Two miles up a main road at between 4% and 6% might sound easy, but that just depends on how fast you're going. Most local riders know its here, we gave it the nickname the Baby Zoncolan but we all avoid it like the plague. It's very steep into a small woodland, over a cattle grid and then you will see the enormity of your task. Having left the steep streets of Upper Brynamman behind, the road dissects the open mountainside, tussock-covered hillsides on both flanks. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Or should we be asking, how accurate? Climbing for fun requires a particular type of sadism. 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. "Cycling in south Wales is a completely different story. Something went wrong, please try again later. Bryn Du is a very steep climb in Aberdare, up Maerdy Mountain. WOW - enough said! Scanuppia 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! Photograph: Paul White/Alamy, Scotch mist hanging over Bealach na Ba. 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. danevanscycling Ffordd Pen Llech It is in the Aran Mountains near the south east edge of Snowdonia (. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Essentially every turn is a blind curve. 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. But the gentle appearance of the hedge-lined opening can be misleading - it's here that the damage can be done if not enough is left in the tank for the slightly more forgiving upper reaches. . And Lots of them. 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. Best time to cycle J F M A M J J A S O N D Ranking list Wales Difficulty points Gradient Length Total ascent From there, there's the option of a fast descent into Defynnog, but a much better alternative is to continue in a straight line uphill and onto the ancient Heol Senni. Its gradient maxes out at 37 percent, with an . Where: Heading north out of Cymmer in the Afan Valley. 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. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. 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. Pass Gairnshiel Lodge and Colnabaichin. Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. Ride 1.8 miles gaining 916 at 10% average grade. Even though its very short you have to go so slowly at first. TOP 3 HARDEST BIKE CLIMBS IN WALES (SIMON WARREN). Where To find Hardknott Pass leave the A595 and head east towards Eskdale. It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline. Published 2 March 23. Where: Between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil. It's all a bit of an optical illusion though. Here is all you need to know about the clocks changing in March, New restaurant from 'hugely talented' chef behind two top Welsh eateries coming to Cardiff, Poca will replace what was the highly regarded La Cuina and is a new place from the chef behind Alium and Humble Onion, The popular Swansea restaurant shut and empty for more than a decade with all its signs still up, Tom Sizemore dies at the age of 61 as Saving Private Ryan actor is taken off life support, Sizemore was best known for his roles in Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, 7 places to stay in Wales these Easter holidays including cottages and holiday parks, There are some great deals to enjoy in Wales with a variety of accommodation to book for Easter 2023, Parallel: First look at Pasture's new small plates restaurant and speakeasy bar, Parallel can be found next door to Pasture on Cardiff's High Street, Dengue fever alert for Brits off on holiday to Ibiza this year, There are fears that there could be another wave of infections on the Spanish island this summer after half a dozen cases last year, Merthyr Mawr Forest Feastival 2023 return dates, times and vendors, The popular street food festival is back at Merthyr Mawr and it's got lots of new and tasty treats for foodies, Mum 'in tears' as family is thrown out of theatre's panto performance, The theatre has now apologised and admitted they got it wrong, BBC The Apprentice: Why Bradley Johnson didn't leave in a taxi despite being fired, Bradley Johnson and Avi Sharma were chosen as the next candidates to leave Lord Sugar's boardroom, Mum loses custody of six-year-old daughter after 'bleak' neglect, Cardiff family court heard the little girl still drinks milk from a baby bottle, wears pull-up nappies, and is often awake through the night in a room with no lightbulb in what the judge described as a 'bleak picture', Met Office issue yellow weather warning for snow as maps show where it will fall in the UK, Yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued for parts of the UK as Arctic winds bring snow, Tonight's rugby news as 12 Wales stars try to convince Gatland and top Welsh clash cancelled amid injury crisis, The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond, Man who infamously taunted police while on the run sent back behind bars, Matthew Maynard once sent his local paper a 'better' picture of himself because he didn't like the wanted mugshot police had issued, Woman's mission to sample scone at every possible National Trust location, Her mission was finally completed on Wednesday when Ms Merker visited the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland for one last scone, Heartbreak over plight of elderly who go to the grave without proper care, Age UK is 'deeply concerned' about the treatment of the elderly, 20 dogs looking for their forever home after a lonely winter in kennels, If you think you're up for giving a dog a new forever home then these are looking for one, Don't get burned by fraudsters' airfryer scam, warn consumer experts, The enticing freebie on offer is just a ploy to enable thieves to run up big bills on your card or empty your bank account, Farmer's long battle to protect his home