hardest cycling climbs in wales

The 5 hardest cycling climbs in the UK (Please link to Pedalsure.com if using elsewhere) Bealach na B 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. Grid Ref: NG 775 423 (OS24) Length 8980m Height gain 623m Approx climb time 37 mins, Extracts taken from 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs and Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs by Simon Warren, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Cyclist climbing Hardknott Pass, The Lake District National Park, Cumbria Photograph: Peter Oliver/Alamy, Cyclists on Wrynose Pass in the Lake District. Please check your inbox to complete the sign-up process and ensure you receive emails and offers from us in the future. It only takes 1 minute and it's completely free. This climb is along the southeastern edge of Snowdonia National Park (established 1951 - third national park in Britain after Peak District and Lake District). The less celebrated of two routes up Llangynidr Mountain, the climb from Llangattock is no less difficult. This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. From there, there's the option of a fast descent into Defynnog, but a much better alternative is to continue in a straight line uphill and onto the ancient Heol Senni. Over the years, I've sought to climb as many hills as possible. Named after the huge old ironworks that once dominated this hillside above Pontypool, there's little to suggest the majesty of this climb's top section when you turn onto its lower slopes off the A4043 through Abersychan. Far from any major towns, the starting point is near some very old homesteads. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. 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. The bottom of the Abercynafon climb - note the 20% gradient, The open countryside of the Baran Road climb, The open part of the Bedlinog climb, after leaving the village, Looking south from the climb up the Black Mountain, The profile of the Black Mountain, from Brynamman, Looking down at the upper reaches of the Black Mountain climb from Llangadog, Looking north from the top of the Black Mountain, The profile for the Black Mountain from Llangadog, The top of the British, heading out of Abersychan, Steep inclines before leaving Aberdare on the way up Maerdy Mountain, The hairpin on the climb up Maerdy Mountain from Aberdare, Descending from the Bwlch into the Afan Valley, Near the top of the Bwlch, from the Afan Valley, The profile for the climb up the Bwlch from the Afan Valley, Looking up towards the summit of the Bwlch on the way up from Treorchy, The early part of the Caerphilly Mountain climb after leaving Tongwynlais, The steepest part of the climb up Caerphilly Mountain from Tongwynlais, The profile of the climb up Caerphilly Mountain from Caerphilly, The 20% slopes of the Wenallt climb up Caerphilly Mountain, The profile of the Wenallt climb up Caerphilly Mountain, Dan Martin and Nairo Quintana lead up Caerphilly Mountain in the 2013 Tour of Britain, The final kick on the Mountain Road ascent of Caerphilly Mountain, The profile of the climb up Caerphilly Mountain from the centre of the town, The road up Cefn Bryn stretching into the distance, The higher part of the Cimla climb out of Neath, The steep and cobbled slopes of Swansea's Constitution Hill, The long stretch up to Crai reservoir from Pen y Cae, The view down from the top hairpin on the Devil's Elbow, The top section of the Gospel Pass, after the steepest parts, Climbing up alongside dry stone walls and mountain streams on Heol Lan, Looking back down the climb out of Llangattock, Looking back down from the top of Llangynidr Mountain, Llanguicke Road: Almost unimaginably steep, The views from close to the summit of Llangynidr Mountain, The climb from Llangwm towards Shirenewton, The climb to Llanwonno, shortly after leaving the houses of Graigwen Road, The forested section close to the top of the climb to Llanwonno from Pontypridd, Onto more open terrain at the top of the Maerdy Mountain, The profile of the climb up Maerdy Mountain, The Old Black Rock climb from Gilwern to Brynmawr, The relentless gradient to the top of Penrhys, One of the steepest sections of the climb up past Pontypridd Golf Club, Looking back from the top of the Pontypridd Golf Club climb, The profile for the Pontypridd Golf Club climb, The top section of the Rhigos on the north side, The profile of the Rhigos climb from Hirwaun, The profile of the Rhigos from Treherbert, Rhiwr Road is difficult from the very start, Looking back towards Monmouth shortly after leaving Mitchel Troy on the climb to Trelleck, The profile of the climb towards Trelleck from Mitchel Troy. But I have to keep fighting. The route is found in Abersychan, Torfaen, where its lower slopes begin on the A4043 and then after a mile turn left and youll begin to climb through a breathtaking gorge. Okay - sheep is not the official mascot. 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. . 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. You have to take each and every opportunity to recover when it is presented, no matter how slight he says. Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. It's a very tough mile though, averaging somewhere around 9% as it cuts its way up the side of Maerdy Mountain. It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline. The Travel App includes many helpful travel tools, including: an itinerary, interactive map with points of interest and all loaded routes as well as navigation to each; a tracking feature that shows participant locations; records statistic for routes completed; post photos and text in real time to blog and map; and a share feature so friends, fans and family can follow you and your adventure on our interactive map. The first 200-yard segment averages 15%, so be sure to warm up. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. 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. Grid ref: NJ 252 118 (OS37) Length 3.01km Height gain 245m Approx climb time 21 mins, This is it: the Holy Grail, the toughest and wildest climb in Britain. 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. The views? I had to go and check it out. You'll be counting each and every pedal rev as you slowly push your way up the scree-littered road to the summit. Anything you have read or been told about this amazing road is likely to be true. The landscape is rough, its easy to see how the area gets pounded with rain and freezing temps most of the year. 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. Stay up to date with the latest developments. 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. Get the arrow-straight, slightly soul-destroying drag past Tower Colliery out the way and enjoy the way this climb gently curves its way across the front of the mountain. When: March 20-27, 2022. I did warn him how bad it was but he was like, yeah, its just another hill. for this page: ). 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. 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. Luckily for us the rain was holding on our expedition. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Is it the suffering? At the end of this long stretch, as we reach bend four of four. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. We begin this climb in the midst of lush pastureland. A little bit about Simon Warren - We contacted Simon Warren with our request for his Top 10 lists because we consider him the Gold Standard and cyclist with the most thorough and comprehensive knowledge of hill climbing by bike in the UK. - they are the Gold Standard for cycling climbing in the UK. After a few slight rises the road surface improves dramatically and stretches far into the distance, taking the shortest route over the featureless ridge. VIDEO: Snowboarder Climbs Tree To Evade Angry Moose. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs). This is the story of how he found it and just how painful it is to ride. 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. A pretty stone bridge over a stream takes you across the side of the hill, before a further hairpin spins you back towards the exposed top section. As Dan waltzes off ahead I am beginning to falter. You can also subscribe to the magazine, save on the cover price and get it delivered every Thursday. See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the Profile Tool button. The second bend here is so steep on the inside that it forces you far right, so take care. 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. 1. The 10 hardest hill climbs in Wales can be viewed on this page via the map (zoom in to view climbs in particular areas), by Climb Cards (photo and stats) or by a detailed list of the climbs that can be arranged in metric or imperial units by difficulty, distance (longest climbs in the area), altitude gained, highest elevation (highest summit), average grade (sort the grades by varying distances), lowest start point, etc. The traditional Snowdonia thus includes the ranges of Snowdon and its satellites, the Glyderau, the Carneddau and the Moel Siabod group. Between bend three and four the pitch increases to a brutal 30 per cent then backs off slightly so we can recover for an instant before it kicks up again. 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. Cyclist and spectators make their way up The Tumble Abergavenny. 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. The early parts of this mountain road rarely drop below 10% as the route winds its way up through the trees. The Harlech Hell Climb event was held on the excruciating climb on Sunday (August 11), with riders tackling the 330 metre climb, which averages 17 per cent and reaches a maximum gradient of 37.45 . 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. We completed this jewel in August 2018 and because it is so epic, came back for a second go in June 2022. Best time to cycle J F M A M J J A S O N D Ranking list Wales Difficulty points Gradient Length Total ascent How many have you ridden? If youve ever been to Manhattan and walked the streets straining your neck upwards to admire the skyscrapers, well, for a moment looking up this road it feels like that. Rising 859ft over 2.7 miles actually makes for a fairly manageable gradient most of the way up, and there's more road on which to gain altitude than it might look initially. Eventually you'll bend around to the left and the battered, rugged road levels for good. The maximum gradient is 13%. This featureoriginally appeared in the September 23 print edition of Cycling Weekly magazine,on sale in newsagents and supermarkets, priced 3.25. There is also now a Welsh Climbs book 100 greatest cycling climbs is a list of some of the hardest climbs in the UK from Constitution Hill to Kirkstone Pass and Ditchling Beacon. In front of you is the Alpine-style Ski Centre, a simply awesome ride. Where Leave the A470 at Dinas Mawddwy and head north east towards Aber-Cywarch. Where Head north into the mountains from Ballater on the A939. 