| 26 regions. Round the end of Loch Kishorn and follow the signs to Applecross, up and over Bealach-na-Ba. Most local riders know its here, we gave it the nickname the Baby Zoncolan but we all avoid it like the plague. A mix of all three? Afon Ddu, 7. Photograph: Stephen Dorey/Alamy. Published 2 March 23. 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. 1. This is the story of how he found it and just how painful it is to ride. I had to go and check it out. 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. 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. 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 completed this jewel in August 2018 and because it is so epic, came back for a second go in June 2022. Wales is a wonderful country with great people, extraordinary scenery and EPIC bike climbs!! Select a portion of the route to retrieve climb & profile data for that segment. Even though its very short you have to go so slowly at first. 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. 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. Factoring in a pretty torrid road surface too means reaching the top of this wall is an achievement few will ever accomplish. Let us know what you thought of this climb. The Tour of Britain tackled the climb in 2010, when Swiss Michael Albasini attacked up it to take a solo win in Swansea. 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 base of the climb is on the first right out of the village next to a farm gate. The wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. Wales treated us quite well on our visit in August 2018. From there it's a steep and tough push to reach the saddle of the pass. The climb up here out of Ferndale is pretty tasty too. Do not attempt to ride here in unfavourable conditions. Scanuppia See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the Profile Tool button. Based in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Simon continues to keep riding his bike uphill and guides rides, hosts events and gives talks on climbing hills on bikes! The king of climbs and arguably the hardest road in the land, the legendary Hardknott Pass is an amazing sliver of tarmac. 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. This challenging route is found between between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil and is a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres). We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South 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 Gospel Pass is situated in Wales. The sheer length of this steep section is what sets this climb apart, there's just nowhere to recover. 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. 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. This leaves us with a wealth of material describing the setting and condition of the road nearly a 100 years ago (SpeedTrackTails). Cyclist and spectators make their way up The Tumble Abergavenny. Check the forecast before you head out and be prepared for harsher weather at the top. And don't even think about putting a foot down - you'll never get started again. 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. The steepest paved street in Pittsburghand one of the toughest climbs in the USmakes the top spot on our list. Grid ref: NJ 252 118 (OS37) Length 3.01km Height gain 245m Approx climb time 21 mins, This is it: the Holy Grail, the toughest and wildest climb in Britain. But I have to keep fighting. This climb was renowned throughout the 1970s and 80s as the most challenging climb used in the Milk Race round-Britain cycle race (, The History of Motor Sport and the Bwlch-y-Groes is nearly as old as motorsport. By the time that respite comes, you've climbed nearly 800ft. 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. Wrong. This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. 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. . 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). The Floor is Lava is nothing compared to this road. And Lots of them. 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. No part of it is easy, but it's the first of two hairpins that makes it notorious. With a maximum gradient of 22% and an average gradient of 8.1% youre afforded great views of Aberdare the higher you climb. Now very narrow and lined with snow poles, the climb is so well surfaced it resembles a two-metre-wide carpet. In Wales cyclists can find 74 interesting climbs between 5 and 550 meters above sea level. At this point, the climb would get significantly worse! F. J. The British is named after the massive old ironworks that once dominated this area above Pontypool. My puny cycling arms are shaking like a frightened kitten. Whatever it is, it makes the stretch of climbing ahead look terrifying. The Cowlyd, 2. 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. - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. I can see why. It's a very tough mile though, averaging somewhere around 9% as it cuts its way up the side of Maerdy Mountain. Passo Stelvio, Italy. Our preloaded PJAMM Adventure App trip pages Wales and the UK are accessed by clicking the purple PJAMM Trips button above. The Gospel Pass is 548 high. The distinctive remnants of an ancient quarry indicate the summit. Youll see the Foel Y Gordd formation as you enter the canyon area. 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. 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 Great Orme from Llandudno via Marine Drive, The Great Orme from Llandudno via Ty Gwyn Road. Before the construction of the Heads of the Valleys road, this was the main road between Gilwern and Brynmawr. From this page you may navigate to the top 10 most difficult bicycling climbs in Wales. But its trajectory means that the damage is done on the brutally steep lower slopes. 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. 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. Windswept and remote this climb begins in Brynamman, Carmarthenshire, and goes for 3.7 miles with a 12% gradient. 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. Believe the hype. Bwlch y Groes is rich in history and strong on inspiring, if not breathtaking, scenery. Region: South West Length: 3.1km Average gradient: 10% Elevation: 321m It's all a bit of an optical illusion though. I say a big thank you to Dan and Jess for joining me for the morning its then that they point out to me, if you thought it was hard on the way up, just wait until you go back down. [Summarized above under Fiets Top 10 Hardest]. But what is the attraction? You'll find the top, most difficult, epic, scenic, hardest, challenging, extreme, inspiring, bucket list bike climbs located in Wales. 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. Arguably, though, he is best known as the author of Cycling Climbs series of books. 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. Over the years, I've sought to climb as many hills as possible. The Tumble (SW #97), 8. Bending right the slope immediately kicks up to around 25 per cent but this is mere childs play compared to what lies ahead. Cwm Eigiau, 6. It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs). Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news sent straight to your inbox? The 1.9 mile route is memorable for its scary hairpin climb. Essentially every turn is a blind curve. We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South Wales. 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. 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. By the end of this section, you'll have ridden c.84km from the coast and will have climbed 2,800m from sea level. But we dare you to stand at Broad Pool, look up at the ribbon of road snaking up to Gower's highest point and not want to ride it. Grid Ref: NY 231 014 (OS96). Cairn O'Mount from the south side is 3.35km with an elevation gain of 319 meters. Bryn Du is a very steep climb in Aberdare, up Maerdy Mountain. >>> Subscriptions deals forCycling Weeklymagazine. In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. To climb from the east, begin at the warning sign at Jubilee Bridge. Turn away from the village of Knock and begin opposite a farm gate. The first 10km climbs 800m to a small Visitor Centre, via ever steepening slopes and long 12 - 15% ramps. Below, we detail 10 of the toughest climbs in the UK, and provide links to the Strava segments to help you plan your routes. 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. Heres how it works. This is simply a magnificent cycling experience. A headwind, on the other hand, and it can be a real grind. Its so incredibly steep that even 10 seconds of going too hard early on and youll blow it, you really have to measure it just right., Dan Jones's climbing prowess and local knowledge showing on the steeper sections of Abdon Ddu. Photograph: Paul White/Alamy, Scotch mist hanging over Bealach na Ba. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. Each country has her crowned Jewel and Bwlch y Groes makes a good argument for taking that award for the Welsh territory. 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 English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 ft (1,085 m). 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. At the end of this long stretch, as we reach bend four of four. If a man with legs as strong as Dans struggles up a climb then what chance do us mortals have? Climbing up through Bedlinog is such a challenge because its so deceptive. Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. For a while there I thought Id settled it. After leaving the village, you're into open moorland but don't expect a gradient in single figures. We parked at the Church in the town of Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd (try saying that TWO times fast . 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. 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. Llangynidr Mountain is very much a climb of two halves. Without being too hysterical, this climb is nothing more than a joyless straight line of pain. If any more proof was needed, this road takes no prisoners., it is utterly savage but thats what we love, right? Banking right, the surface breaks up and 20% soon turns into 25%. You have to pace yourself because as the road progresses you hit a series of bends, coupled with a 30% gradient. Heave yourself round this evil corner and you're through the worst of it. Mauna Kea, 2. Weve been crawling skyward for about two minutes, covering just 250m of tarmac as we round bend three. The superlative Bwlch y Groes is coincidentally ranked #2 most epic hill climb in Wales and 3 in all the UK. Gradients of around 30% are generally only found on the inside of tight bends. Pass Gairnshiel Lodge and Colnabaichin. The surface, just wide enough for a single car, is smooth at the edges but little more than gravel and moss in the centre. Over the course of the slog, you'll climb . Having left the steep streets of Upper Brynamman behind, the road dissects the open mountainside, tussock-covered hillsides on both flanks. 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. Up and up, and then mercifully dipping, or is it just levelling? It's very steep into a small woodland, over a cattle grid and then you will see the enormity of your task. Bwlch Penbarras from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, The Road to Hell from Denbigh via Nantglyn, Llanberis Pass / Pen-y-Pass from Nant Peris. The Tyla rounds The Blorenge Mountain from Gilwern, and its an incredibly challenging climb, mainly because of its steep lower slopes. 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. 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). Between the narrow road, the rutted surface and the severity of the slope, this is one seriously tough climb. Maximum gradient: 16%. 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. Canton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. Just keep going, then head down the terrifying descent. For more epic hill climbing data, visit our Top 10 Most Epic UK and also our Top 10 Most Epic Welsh hill . ), and I recommend parking there and not attempting to traverse any part of the actual climb route in a car. View epic images taken along the climbing route. Cross the cattle grid onto a long straight 7% drag that takes you into the trees. In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. 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. Learn More ALL TRIPS Watch a gorgeous open up before your eyes as you tackle this country road that rises straight out of Pontardawe. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. Anything you have read or been told about this amazing road is likely to be true. ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! 1. Rounding the corner I spot our photographer Andy ahead and see he isnt in position. You can also subscribe to the magazine, save on the cover price and get it delivered every Thursday. 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 . Baran Road is arguably the most beautiful of all the tough climbs were listing here. 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. Where Head north into the mountains from Ballater on the A939. It's also available via Apple Newsstand and Readly. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britain's steepest hill. By the time you reach the clock tower in Pricetown, you'll have been climbing fairly constantly since Bryncethin. 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. First built in 2nd century by the Romans, the pass is unbelievably tough from both directions. Saw signs of a moose, unstrapped and started walking down the trail and saw her about 100ft up the trail. You will, however, be able to reacquaint your backside with the saddle for the final push to summit on the approach to the gliding club.Where To reach the base turn north away from the A489 at Plowden. (If you're cyclist in North, Mid or West Wales, we'll be preparing similar articles for your area - and there's a form at the bottom to send your suggestions). 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. This climb truly is beauty and the beast. Where Leave the A470 at Dinas Mawddwy and head north east towards Aber-Cywarch. The second bend here is so steep on the inside that it forces you far right, so take care. A pretty stone bridge over a stream takes you across the side of the hill, before a further hairpin spins you back towards the exposed top section. It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline.
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