hardest cycling climbs in wales
Signup for our. 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! Who knows. I cant say for sure but I decide to stick with before to salvage what I can of my fragile ego. You'll be counting each and every pedal rev as you slowly push your way up the scree-littered road to the summit. Horshoe Pass (Bwlch yr Oernant) - 317m - 7 to 20% - 6.1km #91. An altitude gain of 620ft in just a mile gives a clue about what kind of climb this is. There's still plenty of climbing to do along the way, but nothing as ugly as the severe slopes that head straight out of Ponty. Climb the Gospel Pass via Hay on Wye by bike. The climb goes up a ridge to a small parking lot, where we saw two other cyclists. Im now trapped on a two foot wide strip of rippled 30 per cent concrete fighting for survival. Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. If you want to share something you need to create an account. Through Gayle, the road flat, hugging the river, soon rises sharply for a short 17% lung-opener. Let us know what you thought of this climb. Here are some of the UK's other toughest ascents. 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). It is an incredible climb both ways but the road from Tornapress, heading north-west, is just awesome. Where Leaving the A593 just south of Skelwith Bridge head west to Little Langdale. The climb up here out of Ferndale is pretty tasty too. You have to take each and every opportunity to recover when it is presented, no matter how slight he says. "Backcountry riding and we were on a pump track to get back inbounds. The famous hairpin means you've broken the back of it, and by the time you're onto the tree-lined final straight, you'll virtually be able to taste the ice cream from the van in the layby at the summit. A short flat section ramps up hard, then almost levels before ramping hard again. Without being too hysterical, this climb is nothing more than a joyless straight line of pain. A mix of all three? 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. Heading up the Blorenge from the other side, the climb gains slightly less altitude in slightly greater distance. If someone built it we will damn well try and ride it, even if it means falling on our ass because. View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in Wales. 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. ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! 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. | 26 regions. 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. WOW - enough said! Bending right the slope immediately kicks up to around 25 per cent but this is mere childs play compared to what lies ahead. The scenery gets more barren as you climb, dispensing with the trees and dry stone walls of the lower stretches and opening out into a classic Brecon Beacons landscape at the summit. 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. 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. 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. With this in mind, I put my eyes to work scanning the gradients ahead looking for any stretch of reprieve, no matter how short, where I can take a break from the infernal torment. Visit our corporate site. 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. When we reached this last hairpin though his jaw hit the floor, he recalls. Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. Even though its very short you have to go so slowly at first. Published 2 March 23. 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. 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. Named Hellfire Pass by the English but better known by its Welsh name, Bwlch-Y-Groes. In an attempt to move right, my front wheel lifts, there is a bang, my right foot instinctively unclips and that was it, I am gone. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (. The road levels slightly but the. This was the advice of a local man as I approached the foot of this brutal climb last year. Where: Heading north out of Cymmer in the Afan Valley. 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. Where: Between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil. 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. #3 HARDEST WELSH CLIMB -BWLCH PENBARRA TO JUBILEE TOWER, Cycling Bwlch Penbarras to Jubilee Tower, Wales. Believe the hype. 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. The maximum gradient is 13%. After a few slight rises the road surface improves dramatically and stretches far into the distance, taking the shortest route over the featureless ridge. The Brecon landscape is barren but beautiful as you climb 3.5 miles in Pen-y-Cae. 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 . "Cycling in south Wales is a completely different story. Bwlch Penbarra (SW #88), 9. A while later the utterly horrendous Cowlyd in north Wales found its way onto my radar and again the slate was wiped clean and a new standard was set. Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. This intimidating wall achieves virtually all of its 150m altitude gain in the space of a fearsome 1.2km, at an average gradient of nearly 13%. 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. Once past an axle weight sign the climb begins. It never relents, never lets up until you reach the bend in the shadow of a rocky outcrop, you've still got a fair bit of climbing to reach the top, but it's not as hard now. Not here. (If you're cyclist in North, Mid or West Wales, we'll be preparing similar articles for your area - and there's a form at the bottom to send your suggestions). 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 lower half is a meander through pastoral scenery, before suddenly opening out onto exposed mountain top with stunning views of the peaks around Abergavenny. 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. We completed this jewel in August 2018 and because it is so epic, came back for a second go in June 2022. This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. This is largely due to its length of 9.32km. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. Once through, you can pick up some speed before the final steep turns and your new-found momentum will help carry you through these and over the top. 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 base of the ridge until you reach Asterton then turn right past the post box and head up. . Ride only 600 meters but at a stunning 21.3% average grade. Youll enjoy unobstructed views of the canyon as you pass Wales mascot - Sheep! Grid Ref: NY 231 014 (OS96). The average gradient might "only" be 8.3%, but that's reduced by the steady stretch of false flat that precedes the summit. Where: South of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire. Where Turn off the A896 and head east just before Tornapress. 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 . Turn away from the village of Knock and begin opposite a farm gate. 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. Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. United Kingdom: England's Hardest and Most Epic Hill Climbs, United Kingdom: Hardest and Epic Bike Climbs, United Kingdom: Scotland's Hardest and Most Epic Hill Climbs. 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. 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. Turn left after around a mile though, and everything changes. We completed this jewel in August 2018 and because it is so epic, came back for a second go in June 2022. The steepest paved street in Pittsburghand one of the toughest climbs in the USmakes the top spot on our list. If the Tumble is the famous and successful son, the Tyla is his awkward, challenging older brother. for this page: ). 