Believe the hype. Stwlan Dam. Let us know your thoughts about this page. I can see why. Sign up with your email address to receive offers, news and updates. 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. 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. 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. 2. Start opposite the old red telephone box, past the numerous warning signs, across the cattle grid then bend slightly left. Grid ref: SD 862 843 (OS98)Length 5.34km Height gain 323m Approx climb time 22 mins, On the eastern edge of the Long Mynd lies the infamous Asterton Bank, also known by many other names that I could not print here. Factoring in a pretty torrid road surface too means reaching the top of this wall is an achievement few will ever accomplish. 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. "Take it easy now or you'll never make 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. 1. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs). List of - 100 Climbs Total climbing: 21,293m over 322.75km. Round the end of Loch Kishorn and follow the signs to Applecross, up and over Bealach-na-Ba. Pozza San Glisente (Dos dell'Asino), 8. For a while there I thought Id settled it. 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. Gradients of around 30% are generally only found on the inside of tight bends. And Lots of them. But the end of the steep ramp is within touching distance. You start your ascent from the beautiful Corgarff castle and straight away you hit 20% slopes rough, relentlessly steep and twisting a little. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britain's steepest hill. An altitude gain of 620ft in just a mile gives a clue about what kind of climb this is. is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales (100 Greatest Cycling Climbs - Britain). Okay - sheep is not the official mascot. 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. Explore the climbing route via Google Street Views. Below, we detail 10 of the toughest climbs in the UK, and provide links to the Strava segments to help you plan your routes. Electric Mountain, 5. The top 10 hardest cycling climbs around the globe, all of which we have personally documented, are: 1. This climb has the steepest 500 meter segment in all the UK. 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. I did warn him how bad it was but he was like, yeah, its just another hill. This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. I have purchased and relied heavily on several of these books in deciding what climbs to include on the PJAMM Website for the UK. Climb the Gospel Pass via Hay on Wye by bike. Named after the huge old ironworks that once dominated this hillside above Pontypool, there's little to suggest the majesty of this climb's top section when you turn onto its lower slopes off the A4043 through Abersychan. Also known as Hellfire Pass, Bwich-Y-Groes is the highest paved road in Wales. Click the CONTRIBUTE button to share your thoughts with us. The views? Please check your inbox to complete the sign-up process and ensure you receive emails and offers from us in the future. Then you hit the switchbacks, where a better surface is cold comfort as you grapple with gravity's pull and attempt to hold your momentum through these vicious bends. The top few miles of the Swansea Valley take you up the steady slopes of a wide and straight main road up to the beautiful Crai Reservoir. In Wales cyclists can find 74 interesting climbs between 5 and 550 meters above sea level. If any more proof was needed, this road takes no prisoners., it is utterly savage but thats what we love, right? But, I like to think its a Sheep in Dragons clothing. View epic images taken along the climbing route. Luckily for us the rain was holding on our expedition. Something went wrong, please try again later. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. Only two miles, but one of those climbs that feels like it goes on forever. Stay up to date with the latest developments. Through Gayle, the road flat, hugging the river, soon rises sharply for a short 17% lung-opener. 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. 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. By the time that respite comes, you've climbed nearly 800ft. This brutal, bucket list climb invites you to tackle an incredible 48 hairpin bends between Prato and the mountain's 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. 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. Dan is still chatting away but Ive fallen silent - there is no space to fit words in-between breaths. 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). Climbing for fun requires a particular type of sadism. Don't let the urban nature of this climb fool you - it's not easy. - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. 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. Bwlch Penbarras from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, The Road to Hell from Denbigh via Nantglyn, Llanberis Pass / Pen-y-Pass from Nant Peris. Bath In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. This is the story of how he found it and just how painful it is to ride. 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. I have purchased and relied heavily on several of these books in deciding what climbs to include on the PJAMM Website for the UK. There is no dress rehearsal for this stretch of road, this is one take and one take only. Where: Between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil. I snapped my chain not once but twice in my attempt to conquer this vicious stretch of tarmac. See where the steepest portions of the climb are located by gradient group. Where: Between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Watch a gorgeous open up before your eyes as you tackle this country road that rises straight out of Pontardawe. before our second trip to document the UKs top climbs in 2022 -- thus, its The Real Deal! ) Where Leaving the A593 just south of Skelwith Bridge head west to Little Langdale. 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. The wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. Bwlch y Groes (SW #91), 3. All rights reserved. Turn left after around a mile though, and everything changes. I'd waited a long time to ride this road, initially put off by its "private" status. 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%. On the opposite side of the Blorenge to the more famous Tumble, Rhiwr Road makes that famous climb look like child's play. >>> Subscriptions deals forCycling Weeklymagazine. La Muerte, 9. If you can ride this, you can ride anything. The lodge helpfully is a decent cafe stop too as it happens. This climb is along the southeastern edge of Snowdonia National Park (established 1951 - third national park in Britain after Peak District and Lake District). See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the Profile Tool button. 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. 