But as the road heads into the trees, it rears up sharply, and doesn't drop below 12% until the very top. The majority of Scotland's roads stick to valleys as there's no need to cross the mountains but here they link the village of Applecross with the rest of the world by taking the route over the top of Bealach-na-Ba. 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. 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. It's also available via Apple Newsstand and Readly. Signup for our. Get info and context about new features. Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Continue on to Fell Foot Farm and start to climb as you turn past the buildings. WOW - enough said! Eventually you'll bend around to the left and the battered, rugged road levels for good. Ride two miles gaining 1,055 at 10.3% average grade. Youre not going to forget the name of this route, nor how it makes you feel! Still, that's the least of your worries as you pass a 25% sign. 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. World Cycle Tours, Nutterswood Cottage, Nutters Wood, Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3PZ, United Kingdom. Wales has some gorgeous road bike climbs, and Bwlch y Groes is surely one of them! Llangynidr Mountain is very much a climb of two halves. It starts from the village of Porlock and climbs an average of 10% gradient towards the top of Exmoor. Its from here that this road separates itself from its peers, and its from here that everyone will be pushed to their limits. This climb is along the southeastern edge of Snowdonia National Park (established 1951 - third national park in Britain after Peak District and Lake District). - they are the Gold Standard for cycling climbing in the UK. View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in Wales. With a maximum gradient of 22% and an average gradient of 8.1% youre afforded great views of Aberdare the higher you climb. The climb lasts for almost a mile and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. From this page you may navigate to the top 10 most difficult bicycling climbs in Wales. In fact the Welsh flag has an imposing Dragon on it. #3 HARDEST WELSH CLIMB -BWLCH PENBARRA TO JUBILEE TOWER, Cycling Bwlch Penbarras to Jubilee Tower, Wales. And yet it's easy to forget that it's also one of the toughest. The road levels slightly but the. The wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. 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. Whatever it is, it makes the stretch of climbing ahead look terrifying. They are good people out here that enjoy a way of life much slower and unfamiliar to most others I think. The 5 hardest cycling climbs in the UK (Please link to Pedalsure.com if using elsewhere) Bealach na B 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. The route hugs the side of the steeply sided valley, following the contours of the hillside as it heads towards the summit. If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. One for the power climbers. Essentially every turn is a blind curve. Mauna Kea, 2. Horshoe Pass (Bwlch yr Oernant) - 317m - 7 to 20% - 6.1km #91. 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. 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. Watch a gorgeous open up before your eyes as you tackle this country road that rises straight out of Pontardawe. 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. 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. The views? Published 2 March 23. Where Leaving the A593 just south of Skelwith Bridge head west to Little Langdale. The Shelf - 262m - 5 to 15% - 5.1km #87. I snapped my chain not once but twice in my attempt to conquer this vicious stretch of tarmac. 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. 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. Electric Mountain, 5. As of 2022, Simon Warren has published 12 cycling climbing books - 10 focusing on the UK, one on TdF and the other on the Giro. The first 200-yard segment averages 15%, so be sure to warm up. Visit our corporate site. My knees are ready to snap. Where Head north into the mountains from Ballater on the A939. for this page: 100 Greatest Climbs - A Road Cyclists Guide To Britains Hills; Cycling Climbs of Wales; see also https://www.100climbs.co.uk/books). Heading up the Blorenge from the other side, the climb gains slightly less altitude in slightly greater distance. You start your ascent from the beautiful Corgarff castle and straight away you hit 20% slopes rough, relentlessly steep and twisting a little. The Tyla rounds The Blorenge Mountain from Gilwern, and its an incredibly challenging climb, mainly because of its steep lower slopes. The best advice for anyone heading uphill out of Aberdare - don't put yourself in the red too early. Plus detailed bike, kit and accessory reviews from the experts. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs). ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. BA1 1UA. Wrong. We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South Wales. You are eventually rewarded with a blissful flat stretch, but it's not over yet; round a left-hand bend is yet more 20% gradient, a final zig-zag and a few last kicks take you to what feels like the top of the world. Penbarra ( Bwlch Pen barras / Bwlch Penbarras / Old Bwlch) - 258m - 11 to 25% - 2.3km #89. This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. Since that . 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. 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. I did warn him how bad it was but he was like, yeah, its just another hill. 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. Approaching from either direction you see the radar station's "golf ball" glowing like a beacon on the top of the ridge. The Gospel Pass is 548 high. Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. The beautiful landscape of the Brecon Beacons. Bryn Du is a very steep climb in Aberdare, up Maerdy Mountain. I asked. Pozza San Glisente (Dos dell'Asino), 8. Bealach na B is the one most talked about, as one of few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom. But the end of the steep ramp is within touching distance. Having left the steep streets of Upper Brynamman behind, the road dissects the open mountainside, tussock-covered hillsides on both flanks. ANDY! I scream, we are coming. 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. A mix of all three? The average gradient might "only" be 8.3%, but that's reduced by the steady stretch of false flat that precedes the summit. From the long, straight opening stretch, the summit seems scarily close in distance, while worryingly far away in altitude. Climbing up through Bedlinog is such a challenge because its so deceptive. Wales treated us quite well on our visit in August 2018. 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. 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. Turn away from the village of Knock and begin opposite a farm gate. Without being too hysterical, this climb is nothing more than a joyless straight line of pain. 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. These days, cyclists have it pretty much to themselves, save for the odd bit of local traffic. 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. This climb has the steepest 500 meter segment in all the UK. The first 10km climbs 800m to a small Visitor Centre, via ever steepening slopes and long 12 - 15% ramps. 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. Stay up to date with the latest developments. With the wind on your back, it's one that can be tackled in the big ring on a good day. View epic images taken along the climbing route. 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. 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 . We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The climb goes up a ridge to a small parking lot, where we saw two other cyclists. On our climb, we encountered a car and had to back up nearly a kilometer to find a place where they could pass. Where Leave the A684 that runs through Hawes and head south on Gayle Lane to Gayle. Bedlinog Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our. Simon ranked Bwlch y Groes as the fourth hardest climb in Wales (7 UK) and second most epic in Wales (after Stwlan Dam). The sense of achievement? . It is an incredible climb both ways but the road from Tornapress, heading north-west, is just awesome. 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. How steep? This climb has one very steep segment near the beginning of the climb: a full half-mile at 16.5%. Simon Warren (100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, UK) ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. 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). The Tour of Britain tackled the climb in 2010, when Swiss Michael Albasini attacked up it to take a solo win in Swansea. Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. We believe we have located and thoroughly documented the Top 10 Hardest (by Fiets and by Simon Warren) and 10 Most Epic (Simon Warren) and these are accessed via the Map or List above on the Wales Home page just above this Climb Area Summary. 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. As Eryri (see above), this area has a unique place in Welsh history, tradition and culture. 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. Here are some of the UK's other toughest ascents. By the time the open mountain top is reached, things are much more benign. El Torneado, and 10. For a while there I thought Id settled it. Riding from Llangadog, you'll be climbing before you realise, but the real business starts after the woodland stops and the open mountainside starts. After an age on the opening steep gradient the road banks right to plateau before a brief downhill. 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. Arguably, though, he is best known as the author of Cycling Climbs series of books. It also has a very interesting motorsport history: The History of Motor Sport and the Bwlch-y-Groes is nearly as old as motorsport. Since that first book, he's added 11 more, as well Ride Britain which showcases 40 inspirational road cycling routes. 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. Is it the suffering? Pass Castell Coch on your left, feel the smooth false flat underneath your wheels and the scent of wild garlic in the air, and you'll think you're in for an easy couple of miles. 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). You can also subscribe to the magazine, save on the cover price and get it delivered every Thursday. When we reached this last hairpin though his jaw hit the floor, he recalls. Finish at the car park at the top of the climb. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news sent straight to your inbox? Ride 1.8 miles gaining 916 at 10% average grade. Bwlch Penbarra (SW #88), 9. The climb begins as we pass a set of old farm buildings on the left. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. Cape Epic. How many have you suffered on your way up? Grid ref: SO 403 918 (OS 137)Length 0.96kmHeight gain 163mApprox climb time 7 mins, You're spoilt for choice when it comes to climbing Cleeve Hill. 2. (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more). 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. 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. Region: South West Length: 3.1km Average gradient: 10% Elevation: 321m Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the Profile Tool button. That said, Bwlch Penbarra is certainly a top three for US. Where: South of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire. 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!! Once past an axle weight sign the climb begins. No part of it is easy, but it's the first of two hairpins that makes it notorious. 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. 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. The Gospel Pass is situated in Wales. Repeatedly, you'll think you're through the worst - only to be hit again with the next step of the staircase. A straight line of unflinching steepness of such monotony that it regularly feels like you're going nowhere. The Floor is Lava is nothing compared to this road. From there it's a steep and tough push to reach the saddle of the pass. This mini monster was brought to my attention by hill climb master and double National Champion Dan Evans after I noticed a string of expletives in his Strava feed. Please check your inbox to complete the sign-up process and ensure you receive emails and offers from us in the future. He wasn't wrong. Okay - sheep is not the official mascot. And Lots of them. . It's short, steep and fairly hostile all the way to the final left corner that brings you out Caerphilly Mountain's famous snack bar. 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. Simon Warren lists this as the third hardest climb in Wales, and sixth toughest in all the UK. 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 gradient towards the top is, in the most part, forgiving, with the most taxing stretches found around the villages lower down. La Muerte, 9. If someone built it we will damn well try and ride it, even if it means falling on our ass because. 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. 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. If a man with legs as strong as Dans struggles up a climb then what chance do us mortals have? Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, 1. Something went wrong, please try again later. Don't let the urban nature of this climb fool you - it's not easy. 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. I had to go and check it out. 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. Where Leave the A66 in Appleby-in-Westmorland, head north past Brampton, and left through Dufton to arrive in Knock. The steep, consistent gradient hovers around 15% all the way, making it one of the most challenging climbs in South Wales. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. On my first climb up Bwlch y Groes in 2018 I got a flat tire on my vehicle that was parked in front of one of these homesteads and was assisted in fixing the flat by the old-timer that lived nearby. It then all but levels off as you pass various farm buildings, where the surface is broken and covered with the mud and debris from passing tractor tyres. The Tumble (SW #97), 8. 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