2. 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. A great alternative to the Cray climb (see above) - this starts from the same point, but instead of taking the main road, bears left up a narrow lane into a desolate moment top. Afon Ddu starts abruptly from the main road and youll need just one gear, the lowest you can fit on your bike. Cairn O'Mount from the south side is 3.35km with an elevation gain of 319 meters. With the wind on your back, it's one that can be tackled in the big ring on a good day. This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britain's steepest hill. If you survive the absolute wall out of Pontypridd along Graigwen Road, you'll be treated to one of the most beautiful routes in this part of South Wales as the road follows a ridge high above Taff Valley to the historic church of Llanwonno. Since that first book, he's added 11 more, as well Ride Britain which showcases 40 inspirational road cycling routes. Through Gayle, the road flat, hugging the river, soon rises sharply for a short 17% lung-opener. Climbing for fun requires a particular type of sadism. Bath The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 ft (1,085 m). Cross the cattle grid onto a long straight 7% drag that takes you into the trees. Youll see the Foel Y Gordd formation as you enter the canyon area. But one thing's for sure - Wales has some great places to do it. "Cycling in south Wales is a completely different story. It's neither steep or particularly tough, but the constant sequence of false summits can make it a heartbreaking experience for an already fatigued rider. It never relents, never lets up until you reach the bend in the shadow of a rocky outcrop, you've still got a fair bit of climbing to reach the top, but it's not as hard now. But, I like to think its a Sheep in Dragons clothing. It also has a very interesting motorsport history: The History of Motor Sport and the Bwlch-y-Groes is nearly as old as motorsport. The beautiful landscape of the Brecon Beacons. Simon Warren has published many books on cycling climbing in the UK (e.g. The lodge helpfully is a decent cafe stop too as it happens. Height gain 286m Photograph: John Morrison/Alamy, Warning sign near the Rosedale Chimney in North Yorkshire Photograph: Mark Sunderland/Alamy, Remote pass Bwlch y Groes, Wales Photograph: Keith Morris/Alamy, The road from Cockbridge to Tomintoul, Aberdeenshire. . Sign up with your email address to receive offers, news and updates. We have twice personally documented the Welsh Top 10 Hardest Climbs. United Kingdom: Wales Hardest and Most Epic Hill Climbs. El Torneado, and 10. . Bwlch Penbarras from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, The Road to Hell from Denbigh via Nantglyn, Llanberis Pass / Pen-y-Pass from Nant Peris. It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline.The park is governed by the Snowdonia National Park Authority, which is made up of local government and Welsh representatives, and its main offices are at Penrhyndeudraeth. 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. A wide right-hand bend signifies the end of the toughest part, from where it's a lovely, if exactly, ride up to the top, with a hairpin halfway up affording a great view of the town you've just left. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. The sheer length of this steep section is what sets this climb apart, there's just nowhere to recover. of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. Simon Warren lists this as the third hardest climb in Wales, and sixth toughest in all the UK. No part of it is easy, but it's the first of two hairpins that makes it notorious. Pass the clock tower, and things step up a notch, with a straight 16% ramp taking you (via a flatter terrace section) onto the climb proper. Something went wrong, please try again later. Gradients of around 30% are generally only found on the inside of tight bends. If you want to share something you need to create an account. Simon ranked Bwlch y Groes as the fourth hardest climb in Wales (7 UK) and second most epic in Wales (after Stwlan Dam). Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. 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. Wales is a wonderful country with great people, extraordinary scenery and EPIC bike climbs!! 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. In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. She got all aggressive so we turned around and chilled for 20, walked back up the trail and she was still there . If you can ride this, you can ride anything. Zig-zag past cascading waterfalls, amidst the brief protection of rocky outcrops to exit this tangle of tarmac and round one final left hand to finish. We rank this monster as the #3 most difficult in Britain via the Fiets index - #2 in Wales! First off, a classic. The British is named after the massive old ironworks that once dominated this area above Pontypool. A commonly held belief is that the name is derived from eryr ("eagle"), and thus means 'the abode/land of eagles',but recent evidence is that it means quite simply Highlands, and is related to the Latin oriri (to rise) as leading Welsh scholar Sir Ifor Williams proved. Through a second gate it's easy for a while then bending right once again it's leg-breakingly tough