Something went wrong, please try again later. How many have you suffered on your way up? Since that first book, he's added 11 more, as well Ride Britain which showcases 40 inspirational road cycling routes. Begin the climb across the bridge at Cock Bridge just past Corgarff Castle. . The traditional Snowdonia thus includes the ranges of Snowdon and its satellites, the Glyderau, the Carneddau and the Moel Siabod group. La Muerte, 9. 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. Over the years, I've sought to climb as many hills as possible. North Wales Cycling Climbs amongst the top 100 - VC Melyd 37 beautiful and challenging climbs in South Wales every - WalesOnline 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 surface is rough at first and steep from the outset, but improves as you pass over a cattlegrid and approach the double hairpin. 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 beautiful landscape of the Brecon Beacons. Not here. This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. 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. Mauna Kea: Cycling the Hardest Climb in the World The second bend here is so steep on the inside that it forces you far right, so take care. Now round to the right, the ever steepening, increasingly lumpy surface heads into arguably the hardest section of relentlessly steep tarmac in Britain. The gradient kicks up to 14% as you head through the Cimla area of Neath, before a descent the other side takes you down into the Afan Valley. 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. Grid Ref: NY 231 014 (OS96). Climbing for fun requires a particular type of sadism. ), and I recommend parking there and not attempting to traverse any part of the actual climb route in a car. I asked. 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. It's a very tough mile though, averaging somewhere around 9% as it cuts its way up the side of Maerdy Mountain. 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. Photograph: Stephen Dorey/Alamy. This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. The surface, just wide enough for a single car, is smooth at the edges but little more than gravel and moss in the centre. This is a list of all 200 climbs feature in 100 Greatest cycling climbs and also the sequel The average gradient might "only" be 8.3%, but that's reduced by the steady stretch of false flat that precedes the summit. Bath List of - 100 Climbs Total climbing: 21,293m over 322.75km. He was in north Wales pinching some of my best KOMs so I thought he deserved some punishment. In Wales cyclists can find 74 interesting climbs between 5 and 550 meters above sea level. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, >>> Subscriptions deals forCycling Weeklymagazine. TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (FIETS INDEX), This extraordinary climb is in the northwestern section of Wales in the Snowdonia mountain region. 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. Where Leaving the A593 just south of Skelwith Bridge head west to Little Langdale. 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. The climb is really unique. Hardest cycle climbs: 6 of the world's toughest hills - Red Bull The distinctive remnants of an ancient quarry indicate the summit. Signup for our. 2. Now climbing steeply, this slither of rough road clinging precariously to the mountainside bends hard right to deliver you into a true wilderness. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. 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. It's mentally taxing rather than a top-level physical challenge - the four miles of climbing are largely gentle in gradient terms, but difficult because of the scale of the landscape. Published 2 March 23. Riding alongside Dan with Jess tucked in behind we set off, all three of us understandably apprehensive of what lies ahead. You can also subscribe to the magazine, save on the cover price and get it delivered every Thursday. Round the end of Loch Kishorn and follow the signs to Applecross, up and over Bealach-na-Ba. This featureoriginally appeared in the September 23 print edition of Cycling Weekly magazine,on sale in newsagents and supermarkets, priced 3.25. Approaching from either direction you see the radar station's "golf ball" glowing like a beacon on the top of the ridge. United States - Top Bike Climbs - PJAMM Cycling There is no dress rehearsal for this stretch of road, this is one take and one take only. Follow the road alongside the river to Llanymawddwy, pass through and begin the climb across the Pont y Pennant. The steep, consistent gradient hovers around 15% all the way, making it one of the most challenging climbs in South Wales. The climb lasts for almost a mile and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. With a maximum gradient of 22% and an average gradient of 8.1% youre afforded great views of Aberdare the higher you climb. It's that steep much of the way. "Backcountry riding and we were on a pump track to get back inbounds. 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. Electric Mountain, 5. But as the road heads into the trees, it rears up sharply, and doesn't drop below 12% until the very top. The first 200-yard segment averages 15%, so be sure to warm up. I had to go and check it out. The route hugs the side of the steeply sided valley, following the contours of the hillside as it heads towards the summit. 