Bryn Du is a very steep climb in Aberdare, up Maerdy Mountain. Now climbing steeply, this slither of rough road clinging precariously to the mountainside bends hard right to deliver you into a true wilderness. The first 200-yard segment averages 15%, so be sure to warm up. If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. Do not attempt to ride here in unfavourable conditions. 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. 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. Rounding the corner I spot our photographer Andy ahead and see he isnt in position. This page provides an excellent and comprehensive summary of the top, hardest and best bicycling climbs in Wales. It was the first to be designated of the three national parks in Wales, in 1951. Inspecting my bike it appears my right pedal has partially disintegrated. World Cycle Tours, Nutterswood Cottage, Nutters Wood, Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3PZ, United Kingdom. In Wales cyclists can find 74 interesting climbs between 5 and 550 meters above sea level. The climb lasts for almost a mile and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. 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. Top 7 cycling climbs in North Wales and Snowdonia It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline. This brutal, bucket list climb invites you to tackle an incredible 48 hairpin bends between Prato and the mountain's summit. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. But its trajectory means that the damage is done on the brutally steep lower slopes. A short flat section ramps up hard, then almost levels before ramping hard again. In fact the Welsh flag has an imposing Dragon on it. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. This climb was renowned throughout the 1970s and 80s as the most challenging climb used in the Milk Race round-Britain cycle race (Wikipedia). Between the narrow road, the rutted surface and the severity of the slope, this is one seriously tough climb. Electric Mountain, 5. 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. Each country has her crowned Jewel and Bwlch y Groes makes a good argument for taking that award for the Welsh territory. 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. Named Hellfire Pass by the English but better known by its Welsh name, Bwlch-Y-Groes. And Lots of them. Climb the Gospel Pass via Hay on Wye by bike. 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. The sheer length of this steep section is what sets this climb apart, there's just nowhere to recover. This leaves us with a wealth of material describing the setting and condition of the road nearly a 100 years ago (SpeedTrackTails). Bwlch Penbarra to Jubilee Tower, 4. Join the road up from Thornhill and things get a little easier before the final wall up to the main road. 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. Pass Castell Coch on your left, feel the smooth false flat underneath your wheels and the scent of wild garlic in the air, and you'll think you're in for an easy couple of miles. The less celebrated of two routes up Llangynidr Mountain, the climb from Llangattock is no less difficult. Simon has been riding for over 30 years and has a long connection with Cycling Weekly, he was once a designer on the magazine and has been a regular contributor for many years. How many have you ridden? Heres how it works. Where To find Hardknott Pass leave the A595 and head east towards Eskdale. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news sent straight to your inbox? The Cowlyd, 2. The Shelf - 262m - 5 to 15% - 5.1km #87. After a few slight rises the road surface improves dramatically and stretches far into the distance, taking the shortest route over the featureless ridge. 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. Finish at the car park at the top of the climb. Bealach na B is the one most talked about, as one of few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom. 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. The climb lasts for almost a mile and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. Stay up to date with the latest developments. United Kingdom: Wales Hardest and Most Epic Hill Climbs. Its from here that this road separates itself from its peers, and its from here that everyone will be pushed to their limits. A straight line of unflinching steepness of such monotony that it regularly feels like you're going nowhere. 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. 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 Saw signs of a moose, unstrapped and started walking down the trail and saw her about 100ft up the trail. List of - 100 Climbs Total climbing: 21,293m over 322.75km. I can see why. The British is named after the massive old ironworks that once dominated this area above Pontypool. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. Youre not going to forget the name of this route, nor how it makes you feel! "Take it easy now or you'll never make it." F. J. 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 steepest paved street in Pittsburghand one of the toughest climbs in the USmakes the top spot on our list. Wales has some gorgeous road bike climbs, and Bwlch y Groes is surely one of them! On our climb, we encountered a car and had to back up nearly a kilometer to find a place where they could pass. Bwlch Penbarras from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, The Road to Hell from Denbigh via Nantglyn, Llanberis Pass / Pen-y-Pass from Nant Peris. ), and I recommend parking there and not attempting to traverse any part of the actual climb route in a car. 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. On my first climb up Bwlch y Groes in 2018 I got a flat tire on my vehicle that was parked in front of one of these homesteads and was assisted in fixing the flat by the old-timer that lived nearby. This featureoriginally appeared in the September 23 print edition of Cycling Weekly magazine,on sale in newsagents and supermarkets, priced 3.25. If someone built it we will damn well try and ride it, even if it means falling on our ass because. 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. From there it's a steep and tough push to reach the saddle of the pass. Bwlch y Groes is rich in history and strong on inspiring, if not breathtaking, scenery. The three vicious ascents leaving Woodmancote all offer a fantastic challenge, and of the three it's Bushcombe Lane that stands apart. Ride two miles gaining 1,329 at 12.5% average grade. Climbing up through Bedlinog is such a challenge because its so deceptive. This is a list of all 200 climbs feature in 100 Greatest cycling climbs and also the sequel The top 10 hardest cycling climbs around the globe, all of which we have personally documented, are: 1. Favourite cycling climbs in North Wales 1 - Pen-y-Pass aka Llanberis Pass Pen Y Pass Profile. Leaving Rosedale Abbey, a sign warns you of the one-in-three yes, one-in-three gradient to come. This climb has one very steep segment near the beginning of the climb: a full half-mile at 16.5%. 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. 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 that respite comes, you've climbed nearly 800ft. It's a very tough mile though, averaging somewhere around 9% as it cuts its way up the side of Maerdy Mountain. The Gospel Pass is situated in Wales. It starts steep from the village of Clydach and beats you up for a whole mile before easing just a touch. The 1.9 mile route is memorable for its scary hairpin climb. Two miles up a main road at between 4% and 6% might sound easy, but that just depends on how fast you're going. The first 10km climbs 800m to a small Visitor Centre, via ever steepening slopes and long 12 - 15% ramps. With the wind on your back, it's one that can be tackled in the big ring on a good day. 100 Greatest cycling climbs list - Cycling uphill It only takes 1 minute and it's completely free. Here there is another leveling, a plateau of sorts before things turn from nasty to insane. At the end of this long stretch, as we reach bend four of four. Where: Heading north out of Nantymoel in the Ogmore Valley. TOP 3 MOST EPIC BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN), Cycling the incomparable Stwlan Dam, Wales. And yet once you get to the top, you'll realise you enjoyed every second. Ranking list But those who want to do climbs like Penrhys are extreme even within that bracket. - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. "Cycling in south Wales is a completely different story. It's very steep into a small woodland, over a cattle grid and then you will see the enormity of your task. That said, Bwlch Penbarra is certainly a top three for US. Photos clockwise from top left: Bwlch y Groes (Wales #1, UK #2 hardest); Stwlan Dam (Wales #1, UK #2 most epic); Entering Wales in Llanymynech; Cardiff Castle; Welsh flag flying over Cardiff Castle (center). and climbs through roadside fields. 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. Babusar Pass, 4. 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. 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. 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 . When: March 20-27, 2022. We decided to opt for an even steeper summit - Cairn O'Mount. (If you're cyclist in North, Mid or West Wales, we'll be. Pozza San Glisente (Dos dell'Asino), 8. 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. Baniamr Aquabah Pass, 6. It also has a very interesting motorsport history: The History of Motor Sport and the Bwlch-y-Groes is nearly as old as motorsport. After leaving the village, you're into open moorland but don't expect a gradient in single figures. El Torneado, and 10. Where Head north into the mountains from Ballater on the A939. A headwind, on the other hand, and it can be a real grind. Riding alongside Dan with Jess tucked in behind we set off, all three of us understandably apprehensive of what lies ahead. They are good people out here that enjoy a way of life much slower and unfamiliar to most others I think. Like being first? Simon Warren has published many books on cycling climbing in the UK (e.g. Cyclist and spectators make their way up The Tumble and line the road as the Tour of Britain cyclist near the finish, Abergavenny. Abercynafon Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. We rank this monster as #2 most difficult in UK via the Fiets index. Cycling climbs Wales Holding a straight line is becoming all but impossible and the effort needed is simply unsustainable. 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. First built in 2nd century by the Romans, the pass is unbelievably tough from both directions. After all that has preceded it, the finale a set of four hairpin bends may be all too much, but fear not. Explore the climbing route via Google Street Views. Al Jaadah Pass, 3. As Dan waltzes off ahead I am beginning to falter. There is no dress rehearsal for this stretch of road, this is one take and one take only. Its found as you head north-west out of Pontardawe. Select a portion of the route to retrieve climb & profile data for that segment. In many ways, the quintessential Welsh mountain road - wild, remote, desolate and endearingly featureless. Also known as Hellfire Pass, Bwich-Y-Groes is the highest paved road in Wales. The lodge helpfully is a decent cafe stop too as it happens. 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. ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! before our second trip to document the UKs top climbs in 2022 -- thus, its The Real Deal! ) I cant say for sure but I decide to stick with before to salvage what I can of my fragile ego. 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. This is simply a magnificent cycling experience. We parked at the Church in the town of Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd (try saying that TWO times fast . Banking right, the surface breaks up and 20% soon turns into 25%. 1. Theres always a bigger fish. Thats what the ancient proverb says, and just when I thought Id ridden the steepest road in Britain, and put the matter of determining the country's toughest cycling climb to bed once and for all, up popped another hideous incline to further move the goalposts and redefine suffering. Snowdonia (Welsh: Eryri) is a mountainous region in north west Wales and a national park of 823 square miles (2,130 km2) in area. The traditional Snowdonia thus includes the ranges of Snowdon and its satellites, the Glyderau, the Carneddau and the Moel Siabod group. The surface, just wide enough for a single car, is smooth at the edges but little more than gravel and moss in the centre. Thank you for signing up! It's also available via Apple Newsstand and Readly. Thanks to Strava for the route maps and climb profiles. Rhiwr Road (SW #197), and 10. The maximum gradient is 13%. Have we found Britian's steepest cycling climb | Cycling Weekly 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. We rank this monster as the #3 most difficult in Britain via the Fiets index - #2 in Wales! 