Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our. The base of the climb is on the first right out of the village next to a farm gate. The scene of a brilliant double ascent during the 2013 Tour of Britain, this iconic route out of Caerphilly also features as the final climb in the Velothon Wales loop of South Wales. In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. See where the steepest portions of the climb are located by gradient group. - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. 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. 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. By the time that respite comes, you've climbed nearly 800ft. Now on Station Road, take the third left after crossing the rail line on to Bushcombe Lane between the two 25% signs. Start opposite the old red telephone box, past the numerous warning signs, across the cattle grid then bend slightly left. If you want to share something you need to create an account. 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 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. 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. Its found as you head north-west out of Pontardawe. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. You have to take each and every opportunity to recover when it is presented, no matter how slight he says. Where Leave the A66 in Appleby-in-Westmorland, head north past Brampton, and left through Dufton to arrive in Knock. It also has a very interesting motorsport history: The History of Motor Sport and the Bwlch-y-Groes is nearly as old as motorsport. Signup for our. This gorgeous country road is testing for even the best cyclists, but it provides great views north towards the western Brecon Beacons. One of the hardest climbs in the South West (Credit: Mark Percy) Dunkery Beacon is one of the toughest climbs in the south west of England with 321m of climbing over 3.1km. Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. This is one of the toughest bits of road anywhere in the UK and, through the next left-hand bend, it touches 30% at the apex. My veins are ready to explode as I push and pull through each agonising revolution of the pedals. Photograph: Stephen Dorey/Alamy. It's very steep into a small woodland, over a cattle grid and then you will see the enormity of your task. Bedlinog 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. Bwlch y Groes is rich in history and strong on inspiring, if not breathtaking, scenery. A commonly held belief is that the name is derived from eryr ("eagle"), and thus means 'the abode/land of eagles',but recent evidence is that it means quite simply Highlands, and is related to the Latin oriri (to rise) as leading Welsh scholar Sir Ifor Williams proved. Wales is a wonderful country with great people, extraordinary scenery and EPIC bike climbs!! . Picturesque mountains, hills, valleys and coastland define the landscape, and make the area a dream cycling location. By the time you reach the clock tower in Pricetown, you'll have been climbing fairly constantly since Bryncethin. "Cycling in south Wales is a completely different story. Published 2 March 23. Cwm Eigiau, 6. Dan is his normal chatty self as we hit the first ramp, our wheels getting their first taste of the ribbed and abrasive concrete surface that would do its best to hinder our progress the entire way up. Pass through the village, over the river, turning right to find the base of Beggarmans Road and head for the sky. Where To find Hardknott Pass leave the A595 and head east towards Eskdale. Pozza San Glisente (Dos dell'Asino), 8. 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. The early parts of this mountain road rarely drop below 10% as the route winds its way up through the trees. At the end of this long stretch, as we reach bend four of four. The Cowlyd, 2. Before the construction of the Heads of the Valleys road, this was the main road between Gilwern and Brynmawr. Rounding the corner I spot our photographer Andy ahead and see he isnt in position. If someone built it we will damn well try and ride it, even if it means falling on our ass because. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news sent straight to your inbox? 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. 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. The distinctive remnants of an ancient quarry indicate the summit. The steep, consistent gradient hovers around 15% all the way, making it one of the most challenging climbs in South Wales. 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. A straight line of unflinching steepness of such monotony that it regularly feels like you're going nowhere. 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. But what is the attraction? "Take it easy now or you'll never make it." Abercynafon Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. A commonly held belief is that the name is derived from eryr ("eagle"), and thus means 'the abode/land of eagles',but recent evidence is that it means quite simply Highlands, and is related to the Latin oriri (to rise) as leading Welsh scholar Sir Ifor Williams proved.The term Eryri first appeared in a manuscript in the 9th-century Historia Brittonum, in an account of the downfall of the semi-legendary 5th-century king Gwrtheyrn (Vortigern).In the Middle Ages the title Prince of Wales and Lord of Snowdonia (Tywysog Cymru ac Arglwydd Eryri) was used by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd; his grandfather Llywelyn Fawr used the title Prince of north Wales and Lord of Snowdonia.Before the boundaries of the national park were designated, "Snowdonia" was generally used to refer to a smaller area, namely the upland area of northern Gwynedd centred on the Snowdon massif, whereas the national park covers an area more than twice that size extending far to the south into Meirionnydd. 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. The British is named after the massive old ironworks that once dominated this area above Pontypool. Bwlch Penbarra to Jubilee Tower, 4. 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. Windswept and remote this climb begins in Brynamman, Carmarthenshire, and goes for 3.7 miles with a 12% gradient. Staring with 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs in 2010, Simon has set out to chronicle and, of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. Hit the opening 12% slope too hard and you're finished - because it's followed by a sequence of bends with gradients rising above 30%. 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. 