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. Just keep going, then head down the terrifying descent. It was the first to be designated of the three national parks in Wales, in 1951. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Is it the suffering? They are good people out here that enjoy a way of life much slower and unfamiliar to most others I think. Up and up, and then mercifully dipping, or is it just levelling? This gorgeous country road is testing for even the best cyclists, but it provides great views north towards the western Brecon Beacons. Rounding the corner I spot our photographer Andy ahead and see he isnt in position. We relied heavily on Simon Warrens Top UK Climbs Series in ranking and documenting UK bike climbs (. ) In front of you is the Alpine-style Ski Centre, a simply awesome ride. And yet it's easy to forget that it's also one of the toughest. 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. Bwlch Penbarra to Jubilee Tower, 4. Climbing up through Bedlinog is such a challenge because its so deceptive. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. I asked. The less celebrated of two routes up Llangynidr Mountain, the climb from Llangattock is no less difficult. Pass Gairnshiel Lodge and Colnabaichin. If you want the privilege of having ridden the highest paved road in Wales, you'll need to earn it. Its quite a strange effort needed to try and get the KOM, he explains. The landscape is rough, its easy to see how the area gets pounded with rain and freezing temps most of the year. Afon Ddu starts abruptly from the main road and youll need just one gear, the lowest you can fit on your bike. Passo Stelvio, Italy. 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. 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 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. Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. 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. TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN). Baniamr Aquabah Pass, 6. #3 HARDEST WELSH CLIMB -BWLCH PENBARRA TO JUBILEE TOWER, Cycling Bwlch Penbarras to Jubilee Tower, Wales. Named Hellfire Pass by the English but better known by its Welsh name, Bwlch-Y-Groes. of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. Favourite cycling climbs in North Wales 1 - Pen-y-Pass aka Llanberis Pass Pen Y Pass Profile. The Tumble (SW #97), 8. 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. A headwind, on the other hand, and it can be a real grind. Simon ranked Bwlch y Groes as the fourth hardest climb in Wales (7 UK) and second most epic in Wales (after Stwlan Dam). If the Tumble is the famous and successful son, the Tyla is his awkward, challenging older brother. Where To find Hardknott Pass leave the A595 and head east towards Eskdale. 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. Having left the steep streets of Upper Brynamman behind, the road dissects the open mountainside, tussock-covered hillsides on both flanks. Scanuppia It also has a very interesting motorsport history: The History of Motor Sport and the Bwlch-y-Groes is nearly as old as motorsport. If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. Learn More ALL TRIPS When you reach the open mountaintop (after 3.4 miles), the views will take your breath away. 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. If there's a more brutal stretch of road anywhere in South Wales than Llanguicke Road, then it's definitely best avoided. Photograph: Ashley Cooper/Alamy, The radar station of top of Great Dun Fell. Bedlinog What follows is a brief levelling out but you can't put off what lies ahead for long. Follow the road alongside the river to Llanymawddwy, pass through and begin the climb across the Pont y Pennant. 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. Check the forecast before you head out and be prepared for harsher weather at the top. This is a list of all 200 climbs feature in 100 Greatest cycling climbs and also the sequel 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. It's all a bit of an optical illusion though. Holding a straight line is becoming all but impossible and the effort needed is simply unsustainable. From the long, straight opening stretch, the summit seems scarily close in distance, while worryingly far away in altitude. Over the years, I've sought to climb as many hills as possible. My veins are ready to explode as I push and pull through each agonising revolution of the pedals. 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. The king of climbs and arguably the hardest road in the land, the legendary Hardknott Pass is an amazing sliver of tarmac. Babusar Pass, 4. 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. 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. 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! Far from any major towns, the starting point is near some very old homesteads. 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. Theres always a bigger fish. Thats what the ancient proverb says, and just when I thought Id ridden the steepest road in Britain, and put the matter of determining the country's toughest cycling climb to bed once and for all, up popped another hideous incline to further move the goalposts and redefine suffering. 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. 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. Simon and Dan get to grips with Pythagoras Theorem. Essentially every turn is a blind curve. This was the advice of a local man as I approached the foot of this brutal climb last year. 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. Wales treated us quite well on our visit in August 2018. This climb truly is beauty and the beast. Finish at the car park at the top of the climb. Canton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. Have you tackled the toughest climb in your region? VIDEO: Snowboarder Climbs Tree To Evade Angry Moose. Two miles up a main road at between 4% and 6% might sound easy, but that just depends on how fast you're going. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The average gradient might "only" be 8.3%, but that's reduced by the steady stretch of false flat that precedes the summit. 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. 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. 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. 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. Im now trapped on a two foot wide strip of rippled 30 per cent concrete fighting for survival. Leaving Rosedale Abbey, a sign warns you of the one-in-three yes, one-in-three gradient to come. Scotland Bealach Na Ba Bealach na B is arguably the toughest climb in Britain. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. But one thing's for sure - Wales has some great places to do it. The superlative Bwlch y Groes is coincidentally ranked #2 most epic hill climb in Wales and 3 in all the UK. We rank this monster as #2 most difficult in UK via the Fiets index. The Tyla rounds the Blorenge from Gilwern, Heading into the trees on the Wentwood Ridge climb just where it starts to get really steep. Photograph: Paul White/Alamy, Scotch mist hanging over Bealach na Ba. Top 100 #86. I was to discover that there is absolutely no objection to cyclists riding it, although few would be mad enough. There's something evil lurking in the woods at the top of this climb in rural Monmouthshire. But had this happened before I hit the deck or after? It only takes 1 minute and it's completely free. