hardest cycling climbs in wales hardest cycling climbs in wales

Where Leave the A684 that runs through Hawes and head south on Gayle Lane to Gayle. But the gentle appearance of the hedge-lined opening can be misleading - it's here that the damage can be done if not enough is left in the tank for the slightly more forgiving upper reaches. Click on "Climb Page" to jump to the detail page for that particular bike climb. 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. Follow the road alongside the river to Llanymawddwy, pass through and begin the climb across the Pont y Pennant. Simon and Dan get to grips with Pythagoras Theorem. 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. For more epic hill climbing data, visit our Top 10 Most Epic UK and also our Top 10 Most Epic Welsh hill . Start opposite the old red telephone box, past the numerous warning signs, across the cattle grid then bend slightly left. Cyclist and spectators make their way up The Tumble Abergavenny. It might be less than a mile, but make no mistake - this is the one of the toughest climbs in South Wales, with the gradient hovering around 15% virtually all the way until it finally shows some mercy in the last couple of hundred metres. But had this happened before I hit the deck or after? Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. Now very narrow and lined with snow poles, the climb is so well surfaced it resembles a two-metre-wide carpet. You have to pace yourself because as the road progresses you hit a series of bends, coupled with a 30% gradient. [Summarized above under Fiets Top 10 Hardest]. and climbs through roadside fields. Now round to the right, the ever steepening, increasingly lumpy surface heads into arguably the hardest section of relentlessly steep tarmac in Britain. Al Jaadah Pass, 3. The northern ascent of the Black has a very different character to its southern counterpart. Or should we be asking, how accurate? This featureoriginally appeared in the September 23 print edition of Cycling Weekly magazine,on sale in newsagents and supermarkets, priced 3.25. We relied heavily on Simon Warrens Top UK Climbs Series in ranking and documenting UK bike climbs (. ) 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. On the west coast of Scotland, Bealach na B has the most elevation gain of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level to 626m over a stretch of 9.2km. As of 2022, Simon Warren has published 12 cycling climbing books - 10 focusing on the UK, one on TdF and the other on the Giro. Explore the climbing route via Google Street Views. There's a choice towards the top between turning right down towards Llangynidr or carrying on along the road to Rassau to complete the full climb. 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. First off, a classic. One of the hardest climbs in the South West (Credit: Mark Percy) Dunkery Beacon is one of the toughest climbs in the south west of England with 321m of climbing over 3.1km. for this page: ). At the end of this long stretch, as we reach bend four of four. As I force round this wicked right-hander, bend three, the pale, rugged and debris-strewn surface rises up like a wall through the trees. Anything you have read or been told about this amazing road is likely to be true. The hardest part is swinging onto the six or seven kilometre climbs and seeing riders crawling up the hill ahead of you looking like ants . 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. By the time that respite comes, you've climbed nearly 800ft. The surface, just wide enough for a single car, is smooth at the edges but little more than gravel and moss in the centre. Cyclist and spectators make their way up The Tumble and line the road as the Tour of Britain cyclist near the finish, Abergavenny. El Torneado, and 10. Photograph: Paul White/Alamy, Scotch mist hanging over Bealach na Ba. That said, Bwlch Penbarra is certainly a top three for US. 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. But the end of the steep ramp is within touching distance. This is a list of all 200 climbs feature in 100 Greatest cycling climbs and also the sequel Enter the first of two sets of brutal switchbacks and wrench body and bike through the 25% corners. Summarized above under Fiets Top 10 Hardest], 100 Greatest Climbs - A Road Cyclists Guide To Britains Hills, Rate climbs, post comments and share your experiences on any of our climb pages, Create bucket lists of climbs & mark the dates you complete them, Weather data for all climbs - Start & Finish, Upload photos to your member page to customize your PJAMM Cycling experience, Utilize all of our interactive tools - Profile & Routes in Area. Top 100 #86. Climb summary by PJAMM Cyclings Brad Butterfield - he climbed this one in 2018 and 2022. Region: South West Length: 3.1km Average gradient: 10% Elevation: 321m Most local riders know its here, we gave it the nickname the Baby Zoncolan but we all avoid it like the plague. 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. The Rhigos is an altogether different proposition from the south, getting straighter rather than more meandering as it climbs. It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline. - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Eventually you'll bend around to the left and the battered, rugged road levels for good. If any more proof was needed, this road takes no prisoners., it is utterly savage but thats what we love, right? Plus detailed bike, kit and accessory reviews from the experts. Factoring in a pretty torrid road surface too means reaching the top of this wall is an achievement few will ever accomplish. 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. By the time the open mountain top is reached, things are much more benign. 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. Soon into the ride we are climbing through a canyon area with dramatic plateaus and hillside formations, particularly on the right side as we climb. With summer temperatures routinely. Its gradient maxes out at 37 percent, with an . 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. Wales treated us quite well on our visit in August 2018. 1. 