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. The hardest, most difficult and challenging cycling climbs in Wales are, in order of difficulty, 1. Bwlch Penbarra (SW #88), 9. But as the road heads into the trees, it rears up sharply, and doesn't drop below 12% until the very top. She got all aggressive so we turned around and chilled for 20, walked back up the trail and she was still there . There, in front of you, painted on to the side of the mountain and looking like a giant flight of stairs, lies the rest of the climb. Youll see the Foel Y Gordd formation as you enter the canyon area. Wrong. Is it the suffering? The 10 Hardest Cycling Climbs in the World "Take it easy now or you'll never make it." TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN). Pass through the village, over the river, turning right to find the base of Beggarmans Road and head for the sky. The distinctive remnants of an ancient quarry indicate the summit. My knees are ready to snap. Its from here that this road separates itself from its peers, and its from here that everyone will be pushed to their limits. 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. Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. It is really tough to crown just one climb in Wales as a favorite after riding so many over our few weeks of riding in June 2022. It's a long drag, but not particularly taxing in the most part, rising through the trees with the rumbling of vehicles on the adjacent main road in the distance. It's a testing drag, with the incline quickly kicking up to 9% and staying there or thereabouts much of the way to the top. TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (FIETS INDEX), This extraordinary climb is in the northwestern section of Wales in the Snowdonia mountain region. At this point, the climb would get significantly worse! 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. Where: Between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Ranking list He was in north Wales pinching some of my best KOMs so I thought he deserved some punishment. The lodge helpfully is a decent cafe stop too as it happens. The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 ft (1,085 m). 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. In front of you is the Alpine-style Ski Centre, a simply awesome ride. The three vicious ascents leaving Woodmancote all offer a fantastic challenge, and of the three it's Bushcombe Lane that stands apart. The less celebrated of two routes up Llangynidr Mountain, the climb from Llangattock is no less difficult. Something went wrong, please try again later. Second hardest bike climb in the UK (#1 Wales) - PJAMM Cycling This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales, Huge vintage clothing warehouse where you can get designer brands at a fraction of the price, The Thrift operates over a huge 12,000 sq ft and stocks big brands as well as a value section, Superdrug anti-aging cream called 'botox in a tub' by shoppers, Optimum Collagen Day cream is priced at 14.99. >>> Subscriptions deals forCycling Weeklymagazine. Bwlch Penbarra to Jubilee Tower, 4. 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. And don't even think about putting a foot down - you'll never get started again. 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. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. 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. The traditional Snowdonia thus includes the ranges of Snowdon and its satellites, the Glyderau, the Carneddau and the Moel Siabod group. The photos in the collage at the top of this page are of PJAMMs Top 10 Hardest per the Fiets Index. This page provides an excellent and comprehensive summary of the top, hardest and best bicycling climbs in Wales. Click the CONTRIBUTE button to share your thoughts with us. 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. Height gain 286m Pozza San Glisente (Dos dell'Asino), 8. Start opposite the old red telephone box, past the numerous warning signs, across the cattle grid then bend slightly left. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The bottom of the Abercynafon climb - note the 20% gradient, The open countryside of the Baran Road climb, The open part of the Bedlinog climb, after leaving the village, Looking south from the climb up the Black Mountain, The profile of the Black Mountain, from Brynamman, Looking down at the upper reaches of the Black Mountain climb from Llangadog, Looking north from the top of the Black Mountain, The profile for the Black Mountain from Llangadog, The top of the British, heading out of Abersychan, Steep inclines before leaving Aberdare on the way up Maerdy Mountain, The hairpin on the climb up Maerdy Mountain from Aberdare, Descending from the Bwlch into the Afan Valley, Near the top of the Bwlch, from the Afan Valley, The profile for the climb up the Bwlch from the Afan Valley, Looking up towards the summit of the Bwlch on the way up from Treorchy, The early part of the Caerphilly Mountain climb after leaving Tongwynlais, The steepest part of the climb up Caerphilly Mountain from Tongwynlais, The profile of the climb up Caerphilly Mountain from Caerphilly, The 20% slopes of the Wenallt climb up Caerphilly Mountain, The profile of the Wenallt climb up Caerphilly Mountain, Dan Martin and Nairo Quintana lead up Caerphilly Mountain in the 2013 Tour of Britain, The final kick on the Mountain Road ascent of Caerphilly Mountain, The profile of the climb up Caerphilly Mountain from the centre of the town, The road up Cefn Bryn stretching into the distance, The higher part of the Cimla climb out of Neath, The steep and cobbled slopes of Swansea's Constitution Hill, The long stretch up to Crai reservoir from Pen y Cae, The view down from the top hairpin on the Devil's Elbow, The top section of the Gospel Pass, after the steepest parts, Climbing up alongside dry stone walls and mountain streams on Heol Lan, Looking back down the climb out of Llangattock, Looking back down from the top of Llangynidr Mountain, Llanguicke Road: Almost unimaginably steep, The views from close to the summit of Llangynidr Mountain, The climb from Llangwm towards Shirenewton, The climb to Llanwonno, shortly after leaving the houses of Graigwen Road, The forested section close to the top of the climb to Llanwonno from Pontypridd, Onto more open terrain at the top of the Maerdy Mountain, The profile of the climb up Maerdy Mountain, The Old Black Rock climb from Gilwern to Brynmawr, The relentless gradient to the top of Penrhys, One of the steepest sections of the climb up past Pontypridd Golf Club, Looking back from the top of the Pontypridd Golf Club climb, The profile for the Pontypridd Golf Club climb, The top section of the Rhigos on the north side, The profile of the Rhigos climb from Hirwaun, The profile of the Rhigos from Treherbert, Rhiwr Road is difficult from the very start, Looking back towards Monmouth shortly after leaving Mitchel Troy on the climb to Trelleck, The profile of the climb towards Trelleck from Mitchel Troy. I can see why. Baniamr Aquabah Pass, 6. 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. 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. 