Brecon Beacons. Now very narrow and lined with snow poles, the climb is so well surfaced it resembles a two-metre-wide carpet. In an attempt to move right, my front wheel lifts, there is a bang, my right foot instinctively unclips and that was it, I am gone. Most local riders know its here, we gave it the nickname the Baby Zoncolan but we all avoid it like the plague. Luckily for us the rain was holding on our expedition. All rights reserved. After around 50 metres the second bend arrives where on the corner there is a slight leveling, Dan immediately heads to the shallower part of the corner here to catch a few seconds respite. Stick with it, as eventually the one-in-three does turn into a relatively gentle one-in-six, allowing you to build a little momentum to drag your bike up on to the moor. This brutal, bucket list climb invites you to tackle an incredible 48 hairpin bends between Prato and the mountain's summit. | 26 regions. I cant say for sure but I decide to stick with before to salvage what I can of my fragile ego. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more). The less celebrated of two routes up Llangynidr Mountain, the climb from Llangattock is no less difficult. The sign reading 20% as you cross a stream on the beautiful valley road from Talybont-on-Usk is the first hint of the lung-busting effort that awaits you. Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. Grid ref: SO 983 279 (OS 163)Length 1.54kmHeight gain 167mApprox climb time 9 mins, Named Hellfire Pass by the English but better known by its Welsh name, Bwlch-y-Groes is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales. And yet once you get to the top, you'll realise you enjoyed every second. In many ways, the quintessential Welsh mountain road - wild, remote, desolate and endearingly featureless. A flat lakeside hairpin two thirds of the way up should give you the slingshot needed for the last push, with the road cutting through rock on its final approach to the summit. The surface, just wide enough for a single car, is smooth at the edges but little more than gravel and moss in the centre. How steep? While our Fiets list overlaps Simons for some climbs, the 2 lists do give you a nice sense of the objective and subjective Top 10 hardest Welsh climbs. Where From the bottom left corner of Rosedale Abbey leave the main road and turn south east on to Gill Lane, pass the giant warning sign, and head up. She got all aggressive so we turned around and chilled for 20, walked back up the trail and she was still there . Anything you have read or been told about this amazing road is likely to be true. If you want to share something you need to create an account. It's not too steep to begin with but as the road bends hard left at the base of an almighty tower of rock, then the gradient increases. Once through, you can pick up some speed before the final steep turns and your new-found momentum will help carry you through these and over the top. This is simply a magnificent cycling experience. This extraordinary climb is in the northwestern section of Wales in the Snowdonia mountain region. Where: Heading north out of Cymmer in the Afan Valley. The early parts of this mountain road rarely drop below 10% as the route winds its way up through the trees. How many have you suffered on your way up? This climb comes with the steepest 500 meters in all of the UK at 25%, and it comes at the beginning of the climb so be prepared to strain at the outset. Eventually you'll bend around to the left and the battered, rugged road levels for good. This climb truly is beauty and the beast. Within a few hundred feet of the start point, a switchback of over 20% warns you of the battle to come. The Cowlyd, 2. Over the course of the slog, you'll climb . Also known as Hellfire Pass, Bwich-Y-Groes is the highest paved road in Wales. The climb is really unique. You have to take each and every opportunity to recover when it is presented, no matter how slight he says. Stwlan Dam. Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. Simon Warren (100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, UK) ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! A few weeks later I arrive with our photographer Andy, Dan and his wife Jess - a hill climb champion in her own right - to share the experience with them and get the local low down on this insane 700 metres of vertical concrete. With this in mind, I put my eyes to work scanning the gradients ahead looking for any stretch of reprieve, no matter how short, where I can take a break from the infernal torment. Thanks to the help of Strava, we've selected the top five hardest climbs in the UK: Fford Penllech - Wales Hardknott Pass - England Bealach-na-Ba - Scotland Rosedale Chimney - England Trooper. In a way. Over the years, I've sought to climb as many hills as possible. Enter the first of two sets of brutal switchbacks and wrench body and bike through the 25% corners. The gradient towards the top is, in the most part, forgiving, with the most taxing stretches found around the villages lower down. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. BA1 1UA. We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South Wales. The second bend here is so steep on the inside that it forces you far right, so take care. Cairn O'Mount from the south side is 3.35km with an elevation gain of 319 meters. It's all fairly steady going as the climb starts just off the A449. Climb the Gospel Pass via Hay on Wye by bike. See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the Profile Tool button. Three Cycling UK members have successfully completed an epic challenge to tackle 100 of the UK's most iconic climbs in one mammoth month-long road trip. View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in Wales. This climb comes with the steepest 500 meters in all of the UK at 25%, and it comes at the beginning of the climb so be prepared to strain at the outset. Explore the climbing route via Google Street Views. The Shelf - 262m - 5 to 15% - 5.1km #87. The landscape is rough, its easy to see how the area gets pounded with rain and freezing temps most of the year. There, in front of you, painted on to the side of the mountain and looking like a giant flight of stairs, lies the rest of the climb. From bend two the road swings left, kicks up then eases back to rumble across a cattle grid and so far, so pretty ordinary but then, up ahead the road arcs away to the right and here it begins to look serious. El Torneado, and 10. I have purchased and relied heavily on several of these books in deciding what climbs to include on the PJAMM Website for the UK. Im now trapped on a two foot wide strip of rippled 30 per cent concrete fighting for survival. Passing farm buildings and trees, the road veers left, then a very sharp 25% right a taste of what's to come before easing as the last of the trees disappear beneath you. Grid Ref: SE 720 945 (OS94) Length 1430m Height gain 179m Approx climb time 9 mins, Fleet Moss, the highest road in Yorkshire, is a beast from either direction but the greater challenge lies in the route south from Hawes. You're now face to face with the vicious 25% corner which delivers you on to the cruel slopes that cling to the side of the sheer bank. Its found as you head north-west out of Pontardawe. Saw signs of a moose, unstrapped and started walking down the trail and saw her about 100ft up the trail. Horshoe Pass (Bwlch yr Oernant) - 317m - 7 to 20% - 6.1km #91. Click on "Climb Page" to jump to the detail page for that particular bike climb. Youre not going to forget the name of this route, nor how it makes you feel! This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. Riding alongside Dan with Jess tucked in behind we set off, all three of us understandably apprehensive of what lies ahead. Now climbing steeply, this slither of rough road clinging precariously to the mountainside bends hard right to deliver you into a true wilderness. This climb is ranked #3 on PJAMMs FIETS formula-based difficulty index, as well as the UK Top Hardest Climbs list provided to us by. Grid ref: NY 710 321 (OS 91)Length 7.45kmHeight gain 638mApprox climb time 40 mins, Few climbs have such a fearsome reputation as Rosedale Chimney, and rightly so. Photograph: Paul White/Alamy, Scotch mist hanging over Bealach na Ba. Bealach na B is the one most talked about, as one of few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom. By the time you reach the clock tower in Pricetown, you'll have been climbing fairly constantly since Bryncethin. Simon Warren has published many books on cycling climbing in the UK (e.g. Views and scenery during the middle of the climb. - they are the Gold Standard for cycling climbing in the UK. View epic images taken along the climbing route. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britains steepest hill. United Kingdom: England's Hardest and Most Epic Hill Climbs, United Kingdom: Hardest and Epic Bike Climbs, United Kingdom: Scotland's Hardest and Most Epic Hill Climbs. Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. I was to discover that there is absolutely no objection to cyclists riding it, although few would be mad enough. Apagua, 5. is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales (, Also known as Hellfire Pass, Bwich-Y-Groes is the highest paved road in Wales. The climb lasts for almost a mile and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. Taking your bike up a steep climb next to Welsh dry stone walls and mountain streams on Heol Lan is an experience that will stay with you. It's not quite the Alps, but it's a close as it gets in South Wales. This climb has the steepest 500 meter segment in all the UK. Stay up to date with the latest developments. ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! On our climb, we encountered a car and had to back up nearly a kilometer to find a place where they could pass. South Wales needs no introduction. Not here. . Staring with 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs in 2010, Simon has set out to chronicle and, of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. Bwlch y Groes (SW #91), 3. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Still, that's the least of your worries as you pass a 25% sign. Youll see the Foel Y Gordd formation as you enter the canyon area. Arguably, though, he is best known as the author of Cycling Climbs series of books. There is still some way to go but you can click through the gears before finishing just after a gaping cattle grid adjacent to a small car park.Where Head east from the A435 through the village of Bishop's Cleeve on Finlay Way. winding route from Hay you veer right past the turn for Craswall and over a cattle grid.The road steepens here for the hardest part of the climb.After a few hundred yards you are greeted to a fantastic view of Hay Bluff and . On my first climb up Bwlch y Groes in 2018 I got a flat tire on my vehicle that was parked in front of one of these homesteads and was assisted in fixing the flat by the old-timer that lived nearby. Weve been crawling skyward for about two minutes, covering just 250m of tarmac as we round bend three. This featureoriginally appeared in the September 23 print edition of Cycling Weekly magazine,on sale in newsagents and supermarkets, priced 3.25. Ride over Irton Pike and pass through Eskdale Green and Beckfoot to reach the base of the climb next to the warning sign at Jubilee Bridge. Climb summary by PJAMMs Brad Butterfield who documented this climb in 2018 and again in 2022 (Wales is one of 27 countries Brad has cycled and documented for PJAMM in addition to 16 US states). That said, Bwlch Penbarra is certainly a top three for US. The hardest ascent is from the west, beginning at Fell Foot Farm, where straight away you have a 20% right-hander and that's just a taste of what lies ahead. Grid Ref: NY 277 027 (OS90) Length 2.52km Height gain 278m Approx climb time 15 mins, This is the greatest climb in England, this is our Mont Ventoux, it has no peers, there is no comparison: Great Dun Fell is simply unique. Ride two miles gaining 1,055 at 10.3% average grade. What follows is a brief levelling out but you can't put off what lies ahead for long. If there's a more brutal stretch of road anywhere in South Wales than Llanguicke Road, then it's definitely best avoided. Increasing in steepness as it passes old industrial relics, the road winds its way up the side of a breathtaking gorge, with just a few boulders between separating you and the 10% gradient from the edge. United Kingdom: Wales Hardest and Most Epic Hill Climbs. Dan tells me he brought none other than Andrew Feather (current national hill climb champion) here a few weeks back. is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales (100 Greatest Cycling Climbs - Britain). You'll find the top, most difficult, epic, scenic, hardest, challenging, extreme, inspiring, bucket list bike climbs located in Wales. The base of the climb is on the first right out of the village next to a farm gate. Snowdonia National Park (Welsh: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) was established in 1951 as the third national park in Britain, following the Peak District and the Lake District. Simon Warren lists this as the third hardest climb in Wales, and sixth toughest in all the UK. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Bwlch Penbarra to Jubilee Tower, 4. From the junction with Station Road, exit the village past the first 25% sign then the road bends left at a second 25% warning as if you need reminding, it's going to be hard. Round the end of Loch Kishorn and follow the signs to Applecross, up and over Bealach-na-Ba. Something went wrong, please try again later. Theres always a bigger fish. Thats what the ancient proverb says, and just when I thought Id ridden the steepest road in Britain, and put the matter of determining the country's toughest cycling climb to bed once and for all, up popped another hideous incline to further move the goalposts and redefine suffering. Then you hit the switchbacks, where a better surface is cold comfort as you grapple with gravity's pull and attempt to hold your momentum through these vicious bends. With one and a half pedals and dented pride I manage to make it to the top to join Dan and Jess at the finish outside the water treatment works. The 5 hardest cycling climbs in the UK (Please link to Pedalsure.com if using elsewhere) Bealach na B Bealach-na-Ba 9.2km at 6.8% (Grid: 1 km) -25% -10% 0% 10% 25% View full details on The closest to an Alpine mountain climb that the UK has to offer is Bealach na B ("Pass of the Cattle" in Scottish Gaelic) on the west coast of Scotland. Average gradient: 6.5% Another 100 Greatest Cycling hills 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs at Amazon.co.uk Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs at Waterstones Another 100 climbs include: Longest Hill Climb Cragg Vale - The longest continuous ascent in England - 9.1 km. Canton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. I asked. Bending right the slope immediately kicks up to around 25 per cent but this is mere childs play compared to what lies ahead. It's a brave soul who doesn't find the site of the Bwlch summit towering above them as they set out from Treorchy slightly daunting. Pen-y-Pass is the climb out of Llanberis on the A4086 up to the Pen-y-Pass lodge where several walking routes to the summit of Snowdon start from. Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Start opposite the old red telephone box, past the numerous warning signs, across the cattle grid then bend slightly left. This mini monster was brought to my attention by hill climb master and double National Champion Dan Evans after I noticed a string of expletives in his Strava feed. We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South Wales. F. J. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Essentially every turn is a blind curve. Pass through the large orange gates used to close the road in winter proof, if you hadn't twigged already, that you're heading into serious country. It's a long drag, but not particularly taxing in the most part, rising through the trees with the rumbling of vehicles on the adjacent main road in the distance. It starts from the village of Porlock and climbs an average of 10% gradient towards the top of Exmoor. Newly formed NCL teams to make their debut at Tucson Bicycle Classic, Rapha launches a Film Fund, US filmmakers encouraged to pitch Living life by bike stories, Improve your performance with our expert practical, nutritional and training tips, Every week get exclusive interviews, fitness tips and product reviews. This is one of the toughest bits of road anywhere in the UK and, through the next left-hand bend, it touches 30% at the apex. Having left the steep streets of Upper Brynamman behind, the road dissects the open mountainside, tussock-covered hillsides on both flanks. Having featured as a summit finish for the Welsh Nationals and the Tour of Britain, as well as being the signature climb for Velothon Wales, the Tumble is easily one of the most famous climbs in Wales. These bike climbs can be viewed via google maps or by a detailed list of the climbs that can be arranged by difficulty, distance (longest climbs in Wales), altitude gained, highest elevation . How many have you ridden? Turn away from the village of Knock and begin opposite a farm gate. Leaving Rosedale Abbey, a sign warns you of the one-in-three yes, one-in-three gradient to come. . Id evaluated the merits of all contenders from Yorkshire's Rosedale Chimney to Ffordd Penllech via Bushcombe Lane and Vale Street but then came that bigger fish, then came a new vision of hell: Afon Ddu, AKA the Baby Zoncolan. It's all a bit of an optical illusion though. Ride 1.8 miles gaining 916 at 10% average grade. It then all but levels off as you pass various farm buildings, where the surface is broken and covered with the mud and debris from passing tractor tyres. If any more proof was needed, this road takes no prisoners., it is utterly savage but thats what we love, right? Sign up with your email address to receive offers, news and updates. This page provides an excellent and comprehensive summary of the top, hardest and best bicycling climbs in Wales. This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales, Huge vintage clothing warehouse where you can get designer brands at a fraction of the price, The Thrift operates over a huge 12,000 sq ft and stocks big brands as well as a value section, Superdrug anti-aging cream called 'botox in a tub' by shoppers, Optimum Collagen Day cream is priced at 14.99. I'd waited a long time to ride this road, initially put off by its "private" status. But the end of the steep ramp is within touching distance. See where the steepest portions of the climb are located by gradient group. We believe we have located and thoroughly documented the Top 10 Hardest (by Fiets and by Simon Warren) and 10 Most Epic (Simon Warren) and these are accessed via the Map or List above on the Wales Home page just above this Climb Area Summary. I dare not look up and in a situation like this it is best not to concentrate on the finish but just live in the moment, trying to stay on two wheels, preserving forward momentum. Thanks to Strava for the route maps and climb profiles. The faint summit can be seen straight in front for a large part of the climb, making it easy to set an impatient tempo that'll come back to bite you later on. First built in 2nd century by the Romans, the pass is unbelievably tough from both directions. You are eventually rewarded with a blissful flat stretch, but it's not over yet; round a left-hand bend is yet more 20% gradient, a final zig-zag and a few last kicks take you to what feels like the top of the world. Babusar Pass, 4. Where Leaving the A593 just south of Skelwith Bridge head west to Little Langdale. Top 100 #86. It's a testing drag, with the incline quickly kicking up to 9% and staying there or thereabouts much of the way to the top. He was in north Wales pinching some of my best KOMs so I thought he deserved some punishment. TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (FIETS INDEX), This extraordinary climb is in the northwestern section of Wales in the Snowdonia mountain region. Climbing into the Aran Mountains on the edge of Snowdonia, its a road of outstanding beauty rough, weathered and remorselessly steep. Approaching from either direction you see the radar station's "golf ball" glowing like a beacon on the top of the ridge. . Snowdonia (Welsh: Eryri) is a mountainous region in north west Wales and a national park of 823 square miles (2,130 km2) in area. My bike is creaking. Newly formed Denver Disruptors and Miami Nights NCL teams will make their debut at Tucson Bicycle Classic and tackle a full season of NCL and domestic racing, By Anne-Marije Rook But what is the attraction? But had this happened before I hit the deck or after? . Photos clockwise from top left: Bwlch y Groes (Wales #1, UK #2 hardest); Stwlan Dam (Wales #1, UK #2 most epic); Entering Wales in Llanymynech; Cardiff Castle; Welsh flag flying over Cardiff Castle (center). Where Leave the A684 that runs through Hawes and head south on Gayle Lane to Gayle. Begin the climb across the