hardest cycling climbs in wales hardest cycling climbs in wales

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. Where Leaving the A593 just south of Skelwith Bridge head west to Little Langdale. Approaching from either direction you see the radar station's "golf ball" glowing like a beacon on the top of the ridge. Bealach na B is the one most talked about, as one of few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom. Before the construction of the Heads of the Valleys road, this was the main road between Gilwern and Brynmawr. This was the advice of a local man as I approached the foot of this brutal climb last year. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Simon Warren for his books generally and for his contribution of Top 10 lists for PJAMM Cycling. 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. Essentially every turn is a blind curve. Views and scenery during the middle of the climb. I cant say for sure but I decide to stick with before to salvage what I can of my fragile ego. 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. 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. Climbing for fun requires a particular type of sadism. But what is the attraction? 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. Weve been crawling skyward for about two minutes, covering just 250m of tarmac as we round bend three. In many ways, the quintessential Welsh mountain road - wild, remote, desolate and endearingly featureless. 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. for this page: ). This climb has the steepest 500 meter segment in all the UK. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. South Africa's Cape Epic is the only MTB stage race classed as 'hors categorie' (beyond category) by the UCI, and upon looking at the eight days of riding . This climb is along the southeastern edge of Snowdonia National Park (established 1951 - third national park in Britain after Peak District and Lake District). This page provides an excellent and comprehensive summary of the top, hardest and best bicycling climbs in Wales. A mix of all three? Scotland Bealach Na Ba Bealach na B is arguably the toughest climb in Britain. The makeup of land ownership at Snowdonia is as follows (Wikipedia - Snowdonia National Park). I was to discover that there is absolutely no objection to cyclists riding it, although few would be mad enough. 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. With the wind on your back, it's one that can be tackled in the big ring on a good day. And don't even think about putting a foot down - you'll never get started again. The traditional Snowdonia thus includes the ranges of Snowdon and its satellites, the Glyderau, the Carneddau and the Moel Siabod group. From this page you may navigate to the top 10 most difficult bicycling climbs in Wales. On the opposite side of the Blorenge to the more famous Tumble, Rhiwr Road makes that famous climb look like child's play. 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. Inspecting my bike it appears my right pedal has partially disintegrated. What follows is a brief levelling out but you can't put off what lies ahead for long. 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. This is the story of how he found it and just how painful it is to ride. Explore the climbing route via Google Street Views. Simon ranked Bwlch y Groes as the fourth hardest climb in Wales (7 UK) and second most epic in Wales (after Stwlan Dam). How many have you suffered on your way up? This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. Thanks to Strava for the route maps and climb profiles. It's not quite the Alps, but it's a close as it gets in South Wales. Pozza San Glisente (Dos dell'Asino), 8. 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. 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. Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. Most local riders know its here, we gave it the nickname the Baby Zoncolan but we all avoid it like the plague. Heading up the Blorenge from the other side, the climb gains slightly less altitude in slightly greater distance. Where Leave the A470 at Dinas Mawddwy and head north east towards Aber-Cywarch. 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 Simon Warrenbefore our second trip to document the UKs top climbs in 2022 -- thus, its The Real Deal! You have to take each and every opportunity to recover when it is presented, no matter how slight he says. If any more proof was needed, this road takes no prisoners., it is utterly savage but thats what we love, right? It was the first to be designated of the three national parks in Wales, in 1951. The views? Riding alongside Dan with Jess tucked in behind we set off, all three of us understandably apprehensive of what lies ahead. It's also available via Apple Newsstand and Readly. This challenging route is found between between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil and is a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres). I did warn him how bad it was but he was like, yeah, its just another hill. The road levels between the sharp bends giving you a chance to attack each wicked corner then gather yourself in time for the next. To climb from the east, begin at the warning sign at Jubilee Bridge. The best advice for anyone heading uphill out of Aberdare - don't put yourself in the red too early. 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. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Once the gradient kicks in it just gets steeper and steeper, 20% past the last of the houses, then the fun really starts. When: March 20-27, 2022. ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! Here are some of the UK's other toughest ascents. I slump over the bars. Maximum gradient: 16%. I have purchased and relied heavily on several of these books in deciding what climbs to include on the PJAMM Website for the UK. 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. Simon and Dan get to grips with Pythagoras Theorem. Ffordd Penllech in Harlech is the UK's steepest road (Pic: Stephen Elwyn Roddick, via Wiki Commons) Jenkin Road was the final climb of stage two of this year's Tour de France (Pic: Marc, via. 