and livelihood from developers that never seems to end, Gethin Jenkins' family farm has taken a step closer to being saved, but he's well aware the battle may not be over yet, Grand former prime minister's family country home with astounding views and huge chessboard in the garden, Historic handsome house now a comfortable and welcoming homes packed with character and drenched in sunlight, Dozens of drivers caught without seatbelts in 90-minute police sting, There was a large police presence in Llandaff North, Cardiff, on Friday morning, Car crashes into house before driver flees scene, Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses, Nine-storey apartment block planned for Cardiff city centre, The proposed development would see a long-standing garage and car wash demolished, Fire breaks out on ferry carrying 183 people across the Channel, Rescuers scrambled lifeboats to the scene between Dover and Calais, Gran killed in crash after drug taking friend loses control of car, David Grant's barrister said the case would stay in the defendant's mind 'for life', Drug-dealing brothers caught with stash of cocaine and cannabis in hire car, The pair were sending and receiving drug dealing text messages even as the police followed their car. We relied heavily on Simon Warrens Top UK Climbs Series in ranking and documenting UK bike climbs (. ) Where Head north into the mountains from Ballater on the A939. Up and up, and then mercifully dipping, or is it just levelling? The faint summit can be seen straight in front for a large part of the climb, making it easy to set an impatient tempo that'll come back to bite you later on. Arguably, though, he is best known as the author of Cycling Climbs series of books. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. This climb is along the southeastern edge of Snowdonia National Park (established 1951 - third national park in Britain after Peak District and Lake District). 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. The road levels between the sharp bends giving you a chance to attack each wicked corner then gather yourself in time for the next. This is a list of all 200 climbs feature in 100 Greatest cycling climbs and also the sequel This leaves us with a wealth of material describing the setting and condition of the road nearly a 100 years ago (SpeedTrackTails). It also has a very interesting motorsport history: The History of Motor Sport and the Bwlch-y-Groes is nearly as old as motorsport. It's neither steep or particularly tough, but the constant sequence of false summits can make it a heartbreaking experience for an already fatigued rider. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news sent straight to your inbox? 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 . The Hardest Climbs - The Steepest Roads in the World Bikes & Gear Health & Nutrition Training Repair Exclusives Subscribe Sign In 1 Five Black Women Who Rode From NYC to DCin 1928 2 18 Best. Named after the river beside it, the Afon Ddu (Welsh for black river) which flows down from Llyn Cowlyd I ask Dan how he first came across it. The hardest, most difficult and challenging cycling climbs in Wales are, in order of difficulty, 1. The second bend here is so steep on the inside that it forces you far right, so take care. 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. 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. 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. Apart from the few cars that travel this route, you're more likely to have wary, onlooking deer for company, as they track your slow progress up the mountain. This climb is simply a monster with several stretches in the red zone - above 16%, including one massive stretch at 20% for 200 yards. Snowdonia (Welsh: Eryri) is a mountainous region in north west Wales and a national park of 823 square miles (2,130 km2) in area. The Netherlands: A trip through the lowlands. Repeatedly, you'll think you're through the worst - only to be hit again with the next step of the staircase. 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. The surface is rough at first and steep from the outset, but improves as you pass over a cattlegrid and approach the double hairpin. Factoring in a pretty torrid road surface too means reaching the top of this wall is an achievement few will ever accomplish. In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. Abercynafon Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Here are some of the UK's other toughest ascents. The steepest paved street in Pittsburghand one of the toughest climbs in the USmakes the top spot on our list. 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 . The road if you can call it that was built so vehicles could access the giant pipelines that draw water from Llyn Cowlyd and Llyn Eigiau to feed the Dolgarrog hydroelectric power Station and the water treatment plant that sits on its slopes. Where Leaving the A593 just south of Skelwith Bridge head west to Little Langdale. With this in mind, I put my eyes to work scanning the gradients ahead looking for any stretch of reprieve, no matter how short, where I can take a break from the infernal torment. 1. 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. Climb the Gospel Pass via Hay on Wye by bike. Therefore, after Bealach na Ba (UK #1 Most Epic and #4 hardest), Bwlch y Groes might be the second best bike climb in all the land. The climb lasts for almost a mile and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. With summer temperatures routinely. Don't let the urban nature of this climb fool you - it's not easy. Riding alongside Dan with Jess tucked in behind we set off, all three of us understandably apprehensive of what lies ahead. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britain's steepest hill. 