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. After leaving the village, you're into open moorland but don't expect a gradient in single figures. It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline. Picturesque mountains, hills, valleys and coastland define the landscape, and make the area a dream cycling location. El Torneado, and 10. If you were measuring the steepest, hardest, highest or longest climbs in South Wales, this wouldn't be anywhere near it. Photograph: Stephen Dorey/Alamy. Its gradient maxes out at 37 percent, with an . Where Leave the A66 in Appleby-in-Westmorland, head north past Brampton, and left through Dufton to arrive in Knock. The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 ft (1,085 m). Bealach na B is the one most talked about, as one of few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom. 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. It's very steep into a small woodland, over a cattle grid and then you will see the enormity of your task. I slump over the bars. 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. 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. 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. The maximum gradient is 13%. Inspecting my bike it appears my right pedal has partially disintegrated. 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. Things start off fairly easily, but get harder and harder and harder again by the time you near the summit of Cefn Eglwysllan, with a lovely 20% ramp greeting you to the very top. The bike climbs we have documented are in the slideshow above. It's a very tough mile though, averaging somewhere around 9% as it cuts its way up the side of Maerdy Mountain. 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. How steep? By the time the open mountain top is reached, things are much more benign. 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 . Heading up the Blorenge from the other side, the climb gains slightly less altitude in slightly greater distance. Published 2 March 23. 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. Al Jaadah Pass, 3. The three vicious ascents leaving Woodmancote all offer a fantastic challenge, and of the three it's Bushcombe Lane that stands apart. . Enter the first of two sets of brutal switchbacks and wrench body and bike through the 25% corners. Saw signs of a moose, unstrapped and started walking down the trail and saw her about 100ft up the trail. Where Leave the A470 at Dinas Mawddwy and head north east towards Aber-Cywarch. Having featured as a summit finish for the Welsh Nationals and the Tour of Britain, as well as being the signature climb for Velothon Wales, the Tumble is easily one of the most famous climbs in Wales. 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. 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. Signup for our. 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. Heres how it works. The climb lasts for almost a mile and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. The hardest, most difficult and challenging cycling climbs in Wales are, in order of difficulty, 1. This page provides an excellent and comprehensive summary of the top, hardest and best bicycling climbs in Wales. Cyclist and spectators make their way up The Tumble and line the road as the Tour of Britain cyclist near the finish, Abergavenny. 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. The base of the climb is on the first right out of the village next to a farm gate. The average gradient of the climb is 2.9% and the maximum gradient is 13%. 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 Cowlyd, 2. But its trajectory means that the damage is done on the brutally steep lower slopes. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. You can also subscribe to the magazine, save on the cover price and get it delivered every Thursday. Cape Epic. We begin this climb in the midst of lush pastureland. The beautiful landscape of the Brecon Beacons. 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. This climb has one very steep segment near the beginning of the climb: a full half-mile at 16.5%. But those who want to do climbs like Penrhys are extreme even within that bracket. The road levels slightly but the surface is cut up and damaged. View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in Wales. Follow the base of the ridge until you reach Asterton then turn right past the post box and head up. Cwm Eigiau, 6. Id evaluated the merits of all contenders from Yorkshire's Rosedale Chimney to Ffordd Penllech via Bushcombe Lane and Vale Street but then came that bigger fish, then came a new vision of hell: Afon Ddu, AKA the Baby Zoncolan. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more). Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news sent straight to your inbox? Zig-zag past cascading waterfalls, amidst the brief protection of rocky outcrops to exit this tangle of tarmac and round one final left hand to finish. Begin the climb across the bridge at Cock Bridge just past Corgarff Castle. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britains steepest hill. The makeup of land ownership at Snowdonia is as follows (Wikipedia - Snowdonia National Park). 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. is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales (, Also known as Hellfire Pass, Bwich-Y-Groes is the highest paved road in Wales. Three Cycling UK members have successfully completed an epic challenge to tackle 100 of the UK's most iconic climbs in one mammoth month-long road trip. Apagua, 5. Climb summary by PJAMM Cyclings Brad Butterfield - he climbed this one in 2018 and 2022. 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. The 1.9 mile route is memorable for its scary hairpin climb. 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. North, as editor of the book Snowdonia (1949), states "When the Committee delineated provisional boundaries, they included areas some distance beyond Snowdonia proper." The traditional Snowdonia thus includes the ranges of Snowdon and its satellites, the Glyderau, the Carneddau and the Moel Siabod group. Straining to reach each successive crest burns more matches then to further compound the difficulty the act of zig zagging, (the practice where the cyclist tries to marginally reduce the severity of the slope by riding left to right) is rendered impossible by the unbroken line of slippery debris that runs along the roads centre. 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. Stick with it, as eventually the one-in-three does turn into a relatively gentle one-in-six, allowing you to build a little momentum to drag your bike up on to the moor.