hardest cycling climbs in wales

Don't let the urban nature of this climb fool you - it's not easy. 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. (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more). Its quite a strange effort needed to try and get the KOM, he explains. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britain's steepest hill. Apagua, 5. Please check your inbox to complete the sign-up process and ensure you receive emails and offers from us in the future. The Netherlands: A trip through the lowlands. Grid ref: SD 862 843 (OS98)Length 5.34km Height gain 323m Approx climb time 22 mins, On the eastern edge of the Long Mynd lies the infamous Asterton Bank, also known by many other names that I could not print here. How many have you ridden? An altitude gain of 620ft in just a mile gives a clue about what kind of climb this is. In a way. If someone built it we will damn well try and ride it, even if it means falling on our ass because. I say a big thank you to Dan and Jess for joining me for the morning its then that they point out to me, if you thought it was hard on the way up, just wait until you go back down. Now on Station Road, take the third left after crossing the rail line on to Bushcombe Lane between the two 25% signs. It is really tough to crown just one climb in Wales as a favorite after riding so many over our few weeks of riding in June 2022. Do not attempt to ride here in unfavourable conditions. 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 . BA1 1UA. The average gradient might "only" be 8.3%, but that's reduced by the steady stretch of false flat that precedes the summit. 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 early parts of this mountain road rarely drop below 10% as the route winds its way up through the trees. 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. Cairn O'Mount from the south side is 3.35km with an elevation gain of 319 meters. If there's a more brutal stretch of road anywhere in South Wales than Llanguicke Road, then it's definitely best avoided. No part of it is easy, but it's the first of two hairpins that makes it notorious. Since that first book, he's added 11 more, as well Ride Britain which showcases 40 inspirational road cycling routes. Thanks to Strava for the route maps and climb profiles. 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. Youll see the Foel Y Gordd formation as you enter the canyon area. 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. 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. It's mentally taxing rather than a top-level physical challenge - the four miles of climbing are largely gentle in gradient terms, but difficult because of the scale of the landscape. 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. Bath I asked. Luckily for us the rain was holding on our expedition. 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 . Is it the suffering? Two miles up a main road at between 4% and 6% might sound easy, but that just depends on how fast you're going. When is the first day of spring and when do clocks go forward in 2023? 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. He wasn't wrong. In Wales cyclists can find 74 interesting climbs between 5 and 550 meters above sea level. The road levels between the sharp bends giving you a chance to attack each wicked corner then gather yourself in time for the next. Views and scenery during the middle of the climb. Before the construction of the Heads of the Valleys road, this was the main road between Gilwern and Brynmawr. Bealach na B is the one most talked about, as one of few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom. It was the first to be designated of the three national parks in Wales, in 1951. 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. In fact the Welsh flag has an imposing Dragon on it. 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. My puny cycling arms are shaking like a frightened kitten. It's a very tough mile though, averaging somewhere around 9% as it cuts its way up the side of Maerdy Mountain. for this page: ). Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. 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. The Most Challenging Climbs in South Wales, West Sicily: A Journey Through Ancient Culture & History, Wales: Cycling From The Border To The Brecon Beacons, Sweden: The Kattegattleden & Halland Coast. 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. Penbarra ( Bwlch Pen barras / Bwlch Penbarras / Old Bwlch) - 258m - 11 to 25% - 2.3km #89. 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. The gradient towards the top is, in the most part, forgiving, with the most taxing stretches found around the villages lower down. And don't even think about putting a foot down - you'll never get started again. 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. 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. By the time you reach the clock tower in Pricetown, you'll have been climbing fairly constantly since Bryncethin. You have 50 climbs on your lists, if you want to add more you can do so with climbfinder+. I was to discover that there is absolutely no objection to cyclists riding it, although few would be mad enough. Where Leave the A470 at Dinas Mawddwy and head north east towards Aber-Cywarch. This climb has a maximum gradient of 24% and an average gradient of 6.5%. Essentially every turn is a blind curve. A short flat section ramps up hard, then almost levels before ramping hard again. And yet once you get to the top, you'll realise you enjoyed every second. I can see why. 