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. The Tyla rounds the Blorenge from Gilwern, Heading into the trees on the Wentwood Ridge climb just where it starts to get really steep. This challenging route is found between between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil and is a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres). . These days, cyclists have it pretty much to themselves, save for the odd bit of local traffic. The route is found in Abersychan, Torfaen, where its lower slopes begin on the A4043 and then after a mile turn left and youll begin to climb through a breathtaking gorge. 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. The average gradient might "only" be 8.3%, but that's reduced by the steady stretch of false flat that precedes the summit. The climb goes up a ridge to a small parking lot, where we saw two other cyclists. Rounding the corner I spot our photographer Andy ahead and see he isnt in position. On the opposite side of the Blorenge to the more famous Tumble, Rhiwr Road makes that famous climb look like child's play. Riding from Llangadog, you'll be climbing before you realise, but the real business starts after the woodland stops and the open mountainside starts. 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 . Windswept and remote this climb begins in Brynamman, Carmarthenshire, and goes for 3.7 miles with a 12% gradient. 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 . Whatever it is, it makes the stretch of climbing ahead look terrifying. for this page: ). Views and scenery during the middle of the climb. Far from any major towns, the starting point is near some very old homesteads. Bwlch y Groes is rich in history and strong on inspiring, if not breathtaking, scenery. Bryn Du is a very steep climb in Aberdare, up Maerdy Mountain. If you survive the absolute wall out of Pontypridd along Graigwen Road, you'll be treated to one of the most beautiful routes in this part of South Wales as the road follows a ridge high above Taff Valley to the historic church of Llanwonno. 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. The Gospel Pass is situated in Wales. 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. . 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). 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. Only two miles, but one of those climbs that feels like it goes on forever. But, I like to think its a Sheep in Dragons clothing. Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. 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 . This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. Where Leaving the A593 just south of Skelwith Bridge head west to Little Langdale. Climbing up through Bedlinog is such a challenge because its so deceptive. A headwind, on the other hand, and it can be a real grind. The five toughest cycling sportives in the world - The Telegraph After all that has preceded it, the finale a set of four hairpin bends may be all too much, but fear not. 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 hardest part is swinging onto the six or seven kilometre climbs and seeing riders crawling up the hill ahead of you looking like ants . 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. The Road to Hell - 353m - 3 to 20% - 11km #90. Cairn O'Mount from the south side is 3.35km with an elevation gain of 319 meters. 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 . TOP 3 MOST EPIC BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN), Cycling the incomparable Stwlan Dam, Wales. The 10 Hardest Bike Climbs in Wales - pjammcycling.com Ride 1.8 miles gaining 916 at 10% average grade. Where: Heading north out of Nantymoel in the Ogmore Valley. 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. Abercynafon Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. 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. View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in Wales. I dare not look up and in a situation like this it is best not to concentrate on the finish but just live in the moment, trying to stay on two wheels, preserving forward momentum. All rights reserved. I'd waited a long time to ride this road, initially put off by its "private" status. Sign up with your email address to receive offers, news and updates. The 10 hardest hill climbs in Wales can be viewed on this page via the map (zoom in to view climbs in particular areas), by Climb Cards (photo and stats) or by a detailed list of the climbs that can be arranged in metric or imperial units by difficulty, distance (longest climbs in the area), altitude gained, highest elevation (highest summit), average grade (sort the grades by varying distances), lowest start point, etc. 2. The wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. Epic Climbs in South Wales - Cardiff By Bike 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. danevanscycling Ffordd Pen Llech I cant say for sure but I decide to stick with before to salvage what I can of my fragile ego. Grid Ref: NG 775 423 (OS24) Length 8980m Height gain 623m Approx climb time 37 mins, Extracts taken from 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs and Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs by Simon Warren, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Cyclist climbing Hardknott Pass, The Lake District National Park, Cumbria Photograph: Peter Oliver/Alamy, Cyclists on Wrynose Pass in the Lake District. Are you tough enough? | Ten of the UK's steepes And yet it's easy to forget that it's also one of the toughest. You have to pace yourself because as the road progresses you hit a series of bends, coupled with a 30% gradient. The top 10 hardest cycling climbs around the globe, all of which we have personally documented, are: 1. 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. 5 Hardest Climbs In The UK - pedalsure.com Region: South West Length: 3.1km Average gradient: 10% Elevation: 321m 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. Grid Ref: NY 231 014 (OS96). ), and I recommend parking there and not attempting to traverse any part of the actual climb route in a car. Through the gate, straight over a cattle grid and into more hard work, the road bending left past a stone shelter, a sure-fire signal although you are nowhere near the top yet that you're heading into truly hostile country. The sheer length of this steep section is what sets this climb apart, there's just nowhere to recover. Summarized above under Fiets Top 10 Hardest], 100 Greatest Climbs - A Road Cyclists Guide To Britains Hills, 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 steepest parts of the climb are before you've even left the edge of the town, but it's long enough to be a real struggle if you've burnt too many matches too soon. Electric Mountain, 5. If you want the privilege of having ridden the highest paved road in Wales, you'll need to earn it. 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. Luckily for us the rain was holding on our expedition. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. 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.

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