to the finish at the station, where, looking around you, you might as well be on top of the world. Turn left after around a mile though, and everything changes. Like being first? They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. The three vicious ascents leaving Woodmancote all offer a fantastic challenge, and of the three it's Bushcombe Lane that stands apart. Heading up the Blorenge from the other side, the climb gains slightly less altitude in slightly greater distance. ALL CLIMBS PJAMM TRIPS MEMBER COMMENTS Climb List: (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more) PJAMM TRIPS ADVENTURE STARTER BUNDLES Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. Now climbing steeply, this slither of rough road clinging precariously to the mountainside bends hard right to deliver you into a true wilderness. Apagua, 5. Bwlch y Groes (SW #91), 3. 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). Passo Stelvio, Italy. Factoring in a pretty torrid road surface too means reaching the top of this wall is an achievement few will ever accomplish. But what is the attraction? After an age on the opening steep gradient the road banks right to plateau before a brief downhill. This leaves us with a wealth of material describing the setting and condition of the road nearly a 100 years ago (, Named Hellfire Pass by the English but better known by its Welsh name, Bwlch-Y-Groes. It starts from the village of Porlock and climbs an average of 10% gradient towards the top of Exmoor. Continue on to Fell Foot Farm and start to climb as you turn past the buildings. Signup for our. World Cycle Tours, Nutterswood Cottage, Nutters Wood, Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3PZ, United Kingdom. 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. Venture into Scotland or the North of England, and you'll also find some climbs to rival many an Alpine climb too, with England's Mont Ventoux - Great Dun Fell being a particular highlight. The wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. Plus detailed bike, kit and accessory reviews from the experts. Each country has her crowned Jewel and Bwlch y Groes makes a good argument for taking that award for the Welsh territory. Photograph: Paul White/Alamy, Scotch mist hanging over Bealach na Ba. Weve been crawling skyward for about two minutes, covering just 250m of tarmac as we round bend three. What comes next will take your breath away. If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. Bealach na B is the one most talked about, as one of few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom. In fact the Welsh flag has an imposing Dragon on it. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Bedlinog Ahead lies 30 metres that has every single ounce of muscle straining like a weight lifter attempting to raise four times their body weight above their heads. This climb has one very steep segment near the beginning of the climb: a full half-mile at 16.5%. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 ft (1,085 m). 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. This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. We decided to opt for an even steeper summit - Cairn O'Mount. We asked Simon Warren to provide us with lists of both the Top 10 Hardest, and Top 10 Most Epic bike climbs in England, Wales, Scotland, and the UK. Two miles up a main road at between 4% and 6% might sound easy, but that just depends on how fast you're going. Views and scenery during the middle of the climb. Ranking list This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. . This climb was renowned throughout the 1970s and 80s as the most challenging climb used in the Milk Race round-Britain cycle race (Wikipedia). This climb truly is beauty and the beast. Wrong. If a man with legs as strong as Dans struggles up a climb then what chance do us mortals have? This is a list of all 200 climbs feature in 100 Greatest cycling climbs and also the sequel But we dare you to stand at Broad Pool, look up at the ribbon of road snaking up to Gower's highest point and not want to ride it. Below, we detail 10 of the toughest climbs in the UK, and provide links to the Strava segments to help you plan your routes. 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. Its quite a strange effort needed to try and get the KOM, he explains. Having left the steep streets of Upper Brynamman behind, the road dissects the open mountainside, tussock-covered hillsides on both flanks. And it's so steep, close to 25% at the point where the tall valley walls disappear and the radar slowly rises over the horizon to sit above you, tracking the remainder of your progress. This climb has the steepest 500 meter segment in all the UK. A while later the utterly horrendous Cowlyd in north Wales found its way onto my radar and again the slate was wiped clean and a new standard was set. 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. There is no dress rehearsal for this stretch of road, this is one take and one take only. [Summarized above under Fiets Top 10 Hardest]. This gorgeous country road is testing for even the best cyclists, but it provides great views north towards the western Brecon Beacons. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. Named after the river beside it, the Afon Ddu (Welsh for black river) which flows down from Llyn Cowlyd I ask Dan how he first came across it.

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