Wales. Who doesn't know it? Rough. A land of long emptiness. Sparse population. Funny language. Friendly people. Swansea and Cardiff. Both cities that are not in the basecamp top 10 are on the list. But also the country of Sir David Brailsford and one Geraint Thomas. Both come from a region in the north of this country that is better known as Snowdonia. When you think of rugged landscape, cycling in Wales and especially in Snowdonia is one of the best examples of that. The Welsh are proud of their roots and especially of their language. If you are fluent in the local language, that is a plus. Chances are that you won’t be (and it’s hard for an outsider to follow). But that it is beautiful is for sure.
High peaks, semi-deep valleys
Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, is the highlight of this beautiful area. But that’s not the only thing this national park of more than 2000 square kilometers has to offer. In terms of cycling, there is a wide selection of beautiful climbs and locations. With unforgettable and stunning names like Rhinogydd, Menai Strait, Marchlan Mawr, Nant Peris and Deiniolen, you won’t be bored and there is plenty to see!
In addition to the beautiful nature, there are no natural highlights in the Snowdonia National Park either. For example, the magnificent Caernerfon Castle, from Edward I. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings of the Middle Ages. Built in 1283 AD. A magnificent fortress equipped with polygonal towers. A real beauty, to say it ourselves.
Following in Sir Brailsford's footsteps
Because of his great contributions to the cycling sport 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 kilometers or a 115 kilometer route. The advantage is that both routes form a loop. They also mostly run parallel to each other, with the 75km route making an earlier detour. But they are both stunning. To quote Brailsford: “There’s no better cycling or a more stunning part of the world than Snowdonia.” We have two beautiful cycling routes in Wales for you.
Starting point
The shortest route has about 1000 meters of elevation gain. A nice 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 head towards the beautiful Pen-y-Pass and then on to Llanberis. Pen-Y-Pass is a total of 4 kilometers long with an average of 6.2%. This beautiful climb starts quite friendly but gets more painful towards the end. You have 10% uphill slopes here, so just keep going.
Pen-y-Pass is also the route that ultimately leads to the top of Snowdon. That is best ridden on a mountain bike or on foot. From Llanberis the route continues towards Waunfawr and then to the aforementioned castle of Caernerfon. This road mainly goes downhill with occasional slight uphill sections.
Choices
At Y foryd you have a beautiful vantage point just like the one further along the route at Nantile. In fact, the entire route is a great vantage point. At the town of Beddgelert you ultimately have two choices. Either you take the long route, or you go for the short route. When choosing the short route, you head back to Pen-y-Gwyrd and then have a tough climb ahead of you to get to the hotel.
Long route
The long route also makes for a pleasant loop with about 800 extra elevation meters. It goes up steadily to Pfen Cefn Road. This is a tough, steep route of a total length of 7 kilometers. You do need to be very steady on the pedals here. After the fairy falls at Betwys-y-Coed, you have to pedal hard again and then you return to the Pen-y-Gwyrd hotel, where you can rest your legs well.
Coffee Stop
Everyone will agree with me. A coffee stop at a local café will definitely be a good idea and there are many beautiful coffee stops along the route. In Beddgelert there are several good ones. Often with good cake and delicious freshly brewed coffee. No complaints about that. Sir Brailsford also thinks this is the best way to explore the area: ‘stop somewhere at a café and then chat with the locals, that’s the best’. It’s a bit early in the route but in Llanberis Pete’s is a great one.
Cycling routes Snowdonia – Wales
If you are going cycling in Wales and especially around Snowdonia, please use the routes below as inspiration. Both routes start at the Pen y Gwryd hotel, as mentioned earlier.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.