bridge at Cock Bridge just past Corgarff Castle. Apart from the few cars that travel this route, you're more likely to have wary, onlooking deer for company, as they track your slow progress up the mountain. Its so incredibly steep that even 10 seconds of going too hard early on and youll blow it, you really have to measure it just right., Dan Jones's climbing prowess and local knowledge showing on the steeper sections of Abdon Ddu. Approaching 20%, you crawl through harsh, boulder-littered scenery, a massive slog to the briefest of levels where the classification of the road changes public cars are allowed no further. Rhiwr Road (SW #197), and 10. Once past an axle weight sign the climb begins. Pass Gairnshiel Lodge and Colnabaichin. Do not attempt to ride here in unfavourable conditions. List of - 100 Climbs Total climbing: 21,293m over 322.75km. The surface is rough at first and steep from the outset, but improves as you pass over a cattlegrid and approach the double hairpin. Where: Between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Unlike national parks in other countries, Snowdonia (and other such parks in Britain) are made up of both public and private lands under central planning authority. danevanscycling Ffordd Pen Llech Bwlch Penbarra (SW #88), 9. Unceremoniously I hit the floor and proceeded to tumble southwards just missing Jess by millimeters (how she stayed upright Ill never know and sincerely I apologise for ruining her QOM attempt). Simon has been riding for over 30 years and has a long connection with Cycling Weekly, he was once a designer on the magazine and has been a regular contributor for many years. A headwind, on the other hand, and it can be a real grind. This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. Where: South of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire. The northern ascent of the Black has a very different character to its southern counterpart. . You'll probably wish you were enjoying a sedate stroll along the fairways of the adjacent golf club by the time you reach the lung-crushing gradients at the top of this punchy climb out of Pontypridd. Signup for our. Maximum gradient: 16%. I can see why. 1. Once the gradient kicks in it just gets steeper and steeper, 20% past the last of the houses, then the fun really starts. Stunning and rugged, the Black Mountain (and you) are open to the elements. Plus detailed bike, kit and accessory reviews from the experts. Al Jaadah Pass, 3. Ride only 600 meters but at a stunning 21.3% average grade. The scene of a brilliant double ascent during the 2013 Tour of Britain, this iconic route out of Caerphilly also features as the final climb in the Velothon Wales loop of South Wales. The Rhigos is an altogether different proposition from the south, getting straighter rather than more meandering as it climbs. The British is named after the massive old ironworks that once dominated this area above Pontypool. Here there is another leveling, a plateau of sorts before things turn from nasty to insane. Browse all of our prepackaged trips and find your next adventure! We relied heavily on Simon Warrens Top UK Climbs Series in ranking and documenting UK bike climbs (https://www.100climbs.co.uk/books) - they are the Gold Standard for cycling climbing in the UK. The wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britain's steepest hill. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. The best advice for anyone heading uphill out of Aberdare - don't put yourself in the red too early. The Great Orme from Llandudno via Marine Drive, The Great Orme from Llandudno via Ty Gwyn Road. If you were measuring the steepest, hardest, highest or longest climbs in South Wales, this wouldn't be anywhere near it. Since that first book, he's added 11 more, as well Ride Britain which showcases 40 inspirational road cycling routes. The road if you can call it that was built so vehicles could access the giant pipelines that draw water from Llyn Cowlyd and Llyn Eigiau to feed the Dolgarrog hydroelectric power Station and the water treatment plant that sits on its slopes. Scanuppia The road levels between the sharp bends giving you a chance to attack each wicked corner then gather yourself in time for the next. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs). World Cycle Tours, Nutterswood Cottage, Nutters Wood, Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3PZ, United Kingdom. You have 50 climbs on your lists, if you want to add more you can do so with climbfinder+. I have purchased and relied heavily on several of these books in deciding what climbs to include on the PJAMM Website for the UK. Baran Road is arguably the most beautiful of all the tough climbs were listing here. -- Climbs taken from 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs (8.99, . And don't even think about putting a foot down - you'll never get started again. This climb has a maximum gradient of 24% and an average gradient of 6.5%. Almost imperceptibly, the gradient rises up until you'll suddenly feel like you're pedaling through treacle - probably just before the turn-off for Fforest Fawr. After a few slight rises the road surface improves dramatically and stretches far into the distance, taking the shortest route over the featureless ridge.

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