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. is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales (100 Greatest Cycling Climbs - Britain). Rhiwr Road (SW #197), and 10. 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. Baran Road is arguably the most beautiful of all the tough climbs were listing here. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. Something went wrong, please try again later. Cyclist and spectators make their way up The Tumble Abergavenny. The average gradient might "only" be 8.3%, but that's reduced by the steady stretch of false flat that precedes the summit. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britains steepest hill. It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline. Get the arrow-straight, slightly soul-destroying drag past Tower Colliery out the way and enjoy the way this climb gently curves its way across the front of the mountain. Still, that's the least of your worries as you pass a 25% sign. 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). Since that first book, he's added 11 more, as well Ride Britain which showcases 40 inspirational road cycling routes. 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. It's all fairly steady going as the climb starts just off the A449. Plus detailed bike, kit and accessory reviews from the experts. We rank this monster as #2 most difficult in UK via the Fiets index. This climb has a maximum gradient of 24% and an average gradient of 6.5%. Not only is this listed as the #1 most epic bike climb in Wales and #2 in the UK, we consider it a Top 25 Most Epic World Climb - its THAT AMAZING!! 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. WOW - enough said! There's something evil lurking in the woods at the top of this climb in rural Monmouthshire. 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. of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. In many ways, the quintessential Welsh mountain road - wild, remote, desolate and endearingly featureless. 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. Climb summary by PJAMM Cyclings Brad Butterfield - he climbed this one in 2018 and 2022. From the long, straight opening stretch, the summit seems scarily close in distance, while worryingly far away in altitude. Llangynidr Mountain is very much a climb of two halves. Photograph: Paul White/Alamy, Scotch mist hanging over Bealach na Ba. Ride two miles gaining 1,329 at 12.5% average grade. That said, Bwlch Penbarra is certainly a top three for US. The surface, just wide enough for a single car, is smooth at the edges but little more than gravel and moss in the centre. From there, there's the option of a fast descent into Defynnog, but a much better alternative is to continue in a straight line uphill and onto the ancient Heol Senni. Leaving Rosedale Abbey, a sign warns you of the one-in-three yes, one-in-three gradient to come. You can also subscribe to the magazine, save on the cover price and get it delivered every Thursday. 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. World Cycle Tours, Nutterswood Cottage, Nutters Wood, Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3PZ, United Kingdom. 2. Climbing into the Aran Mountains on the edge of Snowdonia, its a road of outstanding beauty rough, weathered and remorselessly steep. The makeup of land ownership at Snowdonia is as follows (Wikipedia - Snowdonia National Park). As Dan waltzes off ahead I am beginning to falter. Youll enjoy unobstructed views of the canyon as you pass Wales mascot - Sheep! 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. The northern ascent of the Black has a very different character to its southern counterpart. The Tour of Britain tackled the climb in 2010, when Swiss Michael Albasini attacked up it to take a solo win in Swansea. 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. We begin this climb in the midst of lush pastureland. In fact, there is a sign at the start warning that the road is Unsuitable for motor vehicles. Although I assume this is mostly to keep tourists away as we intersected multiple residents traveling the road in their cars. Cycling apparel brand, Rapha today launched the Rapha Film Fund, a program designed to help support creatives bring their life lived by bike stories to life on Raphas YouTube. And yet once you get to the top, you'll realise you enjoyed every second. and climbs through roadside fields. An altitude gain of 620ft in just a mile gives a clue about what kind of climb this is. Have you tackled the toughest climb in your region? The beautiful landscape of the Brecon Beacons. Dan is still chatting away but Ive fallen silent - there is no space to fit words in-between breaths. It might be less than a mile, but make no mistake - this is the one of the toughest climbs in South Wales, with the gradient hovering around 15% virtually all the way until it finally shows some mercy in the last couple of hundred metres. The landscape is rough, its easy to see how the area gets pounded with rain and freezing temps most of the year. How many have you suffered on your way up? Don't let the urban nature of this climb fool you - it's not easy. Turn away from the village of Knock and begin opposite a farm gate. Saw signs of a moose, unstrapped and started walking down the trail and saw her about 100ft up the trail. The first 10km climbs 800m to a small Visitor Centre, via ever steepening slopes and long 12 - 15% ramps. It's all a bit of an optical illusion though. Up and up, and then mercifully dipping, or is it just levelling? It's also available via Apple Newsstand and Readly. "Backcountry riding and we were on a pump track to get back inbounds. When we reached this last hairpin though his jaw hit the floor, he recalls. With summer temperatures routinely. The Hardest Climbs - The Steepest Roads in the World Bikes & Gear Health & Nutrition Training Repair Exclusives Subscribe Sign In 1 Five Black Women Who Rode From NYC to DCin 1928 2 18 Best. 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. Without being too hysterical, this climb is nothing more than a joyless straight line of pain. Thank you for signing up! 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. 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 . Maximum gradient: 16%. This leaves us with a wealth of material describing the setting and condition of the road nearly a 100 years ago (, Named Hellfire Pass by the English but better known by its Welsh name, Bwlch-Y-Groes. Grid Ref: NY 231 014 (OS96). This is the story of how he found it and just how painful it is to ride. The surface is rough at first and steep from the outset, but improves as you pass over a cattlegrid and approach the double hairpin. 