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. Based in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Simon continues to keep riding his bike uphill and guides rides, hosts events and gives talks on climbing hills on bikes! Like being first? Get through this, the first of many brutal stretches, and things back off for a while before ramping up to the first of two gates. Signup for our. Plus detailed bike, kit and accessory reviews from the experts. What comes next will take your breath away. 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. Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our. The gradient towards the top is, in the most part, forgiving, with the most taxing stretches found around the villages lower down. F. J. Ranking list Visit our corporate site. (If you're cyclist in North, Mid or West Wales, we'll be preparing similar articles for your area - and there's a form at the bottom to send your suggestions). But I have to keep fighting. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. 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). Bwlch Penbarra to Jubilee Tower, 4. 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. Its found as you head north-west out of Pontardawe. 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. The top few miles of the Swansea Valley take you up the steady slopes of a wide and straight main road up to the beautiful Crai Reservoir. Only two miles, but one of those climbs that feels like it goes on forever. It's short, steep and fairly hostile all the way to the final left corner that brings you out Caerphilly Mountain's famous snack bar. 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. View epic images taken along the climbing route. 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. 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. 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. The top 10 hardest cycling climbs around the globe, all of which we have personally documented, are: 1. 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. View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in Wales. Simon Warren has published many books on cycling climbing in the UK (e.g. The route hugs the side of the steeply sided valley, following the contours of the hillside as it heads towards the summit. If you want the privilege of having ridden the highest paved road in Wales, you'll need to earn it. 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. When is the first day of spring and when do clocks go forward in 2023? 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. Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. 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. A long, long stretch of wickedly steep tarmac lies ahead, hugging the side of the mountain, with a slight levelling halfway but steeper still after that. A straight line of unflinching steepness of such monotony that it regularly feels like you're going nowhere. Ride only 600 meters but at a stunning 21.3% average grade. These days, cyclists have it pretty much to themselves, save for the odd bit of local traffic. TOP 3 MOST EPIC BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN), Cycling the incomparable Stwlan Dam, Wales. The gradient kicks up to 14% as you head through the Cimla area of Neath, before a descent the other side takes you down into the Afan Valley. An altitude gain of 620ft in just a mile gives a clue about what kind of climb this is. Region: South West Length: 3.1km Average gradient: 10% Elevation: 321m Over the course of the slog, you'll climb . 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. The less celebrated of two routes up Llangynidr Mountain, the climb from Llangattock is no less difficult. This brutal, bucket list climb invites you to tackle an incredible 48 hairpin bends between Prato and the mountain's summit. This climb has one very steep segment near the beginning of the climb: a full half-mile at 16.5%. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Simon Warren for his books generally and for his contribution of Top 10 lists for PJAMM Cycling. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britain's steepest hill. By the time you reach the clock tower in Pricetown, you'll have been climbing fairly constantly since Bryncethin. The first 10km climbs 800m to a small Visitor Centre, via ever steepening slopes and long 12 - 15% ramps. BA1 1UA. Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. The end of the dry stone wall alongside you signifies the top of the climb, from where there are beautiful views north towards the western Brecon Beacons. Cwm Eigiau, 6. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (. 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. Cross the cattle grid onto a long straight 7% drag that takes you into the trees. In Wales cyclists can find 74 interesting climbs between 5 and 550 meters above sea level. The hardest, most difficult and challenging cycling climbs in Wales are, in order of difficulty, 1. Where: Heading north-west out of Pontardawe. It is an incredible climb both ways but the road from Tornapress, heading north-west, is just awesome. The maximum gradient is 13%. There's still plenty of climbing to do along the way, but nothing as ugly as the severe slopes that head straight out of Ponty. Horshoe Pass (Bwlch yr Oernant) - 317m - 7 to 20% - 6.1km #91. Do not attempt to ride here in unfavourable conditions. The climb lasts for almost a mile and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. Afon Ddu, 7. Ride two miles gaining 1,055 at 10.3% average grade. Early motoring magazines often mention that editorial staff hand car manufacturers had been testing on the Bwlch y Groes owing to its status of a continual and sever gradient to one of the highest moorland crossings by a road in the UK. This climb isn't for the faint-hearted. The first time I went up was on a mountain bike and even that proved almost impossible, however, once I got to the top I knew I had to return on a road bike to see how fast I could ride it, he recalls. Turn away from the village of Knock and begin opposite a farm gate. Factoring in a pretty torrid road surface too means reaching the top of this wall is an achievement few will ever accomplish. The famous hairpin means you've broken the back of it, and by the time you're onto the tree-lined final straight, you'll virtually be able to taste the ice cream from the van in the layby at the summit. The distinctive remnants of an ancient quarry indicate the summit. Babusar Pass, 4. Its gradient maxes out at 37 percent, with an . 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. Early motoring magazines often mention that editorial staff hand car manufacturers had been testing on the Bwlch y Groes owing to its status of a continual and sever gradient to one of the highest moorland crossings by a road in the UK. The surface, just wide enough for a single car, is smooth at the edges but little more than gravel and moss in the centre. South Wales needs no introduction. Where: Between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. In fact, there is a sign at the start warning that the road is Unsuitable for motor vehicles. Although I assume this is mostly to keep tourists away as we intersected multiple residents traveling the road in their cars. We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South Wales. Whether it's the pine trees, the hairpin close to the top, or the meadows at the summit, but there always seems something slightly alpine about this little climb at the top of the Rhondda - even though it's less than a mile long. Where: Heading north out of Nantymoel in the Ogmore Valley. 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. Having left the steep streets of Upper Brynamman behind, the road dissects the open mountainside, tussock-covered hillsides on both flanks. The gradient on the inside of the bend is estimated to be somewhere in excess of 30%, and while you'd be daft to try riding over that bit, the outside isn't exactly a piece of cake either. 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. Now on Station Road, take the third left after crossing the rail line on to Bushcombe Lane between the two 25% signs. We parked at the Church in the town of Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd (try saying that TWO times fast . Continue on to Fell Foot Farm and start to climb as you turn past the buildings. 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). You'll find the top, most difficult, epic, scenic, hardest, challenging, extreme, inspiring, bucket list bike climbs located in Wales. It starts from the village of Porlock and climbs an average of 10% gradient towards the top of Exmoor. 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. 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. Llangynidr Mountain is very much a climb of two halves. Grid Ref: NY 231 014 (OS96). 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. Leaving Rosedale Abbey, a sign warns you of the one-in-three yes, one-in-three gradient to come. We begin this climb in the midst of lush pastureland. 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 wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. But amongst the legendary Welsh valleys, beaches and mountains found in the south of the country, where can you find the most challenging climbs on two wheels? Published 2 March 23. How many have you ridden? Constant variations in gradient make finding a rhythm a tough task and there are significant stretches in excess of 10%. When I first tackled Hardknott Pass in the Lake District I assumed nothing could ever beat that, but then a few years after I discovered the road up to Abdon Burf in the Shropshire Hills and my perception of torture was changed. Let us know your thoughts about this page. 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. Cobbled and super-steep, the infamous Constitution Hill might be less than a quarter of a mile long, but it's more reminiscent of a Belgian berg than a Welsh hill. Dan is still chatting away but Ive fallen silent - there is no space to fit words in-between breaths. For more epic hill climbing data, visit our Top 10 Most Epic UK and also our Top 10 Most Epic Welsh hill . 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. It's all a bit of an optical illusion though. "Backcountry riding and we were on a pump track to get back inbounds. Grid Ref: SH 913 232 (OS125)Length 3.56km Height gain 385m Approx climb time 23 mins, A true monster of a climb through the heart of the Cairngorms, the road up to the Lecht Ski Centre is a simply stunning ride. Youll see the Foel Y Gordd formation as you enter the canyon area. Begin the climb across the bridge at Cock Bridge just past Corgarff Castle. 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. Youre not going to forget the name of this route, nor how it makes you feel! Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Now round to the right, the ever steepening, increasingly lumpy surface heads into arguably the hardest section of relentlessly steep tarmac in Britain. Just keep going, then head down the terrifying descent. Saw signs of a moose, unstrapped and started walking down the trail and saw her about 100ft up the trail. 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. Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. The lodge helpfully is a decent cafe stop too as it happens. He was in north Wales pinching some of my best KOMs so I thought he deserved some punishment. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. 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. The scenery gets more barren as you climb, dispensing with the trees and dry stone walls of the lower stretches and opening out into a classic Brecon Beacons landscape at the summit. 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. 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. Where Turn off the A896 and head east just before Tornapress. 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. Bath They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. How steep? 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. We relied heavily on Simon Warrens Top UK Climbs Series in ranking and documenting UK bike climbs (. ) VIDEO: Snowboarder Climbs Tree To Evade Angry Moose.