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. 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. Its quite a strange effort needed to try and get the KOM, he explains. One for the power climbers. 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. Over the years, I've sought to climb as many hills as possible. The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 ft (1,085 m). -- Climbs taken from 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs (8.99, . Follow the road alongside the river to Llanymawddwy, pass through and begin the climb across the Pont y Pennant. Now very narrow and lined with snow poles, the climb is so well surfaced it resembles a two-metre-wide carpet. Factoring in a pretty torrid road surface too means reaching the top of this wall is an achievement few will ever accomplish. The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 ft (1,085 m). Brutal hill climb in Wales held on newly-crowned - Cycling Weekly View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in Wales. You have to pace yourself because as the road progresses you hit a series of bends, coupled with a 30% gradient. After an age on the opening steep gradient the road banks right to plateau before a brief downhill. Hardest cycle climbs: 6 of the world's toughest hills - Red Bull Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. 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. Once past an axle weight sign the climb begins. Turn away from the village of Knock and begin opposite a farm gate. Picturesque mountains, hills, valleys and coastland define the landscape, and make the area a dream cycling location. The early parts of this mountain road rarely drop below 10% as the route winds its way up through the trees. You have 50 climbs on your lists, if you want to add more you can do so with climbfinder+. 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. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. The dial might touch 10% at times here, but in reality this is a fairly gentle climb that winds gracefully up for Mitchel Troy, just outside Monmouth, to its summit close to the village of Trelleck through a pleasant mix of open fields and deciduous woodland. North Wales Cycling Climbs amongst the top 100 - VC Melyd of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. Ultra endurance cycling events: World's 10 toughest - Red Bull 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. Anything you have read or been told about this amazing road is likely to be true. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Passo Stelvio, Italy. And don't even think about putting a foot down - you'll never get started again. These bike climbs can be viewed via google maps or by a detailed list of the climbs that can be arranged by difficulty, distance (longest climbs in Wales), altitude gained, highest elevation . We begin this climb in the midst of lush pastureland. 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! Signup for our. It starts from the village of Porlock and climbs an average of 10% gradient towards the top of Exmoor. 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. Simon and Dan get to grips with Pythagoras Theorem. A mix of all three? Maximum gradient: 16%. If you were measuring the steepest, hardest, highest or longest climbs in South Wales, this wouldn't be anywhere near it. Having left the steep streets of Upper Brynamman behind, the road dissects the open mountainside, tussock-covered hillsides on both flanks. 1. Ride two miles gaining 1,055 at 10.3% average grade. When we reached this last hairpin though his jaw hit the floor, he recalls. Repeatedly, you'll think you're through the worst - only to be hit again with the next step of the staircase. danevanscycling Ffordd Pen Llech They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. South Wales needs no introduction. You'll find the top, most difficult, epic, scenic, hardest, challenging, extreme, inspiring, bucket list bike climbs located in Wales. North, as editor of the book Snowdonia (1949), states "When the Committee delineated provisional boundaries, they included areas some distance beyond Snowdonia proper." The UK's Hardest Cycling Climbs By Region - Pedalsure The landscape is rough, its easy to see how the area gets pounded with rain and freezing temps most of the year. This was the advice of a local man as I approached the foot of this brutal climb last year. Apagua, 5. When you reach the open mountaintop (after 3.4 miles), the views will take your breath away. I'd waited a long time to ride this road, initially put off by its "private" status. 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. Once the gradient kicks in it just gets steeper and steeper, 20% past the last of the houses, then the fun really starts. 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. You start your ascent from the beautiful Corgarff castle and straight away you hit 20% slopes rough, relentlessly steep and twisting a little. Learn More ALL TRIPS Grid ref: SO 983 279 (OS 163)Length 1.54kmHeight gain 167mApprox climb time 9 mins, Named Hellfire Pass by the English but better known by its Welsh name, Bwlch-y-Groes is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales. La Muerte, 9. Up ahead, eventually the final bends come into view, just as the gradient gets brutal on the long weather-beaten 20% slope that tests your legs to the limit. But as the road heads into the trees, it rears up sharply, and doesn't drop below 12% until the very top. The base of the climb is on the first right out of the village next to a farm gate. Another climb with a fair bit of ascent to even get to the start. The bike climbs we have documented are in the slideshow above. The Tyla rounds the Blorenge from Gilwern, Heading into the trees on the Wentwood Ridge climb just where it starts to get really steep. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (. 37 beautiful and challenging climbs in South Wales every - WalesOnline Watch a gorgeous open up before your eyes as you tackle this country road that rises straight out of Pontardawe. Constant variations in gradient make finding a rhythm a tough task and there are significant stretches in excess of 10%. Cross the cattle grid onto a long straight 7% drag that takes you into the trees.