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. 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! My puny cycling arms are shaking like a frightened kitten. 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. 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 . 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. And Lots of them. Simon Warren has published many books on cycling climbing in the UK (e.g. Anything you have read or been told about this amazing road is likely to be true. 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. 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. The lodge helpfully is a decent cafe stop too as it happens. My knees are ready to snap. Simon and Dan get to grips with Pythagoras Theorem. 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. Far from any major towns, the starting point is near some very old homesteads. From bend two the road swings left, kicks up then eases back to rumble across a cattle grid and so far, so pretty ordinary but then, up ahead the road arcs away to the right and here it begins to look serious. North, as editor of the book Snowdonia (1949), states "When the Committee delineated provisional boundaries, they included areas some distance beyond Snowdonia proper." 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. But as the road heads into the trees, it rears up sharply, and doesn't drop below 12% until the very top. Even though its very short you have to go so slowly at first. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. These days, cyclists have it pretty much to themselves, save for the odd bit of local traffic. First built in 2nd century by the Romans, the pass is unbelievably tough from both directions. WOW - enough said! Gradients of around 30% are generally only found on the inside of tight bends. Turn left after around a mile though, and everything changes. 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. After around 50 metres the second bend arrives where on the corner there is a slight leveling, Dan immediately heads to the shallower part of the corner here to catch a few seconds respite. You'll find the top, most difficult, epic, scenic, hardest, challenging, extreme, inspiring, bucket list bike climbs located in Wales. Visit our corporate site. 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 faint summit can be seen straight in front for a large part of the climb, making it easy to set an impatient tempo that'll come back to bite you later on. Venture into Scotland or the North of England, and you'll also find some climbs to rival many an Alpine climb too, with England's Mont Ventoux - Great Dun Fell being a particular highlight. I slump over the bars. 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. 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. Our preloaded PJAMM Adventure App trip pages Wales and the UK are accessed by clicking the purple PJAMM Trips button above. The steep, consistent gradient hovers around 15% all the way, making it one of the most challenging climbs in South Wales. (If you're cyclist in North, Mid or West Wales, we'll be. Believe the hype. Ride 1.8 miles gaining 916 at 10% average grade. Over the years, I've sought to climb as many hills as possible. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. A short flat section ramps up hard, then almost levels before ramping hard again. In a way. 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. When I first tackled Hardknott Pass in the Lake District I assumed nothing could ever beat that, but then a few years after I discovered the road up to Abdon Burf in the Shropshire Hills and my perception of torture was changed. . The Tyla rounds The Blorenge Mountain from Gilwern, and its an incredibly challenging climb, mainly because of its steep lower slopes. The photos in the collage at the top of this page are of PJAMMs Top 10 Hardest per the Fiets Index. 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. Ride only 600 meters but at a stunning 21.3% average grade. Over the course of the slog, you'll climb . Who knows. 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. This climb has the steepest 500 meter segment in all the UK. 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. This climb truly is beauty and the beast. This was the advice of a local man as I approached the foot of this brutal climb last year. Baniamr Aquabah Pass, 6. Unlike national parks in other countries, Snowdonia (and other such parks in Britain) are made up of both public and private lands under central planning authority. Bwlch Penbarras from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, The Road to Hell from Denbigh via Nantglyn, Llanberis Pass / Pen-y-Pass from Nant Peris. If the Tumble is the famous and successful son, the Tyla is his awkward, challenging older brother. We rank this monster as the #3 most difficult in Britain via the Fiets index - #2 in Wales! From there it's a steep and tough push to reach the saddle of the pass. In Wales cyclists can find 74 interesting climbs between 5 and 550 meters above sea level. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. . The gradient towards the top is, in the most part, forgiving, with the most taxing stretches found around the villages lower down. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs). This is largely due to its length of 9.32km. Afon Ddu starts abruptly from the main road and youll need just one gear, the lowest you can fit on your bike. The maximum gradient is 13%. 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 The route hugs the side of the steeply sided valley, following the contours of the hillside as it heads towards the summit. ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! The Brecon landscape is barren but beautiful as you climb 3.5 miles in Pen-y-Cae. Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. Riding from Llangadog, you'll be climbing before you realise, but the real business starts after the woodland stops and the open mountainside starts. 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 . We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South Wales. Where: South of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More ALL TRIPS You have 50 climbs on your lists, if you want to add more you can do so with climbfinder+. 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. 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.
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