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. Now straightening up, the next stretch is ridiculously hard, the main problem here being just staying upright while either side of the road, sheep wait to see if yet another rider falls victim to the Chimney. The second bend here is so steep on the inside that it forces you far right, so take care. With a maximum gradient of 22% and an average gradient of 8.1% youre afforded great views of Aberdare the higher you climb. Constant variations in gradient make finding a rhythm a tough task and there are significant stretches in excess of 10%. We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South Wales. 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. Pass Gairnshiel Lodge and Colnabaichin. Even though its very short you have to go so slowly at first. But those who want to do climbs like Penrhys are extreme even within that bracket. 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. Afon Ddu starts abruptly from the main road and youll need just one gear, the lowest you can fit on your bike. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. 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. Approaching from either direction you see the radar station's "golf ball" glowing like a beacon on the top of the ridge. Bedlinog Now on Station Road, take the third left after crossing the rail line on to Bushcombe Lane between the two 25% signs. Signup for our. "Cycling in south Wales is a completely different story. 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. 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. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. In front of you is the Alpine-style Ski Centre, a simply awesome ride. The Hardest Climbs - The Steepest Roads in the World Bikes & Gear Health & Nutrition Training Repair Exclusives Subscribe Sign In 1 Five Black Women Who Rode From NYC to DCin 1928 2 18 Best. The sense of achievement? They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. Watch a gorgeous open up before your eyes as you tackle this country road that rises straight out of Pontardawe. The gradient towards the top is, in the most part, forgiving, with the most taxing stretches found around the villages lower down. The wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. Photograph: Stephen Dorey/Alamy. Ride 1.8 miles gaining 916 at 10% average grade. This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. Llangynidr Mountain is very much a climb of two halves. 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. Thank you for signing up! If you can ride this, you can ride anything. 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. Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. Let us know your thoughts about this page. Height gain 286m I asked. Riding from Llangadog, you'll be climbing before you realise, but the real business starts after the woodland stops and the open mountainside starts. He was in north Wales pinching some of my best KOMs so I thought he deserved some punishment. The road levels slightly but the. TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN). How many have you suffered on your way up? Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. It's very steep into a small woodland, over a cattle grid and then you will see the enormity of your task. of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. Browse all of our prepackaged trips and find your next adventure! 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. Where Turn off the A896 and head east just before Tornapress. The Gospel Pass is situated in Wales. 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! 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. This is the story of how he found it and just how painful it is to ride. I had to go and check it out. In fact the Welsh flag has an imposing Dragon on it. 2. All rights reserved. Only two miles, but one of those climbs that feels like it goes on forever. Heading up the Blorenge from the other side, the climb gains slightly less altitude in slightly greater distance. Apagua, 5. Friends Dominic Millar, Graham Salisbury and James Findlater have returned home triumphant having completed 3,300 miles and climbed around 50 vertical miles in month-long endurance cycling . The average gradient might "only" be 8.3%, but that's reduced by the steady stretch of false flat that precedes the summit. 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. Simon Warren has published many books on cycling climbing in the UK (e.g. A mix of all three? Below is a list of Simons choices for Wales Top 10 Hardest and Top 10 Most Epic. The less celebrated of two routes up Llangynidr Mountain, the climb from Llangattock is no less difficult. The Tour of Britain tackled the climb in 2010, when Swiss Michael Albasini attacked up it to take a solo win in Swansea. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs). La Muerte, 9. In 2021 we contacted Simon Warren requesting his picks for the Top 10 Most Epic and Top 10 Hardest bike climbs in (1) Wales, (2) England, (3) Scotland, and (4) the UK. From there it's a steep and tough push to reach the saddle of the pass. You'll find the top, most difficult, epic, scenic, hardest, challenging, extreme, inspiring, bucket list bike climbs located in Wales. 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. -- Climbs taken from 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs (8.99, . 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? Who knows. 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. Leave the head of Loch Kishorn, turn left and you're on your way, soon passing the large sign warning of the various dangers that lie ahead. 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. Cycling apparel brand, Rapha today launched the Rapha Film Fund, a program designed to help support creatives bring their life lived by bike stories to life on Raphas YouTube. The sheer length of this steep section is what sets this climb apart, there's just nowhere to recover. Thankfully it eases off as it reaches the higher levels, giving you the chance to recover before the summit while taking in stunning views of Hay Bluff and the English borders. 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. . The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 ft (1,085 m). If a man with legs as strong as Dans struggles up a climb then what chance do us mortals have? Canton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. Simon ranked Bwlch y Groes as the fourth hardest climb in Wales (7 UK) and second most epic in Wales (after Stwlan Dam). WOW - enough said! Essentially every turn is a blind curve. Ride only 600 meters but at a stunning 21.3% average grade. 