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. It's not quite the Alps, but it's a close as it gets in South Wales. The steep, consistent gradient hovers around 15% all the way, making it one of the most challenging climbs in South Wales. TOP 3 MOST EPIC BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN), Cycling the incomparable Stwlan Dam, Wales. - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. You'll find the top, most difficult, epic, scenic, hardest, challenging, extreme, inspiring, bucket list bike climbs located in Wales. Scanuppia But those who want to do climbs like Penrhys are extreme even within that bracket. Unceremoniously I hit the floor and proceeded to tumble southwards just missing Jess by millimeters (how she stayed upright Ill never know and sincerely I apologise for ruining her QOM attempt). A headwind, on the other hand, and it can be a real grind. 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. Cwm Eigiau, 6. Simon and Dan get to grips with Pythagoras Theorem. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Now on Station Road, take the third left after crossing the rail line on to Bushcombe Lane between the two 25% signs. The lodge helpfully is a decent cafe stop too as it happens. 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. One for the power climbers. In Wales cyclists can find 74 interesting climbs between 5 and 550 meters above sea level. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. We have had the great fortune of documenting the most epic and hardest climbs in Wales in both 2018 and 2022. 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. TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN). Youll see the Foel Y Gordd formation as you enter the canyon area. Its found as you head north-west out of Pontardawe. What comes next will take your breath away. 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. Each country has her crowned Jewel and Bwlch y Groes makes a good argument for taking that award for the Welsh territory. F. J. I snapped my chain not once but twice in my attempt to conquer this vicious stretch of tarmac. 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. El Torneado, and 10. 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. Newly formed Denver Disruptors and Miami Nights NCL teams will make their debut at Tucson Bicycle Classic and tackle a full season of NCL and domestic racing, By Anne-Marije Rook (If you're cyclist in North, Mid or West Wales, we'll be. One of the longest climbs in South Wales, the road through the Afan Valley is generally in an upward direction from the time it leaves Port Talbot, but it's after going through Cymmer that the climb begins in earnest. The Tumble (SW #97), 8. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. At this point, the climb would get significantly worse! This climb has the steepest 500 meter segment in all the UK. How many have you suffered on your way up? 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. We parked at the Church in the town of Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd (try saying that TWO times fast . Photograph: Stephen Dorey/Alamy. Its gradient maxes out at 37 percent, with an . This route is an area of desolate but beautiful countryside. 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 leaves us with a wealth of material describing the setting and condition of the road nearly a 100 years ago (SpeedTrackTails). . 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. In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. With the wind on your back, it's one that can be tackled in the big ring on a good day. My veins are ready to explode as I push and pull through each agonising revolution of the pedals. The climb is really unique. The climb is tough right away, then gets tougher still as you bend right into what is a small taste of things to come. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Simon Warren for his books generally and for his contribution of Top 10 lists for PJAMM Cycling. In many ways, the quintessential Welsh mountain road - wild, remote, desolate and endearingly featureless. Region: South West Length: 3.1km Average gradient: 10% Elevation: 321m 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. The steep, consistent gradient hovers around 15% all the way, making it one of the most challenging climbs in South Wales. Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. This featureoriginally appeared in the September 23 print edition of Cycling Weekly magazine,on sale in newsagents and supermarkets, priced 3.25. Views and scenery during the middle of the climb. Most local riders know its here, we gave it the nickname the Baby Zoncolan but we all avoid it like the plague. 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. In front of you is the Alpine-style Ski Centre, a simply awesome ride. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. This is simply a magnificent cycling experience. 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. By the time the open mountain top is reached, things are much more benign. All rights reserved. Where: Between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Length: 64.8km Maximum gradient: 13% Vertical: 1,785m Hazards: Heat exhaustion and death America's Death Valley is not generally known as a great place to ride. Two miles up a main road at between 4% and 6% might sound easy, but that just depends on how fast you're going. It's a very tough mile though, averaging somewhere around 9% as it cuts its way up the side of Maerdy Mountain. Select a portion of the route to retrieve climb & profile data for that segment. We relied heavily on Simon Warrens Top UK Climbs Series in ranking and documenting UK bike climbs (https://www.100climbs.co.uk/books) - they are the Gold Standard for cycling climbing in the UK. From the junction with Station Road, exit the village past the first 25% sign then the road bends left at a second 25% warning as if you need reminding, it's going to be hard. Since that . 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. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. This climb isn't for the faint-hearted. Inspecting my bike it appears my right pedal has partially disintegrated. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. 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. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Snowdonia (Welsh: Eryri) is a mountainous region in north west Wales and a national park of 823 square miles (2,130 km2) in area. Far from any major towns, the starting point is near some very old homesteads. 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. This climb truly is beauty and the beast. Ride two miles gaining 1,329 at 12.5% average grade. List of - 100 Climbs Total climbing: 21,293m over 322.75km. Favourite cycling climbs in North Wales 1 - Pen-y-Pass aka Llanberis Pass Pen Y Pass Profile. The Cowlyd, 2. Our preloaded PJAMM Adventure App trip pages Wales and the UK are accessed by clicking the purple PJAMM Trips button above. Thanks to Strava for the route maps and climb profiles. . Weve been crawling skyward for about two minutes, covering just 250m of tarmac as we round bend three. Llano de las Animas, 7. You will, however, be able to reacquaint your backside with the saddle for the final push to summit on the approach to the gliding club.Where To reach the base turn north away from the A489 at Plowden. Let us know your thoughts about this page. This page provides an excellent and comprehensive summary of the top, hardest and best bicycling climbs in Wales. 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. Photograph: Ashley Cooper/Alamy, The radar station of top of Great Dun Fell. If you were measuring the steepest, hardest, highest or longest climbs in South Wales, this wouldn't be anywhere near it. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britain's steepest hill. Learn More ALL TRIPS This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards.