With great hills, comes great expectation.
Mountain bikes at the ready, get set for our favourite Snowdonia cycle rides – from family friendly to the ambitious 364km challenge of The Snowdonia Cycle Sportive, this blog has something for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced pro, grab your bike and get ready to head out into the incredible landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
1. Derwen Bike Trail
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Easy
Located near Beddgelert, Gwynedd, this 10 km circular trail is a great route for beginners and those looking for an easier ride. With stunning views of the forest and of the nearby mountains across Eryri, it’s perfect for a picturesque ride on a clear day. Expect steady climbs throughout.
For more information: https://www.mbwales.com/listings/derwen-trail-beddgelert-forest/
2. Lôn Las Menai
Distance: 6km
Difficulty: Easy
If you have a spare half hour on your Snowdonia trip then grab your kids and their bikes and complete the Lôn Las Menai route. It starts from Victoria Dock at Caernarfon, making it ideal to combine with a visit to Caernarfon Castle.
For more information: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/lon-las-menai
3. Lôn Eifion
Distance: 20km
Difficulty: Moderate
For those of you looking for a family cycling route, or as part of a more challenging round, the Lôn Eifion from Caernarfon to Bryncir is ideal. Following the route of the dismantled Caernarfon to Afon Wen railway, the first five kilometres are surprisingly narrow before opening out into a wider track with far reaching views of the mountains of Snowdonia to one side and Caernarfon bay to the other.
For more information: https://www.bestofwales.co.uk/cycling-in-caernarfon-lon-eifion
4. The Snowdonia Cycle Sportive – the Etape Eryri
Distance: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
With a choice of four routes (plus a family-friendly route) starting and finishing at Caernarfon Castle, are you up for the challenge of the Etape Eryri? From the moderately difficult 75km Bach route to the insane 364km Xtrem, there’s something to whet all appetites.
For more information: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/432378
5. Bwlch-y-Groes – Dinas
Distance: 3km
Difficulty: Moderate
It may only be three kilometres long but the 376m climb makes Bwlch-y-Groes a real tough one. Don’t let that put you off; for mountain bike enthusiasts, this challenge is a must and will earn you serious credibility among your friends.
For more information: https://climbfinder.com/en/climbs/bwlch-y-groes-llanymawddwy
6. Penmachno
Distance: 30km
Difficulty: Hard
This red grade mountain bike trail is not for the faint hearted. Boasting 30km of fast descents and technical riding – not to mention spectacular views – be prepared for the 766m climb. Depending on your experience, expect this trail to take up to five hours to complete.
For more information: http://www.penmachnobiketrails.org.uk/
7. Gwydyr Forest – The Marin Trail
Distance: 25km
Difficulty: Hard
If you’re itching to get out on your bike and experience ‘proper’ mountain biking then try out the Marin Trail. The climbs may be steep but the views from the top and the exhilarating descents make it all the worthwhile. A remote trail like this requires plenty of refreshments and bike repair tools in case of any eventuality. Set aside up to four hours for completion.
For more information: http://www.betws-y-coed.co.uk/feature_pages/item/14671/Mountain_Biking_in_the_Gwydyr_Forest.html
8. 3-Valley Bike Ride – Nant Gwynant, Nant Peris, Nant y Betws
Distance: 50km
Difficulty: Hard
Sample the stunning views across Snowdonia on the 50km cycle ride. Starting and finishing in Beddgelert village, this route passes through Snowdon’s three surrounding valleys. Take the route clockwise for a thrilling descent down Pen-y-pass back to Beddgelert.
9. The Mawddach Trail
Distance: 15km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from Dolgellau and finishing at Barmouth, this 15km route winds its way along the southern edge of the Mawddach estuary. For the most part, the path is flat and around three metres wide, making it suitable for cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users. For a longer route, complete the Mawddach Trail as the final section of the South Snowdonia Gateway – a 43km stretch through forests and moorlands.
For more information: http://www.mawddachtrail.co.uk/mawddach-trail.html
10. Snowdon, Llanberis Path, Rangers Path and Telegraph Valley
Distance: 19km
Difficulty: Moderate
For a mixture of mountain biking, link Llanberis Path and Rangers Path with Telegraph Valley and climb to the summit of Snowdon. Take the clockwise route up Llanberis Path then leave the crowds behind as you head down Rangers Path where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular trail. It’s one last uphill push to Telegraph Valley and from there, it’s descent all the way.
For more information: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6669114
From the easy to the extreme, Eryri (Snowdonia) has something to offer for everyone. The national park has thousands of kilometres of trails and road to explore, and this blog covers some of our favourites Eryri (Snowdonia) has to offer. Now it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the ride!