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. 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 bike climbs we have documented are in the slideshow above. This was the advice of a local man as I approached the foot of this brutal climb last year. The lower half is a meander through pastoral scenery, before suddenly opening out onto exposed mountain top with stunning views of the peaks around Abergavenny. 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. Not here. But, I like to think its a Sheep in Dragons clothing. 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. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in Wales. 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. 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. The base of the climb is on the first right out of the village next to a farm gate. 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. 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 . 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. 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. Bealach na B is the one most talked about, as one of few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom. You can also subscribe to the magazine, save on the cover price and get it delivered every Thursday. This extraordinary climb is in the northwestern section of Wales in the Snowdonia mountain region. It's that steep much of the way. It's a very tough mile though, averaging somewhere around 9% as it cuts its way up the side of Maerdy Mountain. 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. Over the course of the slog, you'll climb . It's all a bit of an optical illusion though. The Tyla rounds the Blorenge from Gilwern, Heading into the trees on the Wentwood Ridge climb just where it starts to get really steep. Bwlch y Groes is rich in history and strong on inspiring, if not breathtaking, scenery. Gwent The toughest climb in south Wales Where Heading west on the A465 from . (If you're cyclist in North, Mid or West Wales, we'll be. . Luckily for us the rain was holding on our expedition. Stay up to date with the latest developments. Between the narrow road, the rutted surface and the severity of the slope, this is one seriously tough climb. 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. 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. The second set of switchbacks are steeper still, and these now 30% slopes will have you straining every sinew as your front wheel desperately searches for a kinder gradient and weaves all over the road fighting to stay upright. The surface is rough at first and steep from the outset, but improves as you pass over a cattlegrid and approach the double hairpin. Youll enjoy unobstructed views of the canyon as you pass Wales mascot - Sheep! Dan tells me he brought none other than Andrew Feather (current national hill climb champion) here a few weeks back. This climb isn't for the faint-hearted. I was to discover that there is absolutely no objection to cyclists riding it, although few would be mad enough. If you want the privilege of having ridden the highest paved road in Wales, you'll need to earn it. Where: South of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire. Holding a straight line is becoming all but impossible and the effort needed is simply unsustainable. By the time you reach the clock tower in Pricetown, you'll have been climbing fairly constantly since Bryncethin. 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. 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. List of - 100 Climbs Total climbing: 21,293m over 322.75km. Climbing for fun requires a particular type of sadism. This challenging route is found between between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil and is a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres). Picturesque mountains, hills, valleys and coastland define the landscape, and make the area a dream cycling location. Dan is his normal chatty self as we hit the first ramp, our wheels getting their first taste of the ribbed and abrasive concrete surface that would do its best to hinder our progress the entire way up. South Wales needs no introduction. Finish at the car park at the top of the climb. After all that has preceded it, the finale a set of four hairpin bends may be all too much, but fear not. As of 2022, Simon Warren has published 12 cycling climbing books - 10 focusing on the UK, one on TdF and the other on the Giro. Arguably, though, he is best known as the author of Cycling Climbs series of books. Favourite cycling climbs in North Wales 1 - Pen-y-Pass aka Llanberis Pass Pen Y Pass Profile. Things start off fairly easily, but get harder and harder and harder again by the time you near the summit of Cefn Eglwysllan, with a lovely 20% ramp greeting you to the very top. It is an incredible climb both ways but the road from Tornapress, heading north-west, is just awesome. The first 10km climbs 800m to a small Visitor Centre, via ever steepening slopes and long 12 - 15% ramps. 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. This climb has one very steep segment near the beginning of the climb: a full half-mile at 16.5%. This is apparent in books published prior to 1951, such as the classic travelogue Wild Wales by George Borrow (1862) and The Mountains of Snowdonia by H. Carr & G. Lister (1925). Baran Road is arguably the most beautiful of all the tough climbs were listing here. First built in 2nd century by the Romans, the pass is unbelievably tough from both directions. 1. The Brecon landscape is barren but beautiful as you climb 3.5 miles in Pen-y-Cae. Where: Heading north-west out of Pontardawe. Thanks to Strava for the route maps and climb profiles. Where: Between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil. We rank this monster as #2 most difficult in UK via the Fiets index. Within a few hundred feet of the start point, a switchback of over 20% warns you of the battle to come. This climb was renowned throughout the 1970s and 80s as the most challenging climb used in the Milk Race round-Britain cycle race (Wikipedia). Like being first? 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. Snowdonia (Welsh: Eryri) is a mountainous region in north west Wales and a national park of 823 square miles (2,130 km2) in area. 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.