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. 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. But what is the attraction? We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. 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. 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. Select a portion of the route to retrieve climb & profile data for that segment. This climb has the steepest 500 meter segment in all the UK. 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. Check the forecast before you head out and be prepared for harsher weather at the top. Weve been crawling skyward for about two minutes, covering just 250m of tarmac as we round bend three. WOW - enough said! Now round to the right, the ever steepening, increasingly lumpy surface heads into arguably the hardest section of relentlessly steep tarmac in Britain. North, as editor of the book Snowdonia (1949), states "When the Committee delineated provisional boundaries, they included areas some distance beyond Snowdonia proper." 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. Simon Warren has published many books on cycling climbing in the UK (e.g. It does not include the hills to the south of Maentwrog. Constant variations in gradient make finding a rhythm a tough task and there are significant stretches in excess of 10%. Pass through the village, over the river, turning right to find the base of Beggarmans Road and head for the sky. Learn More ALL TRIPS 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. Length 2.25km Height gain 298m Approx climb time 15 mins, If Hardknott is the king of climbs, then Wrynose is its queen; slightly softer at the edges but no less ruthless. Riding from Llangadog, you'll be climbing before you realise, but the real business starts after the woodland stops and the open mountainside starts. Like being first? This climb isn't for the faint-hearted. Browse all of our prepackaged trips and find your next adventure! Eventually you'll bend around to the left and the battered, rugged road levels for good. He was in north Wales pinching some of my best KOMs so I thought he deserved some punishment. 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 . 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. 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. The hardest, most difficult and challenging cycling climbs in Wales are, in order of difficulty, 1. A mix of all three? Where: Between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. As Eryri (see above), this area has a unique place in Welsh history, tradition and culture. #3 HARDEST WELSH CLIMB -BWLCH PENBARRA TO JUBILEE TOWER, Cycling Bwlch Penbarras to Jubilee Tower, Wales. At this point, the climb would get significantly worse! The Rhigos is an altogether different proposition from the south, getting straighter rather than more meandering as it climbs. Enter the first of two sets of brutal switchbacks and wrench body and bike through the 25% corners. The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs, 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. This extraordinary climb is in the northwestern section of Wales in the Snowdonia mountain region. Only two miles, but one of those climbs that feels like it goes on forever. Baniamr Aquabah Pass, 6. From the long, straight opening stretch, the summit seems scarily close in distance, while worryingly far away in altitude. This climb has one very steep segment near the beginning of the climb: a full half-mile at 16.5%. We begin this climb in the midst of lush pastureland. Llano de las Animas, 7. This climb was renowned throughout the 1970s and 80s as the most challenging climb used in the Milk Race round-Britain cycle race (, The History of Motor Sport and the Bwlch-y-Groes is nearly as old as motorsport. 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 steepest parts of the climb are before you've even left the edge of the town, but it's long enough to be a real struggle if you've burnt too many matches too soon. TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN). This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (FIETS INDEX), This extraordinary climb is in the northwestern section of Wales in the Snowdonia mountain region. 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. 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. The photos in the collage at the top of this page are of PJAMMs Top 10 Hardest per the Fiets Index. Sign up with your email address to receive offers, news and updates. Climbing up through Bedlinog is such a challenge because its so deceptive. The second bend here is so steep on the inside that it forces you far right, so take care. I snapped my chain not once but twice in my attempt to conquer this vicious stretch of tarmac. This featureoriginally appeared in the September 23 print edition of Cycling Weekly magazine,on sale in newsagents and supermarkets, priced 3.25. 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. Afon Ddu starts abruptly from the main road and youll need just one gear, the lowest you can fit on your bike. 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. She got all aggressive so we turned around and chilled for 20, walked back up the trail and she was still there . The beautiful landscape of the Brecon Beacons. 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. Where: Heading north out of Cymmer in the Afan Valley. 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 . Bwlch y Groes is rich in history and strong on inspiring, if not breathtaking, scenery. 