Wales. Who doesn't know it. Rugged. Land of long voids. Sparsely populated. Funny language. Friendly people. Swansea and Cardiff. Both cities that are not in the basecamp top 10. But also the land of Sir David Brailsford and one Geraint Thomas. Both come from a region in the north of this country better known as Snowdonia. When you think of rugged landscape, cycling in Wales, and Snowdonia in particular, is one of the best examples. The Welsh are proud of their roots and especially their language. Should you be fluent in the local language, that's a plus. Chances are not (and it is difficult for the outsider to follow). But that it is beautiful there, that's for sure
High peaks, semi-deep valleys
Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain, is the draw for this stunning area. But that is not the only thing this national park of more than 2,000 square kilometres has to offer. In terms of cycling, there is a wide choice of beautiful climbs and spots. With unpronounceable and brilliant names like Rhinogydd, Menai Strait, Marchlan Mawr, Nant Peris and Deiniolen, you won't get bored and there is plenty to see!
Besides the beautiful scenery, the Snowdonia National Park also features non-natural highlights. Consider, for example, the stunning Caernerfon Castle, of Edward I. This piece of UNESCO world heritage is perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings of the Middle Ages. Built in 1283 AD. A magnificent fortress equipped with polygonal towers. A picture if we say so ourselves.
On the trail of Sir Brailsford
Because of his great merits for cycling and because he comes from this region, two routes have been named after the current boss of Team INEOS. You can choose between a route of about 75 kilometres or one of 115 kilometres. The advantage is that both routes form a circle. They also largely run alongside each other, with the 75km route making an earlier turn-off. But both are stunning. In the words of Brailsford, "there's no better cycling or a more stunning part of the world than Snowdonia." We have two great cycling routes in Wales for you.
Starting point
The shortest route has about 1,000 altitude metres. A great starting point for this route is the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, where Edmund Hillary and his team did some preparatory training for their first successful ascent of Mount Everest. From here, you drive towards the stunning Pen-y-Pass and then on to Llanberis. Pen-Y-Pass is a total of 4 kilometres long with an average of 6.2%. This stunning climb starts off quite friendly but gets more painful for the legs towards the end. You can pedal away 10% here, so hang on for a while.
Pen-y-Pass is also the route that eventually leads to the top of Snowdon. These are best ridden with a gravel bike or else walking, though. From Llanberis, the route continues towards Waunfawr and then to the aforementioned Caernerfon castle. This road is mainly downhill with the occasional bit of hill-up-hill-down.
Choices
At Y foryd you have a great viewpoint as does further down the route at Nantile. Actually, the whole route is one big viewpoint. At the town of Beddgelert, you eventually have two choices. Either take the long route, or go for the short one. If you opt for the short route, you drive back to Pen-y-Gwyrd and have a tough climb ahead of you towards the hotel.
Long route
The long route makes another pleasant loop with about 800 extra altitude metres. It still goes up steeply here to Pfen Cefn Road. That's a tough steep route totalling 7 kilometres. You'll have to do some good pedalling for that. After the fairy falls at Betwys-y-Coed, you have to pedal well one more time and then you get back to the Pen-y-Gwyrd hotel, where you can give your legs a good rest.
Coffee Stop
Everyone will agree. A coffee stop at a local joint will certainly do you good, and there are many great coffee stops along the route. Several good ones can be found in Beddgelert. Many with good cake and tasty freshly brewed coffee. Nothing wrong with that. Even Sir Brailsford thinks this is the best way to explore the area: 'stopping somewhere at a cafe and then talking to the locals, that's the best'. It's a bit early in the route but in Llanberis, Pete's is a nice one.
Cycling routes Snowdonia - Wales
If you are going cycling in Wales and especially around Snowdonia, use the routes below as inspiration. Both routes start at the Pen y Gwryd hotel, as mentioned earlier.