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. Click the CONTRIBUTE button to share your thoughts with us. Anything you have read or been told about this amazing road is likely to be true. 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. In many ways, the quintessential Welsh mountain road - wild, remote, desolate and endearingly featureless. We begin this climb in the midst of lush pastureland. Height gain 286m Okay - sheep is not the official mascot. The first 10km climbs 800m to a small Visitor Centre, via ever steepening slopes and long 12 - 15% ramps. Brutal hill climb in Wales held on newly-crowned - Cycling Weekly The maximum gradient is 13%. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. 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. Best cycling climbs Europe: Top 10 hardest routes - Red Bull This climb is along the southeastern edge of Snowdonia National Park (established 1951 - third national park in Britain after Peak District and Lake District). I snapped my chain not once but twice in my attempt to conquer this vicious stretch of tarmac. Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Where Leave the A684 that runs through Hawes and head south on Gayle Lane to Gayle. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. By the time the open mountain top is reached, things are much more benign. In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. Constant variations in gradient make finding a rhythm a tough task and there are significant stretches in excess of 10%. Repeatedly, you'll think you're through the worst - only to be hit again with the next step of the staircase. We rank this monster as the #3 most difficult in Britain via the Fiets index - #2 in Wales! Heave yourself round this evil corner and you're through the worst of it. 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. I was to discover that there is absolutely no objection to cyclists riding it, although few would be mad enough. Wales has some gorgeous road bike climbs, and Bwlch y Groes is surely one of them! . Learn More ALL TRIPS Dan is still chatting away but Ive fallen silent - there is no space to fit words in-between breaths. This is simply a magnificent cycling experience. "Cycling in south Wales is a completely different story. First built in 2nd century by the Romans, the pass is unbelievably tough from both directions. TOP 3 MOST EPIC BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN), Cycling the incomparable Stwlan Dam, Wales. Babusar Pass, 4. of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. 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. 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. 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. One for the power climbers. Baran Road is arguably the most beautiful of all the tough climbs were listing here. Let us know your thoughts about this page. We rank this monster as #2 most difficult in UK via the Fiets index. This climb has one very steep segment near the beginning of the climb: a full half-mile at 16.5%. If there's a more brutal stretch of road anywhere in South Wales than Llanguicke Road, then it's definitely best avoided. Leave the A470 at Dinas Mawddwy and head into the Afon Dyfi Valley. The best advice for anyone heading uphill out of Aberdare - don't put yourself in the red too early. The wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. I'd waited a long time to ride this road, initially put off by its "private" status. Thank you for signing up! It starts steep from the village of Clydach and beats you up for a whole mile before easing just a touch. 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. 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. Al Jaadah Pass, 3. Bwlch y Groes (SW #91), 3. Most local riders know its here, we gave it the nickname the Baby Zoncolan but we all avoid it like the plague. Still, that's the least of your worries as you pass a 25% sign. Before the construction of the Heads of the Valleys road, this was the main road between Gilwern and Brynmawr. 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. Ride only 600 meters but at a stunning 21.3% average grade. Start opposite the old red telephone box, past the numerous warning signs, across the cattle grid then bend slightly left. Continue on to Fell Foot Farm and start to climb as you turn past the buildings. We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South Wales. Stay up to date with the latest developments. In fact the Welsh flag has an imposing Dragon on it. Essentially every turn is a blind curve. 1. This climb isn't for the faint-hearted. Holding a straight line is becoming all but impossible and the effort needed is simply unsustainable. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Up and up, and then mercifully dipping, or is it just levelling? 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. 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. The Shelf - 262m - 5 to 15% - 5.1km #87. The Tyla rounds the Blorenge from Gilwern, Heading into the trees on the Wentwood Ridge climb just where it starts to get really steep. But amongst the legendary Welsh valleys, beaches and mountains found in the south of the country, where can you find the most challenging climbs on two wheels? 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. 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. 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.