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. The Cowlyd, 2. "Cycling in south Wales is a completely different story. On our climb, we encountered a car and had to back up nearly a kilometer to find a place where they could pass. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news sent straight to your inbox? In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. 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? The Road to Hell - 353m - 3 to 20% - 11km #90. Finish at the car park at the top of the climb. 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. Wales is a wonderful country with great people, extraordinary scenery and EPIC bike climbs!! 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. 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. If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. We relied heavily on Simon Warrens Top UK Climbs Series in ranking and documenting UK bike climbs (. ) With summer temperatures routinely. For more epic hill climbing data, visit our Top 10 Most Epic UK and also our Top 10 Most Epic Welsh hill . . 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. This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. The Tyla rounds The Blorenge Mountain from Gilwern, and its an incredibly challenging climb, mainly because of its steep lower slopes. Explore the climbing route via Google Street Views. Heres how it works. Top 100 #86. 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! Through the gate, straight over a cattle grid and into more hard work, the road bending left past a stone shelter, a sure-fire signal although you are nowhere near the top yet that you're heading into truly hostile country. I can now hear Jess approaching from behind, her 34 x 32 slightly more suited to the venue than my 34 x 28, judging by her colourful language I assume I am in her way. Since that . 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. Each country has her crowned Jewel and Bwlch y Groes makes a good argument for taking that award for the Welsh territory. Where Leave the A684 that runs through Hawes and head south on Gayle Lane to Gayle. Climb the Gospel Pass via Hay on Wye by bike. This climb was renowned throughout the 1970s and 80s as the most challenging climb used in the Milk Race round-Britain cycle race (Wikipedia). Simon ranked Bwlch y Groes as the fourth hardest climb in Wales (7 UK) and second most epic in Wales (after Stwlan Dam). El Torneado, and 10. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. and climbs through roadside fields. The Gospel Pass is 548 high. 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. 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. 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. Bending right the slope immediately kicks up to around 25 per cent but this is mere childs play compared to what lies ahead. . Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. What follows is a brief levelling out but you can't put off what lies ahead for long. I'd waited a long time to ride this road, initially put off by its "private" status. Im now trapped on a two foot wide strip of rippled 30 per cent concrete fighting for survival. The less celebrated of two routes up Llangynidr Mountain, the climb from Llangattock is no less difficult. 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. The Gospel Pass is situated in Wales. The Great Orme from Llandudno via Marine Drive, The Great Orme from Llandudno via Ty Gwyn Road. Where: Heading north-west out of Pontardawe. Climb summary by PJAMM Cyclings Brad Butterfield - he climbed this one in 2018 and 2022. The sense of achievement? We completed this jewel in August 2018 and because it is so epic, came back for a second go in June 2022. Leaving Rosedale Abbey, a sign warns you of the one-in-three yes, one-in-three gradient to come. The majority of Scotland's roads stick to valleys as there's no need to cross the mountains but here they link the village of Applecross with the rest of the world by taking the route over the top of Bealach-na-Ba. 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. All rights reserved. After an age on the opening steep gradient the road banks right to plateau before a brief downhill. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. 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. 1. How many have you suffered on your way up? It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs). Factoring in a pretty torrid road surface too means reaching the top of this wall is an achievement few will ever accomplish. You have to pace yourself because as the road progresses you hit a series of bends, coupled with a 30% gradient. Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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. 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. That said, Bwlch Penbarra is certainly a top three for US. 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). 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. 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. 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. Picturesque mountains, hills, valleys and coastland define the landscape, and make the area a dream cycling location. Saw signs of a moose, unstrapped and started walking down the trail and saw her about 100ft up the trail. Favourite cycling climbs in North Wales 1 - Pen-y-Pass aka Llanberis Pass Pen Y Pass Profile. Windswept and remote this climb begins in Brynamman, Carmarthenshire, and goes for 3.7 miles with a 12% gradient.

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