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%. Without being too hysterical, this climb is nothing more than a joyless straight line of pain. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Once the gradient kicks in it just gets steeper and steeper, 20% past the last of the houses, then the fun really starts. Photograph: Ashley Cooper/Alamy, The radar station of top of Great Dun Fell. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Where Leave the A66 in Appleby-in-Westmorland, head north past Brampton, and left through Dufton to arrive in Knock. He wasn't wrong. This climb was renowned throughout the 1970s and 80s as the most challenging climb used in the Milk Race round-Britain cycle race (Wikipedia). Climb summary by PJAMM Cyclings Brad Butterfield - he climbed this one in 2018 and 2022. She got all aggressive so we turned around and chilled for 20, walked back up the trail and she was still there . This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. A straight line of unflinching steepness of such monotony that it regularly feels like you're going nowhere. View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in Wales. Grid Ref: SE 720 945 (OS94) Length 1430m Height gain 179m Approx climb time 9 mins, Fleet Moss, the highest road in Yorkshire, is a beast from either direction but the greater challenge lies in the route south from Hawes. What follows is a brief levelling out but you can't put off what lies ahead for long. for this page: ). Just keep going, then head down the terrifying descent. First built in 2nd century by the Romans, the pass is unbelievably tough from both directions. 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. La Muerte, 9. The climb is really unique. Heres how it works. 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. After leaving the village, you're into open moorland but don't expect a gradient in single figures. A few weeks later I arrive with our photographer Andy, Dan and his wife Jess - a hill climb champion in her own right - to share the experience with them and get the local low down on this insane 700 metres of vertical concrete. 1. The Gospel Pass is situated in Wales. . As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. 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. It only takes 1 minute and it's completely free. Who knows. Bealach na B is the one most talked about, as one of few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom. It does not include the hills to the south of Maentwrog. Ahead lies 30 metres that has every single ounce of muscle straining like a weight lifter attempting to raise four times their body weight above their heads. Afon Ddu starts abruptly from the main road and youll need just one gear, the lowest you can fit on your bike. As Dan waltzes off ahead I am beginning to falter. The road levels slightly but the surface is cut up and damaged. Signup for our. At the end of this long stretch, as we reach bend four of four. >>> Subscriptions deals forCycling Weeklymagazine. Height gain 286m The superlative Bwlch y Groes is coincidentally ranked #2 most epic hill climb in Wales and 3 in all the UK. In 2021 we contacted Simon Warren requesting his picks for the Top 10 Most Epic and Top 10 Hardest bike climbs in (1) Wales, (2) England, (3) Scotland, and (4) the UK. The Tour of Britain tackled the climb in 2010, when Swiss Michael Albasini attacked up it to take a solo win in Swansea. If you want the privilege of having ridden the highest paved road in Wales, you'll need to earn it. Simon has been riding for over 30 years and has a long connection with Cycling Weekly, he was once a designer on the magazine and has been a regular contributor for many years. 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. And don't even think about putting a foot down - you'll never get started again. We completed this jewel in August 2018 and because it is so epic, came back for a second go in June 2022. After a few slight rises the road surface improves dramatically and stretches far into the distance, taking the shortest route over the featureless ridge. Apagua, 5. The sign reading 20% as you cross a stream on the beautiful valley road from Talybont-on-Usk is the first hint of the lung-busting effort that awaits you. The British is named after the massive old ironworks that once dominated this area above Pontypool. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. On our climb, we encountered a car and had to back up nearly a kilometer to find a place where they could pass. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. "Backcountry riding and we were on a pump track to get back inbounds. Inspecting my bike it appears my right pedal has partially disintegrated. Thank you for signing up! - they are the Gold Standard for cycling climbing in the UK. A flat lakeside hairpin two thirds of the way up should give you the slingshot needed for the last push, with the road cutting through rock on its final approach to the summit. The gradient on the inside of the bend is estimated to be somewhere in excess of 30%, and while you'd be daft to try riding over that bit, the outside isn't exactly a piece of cake either. Passo Stelvio, Italy. 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. 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). Through Gayle, the road flat, hugging the river, soon rises sharply for a short 17% lung-opener. 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. (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more). 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. But I have to keep fighting. Im now trapped on a two foot wide strip of rippled 30 per cent concrete fighting for survival. The climb begins as we pass a set of old farm buildings on the left. The road to get to this climb is brutally narrow with thick shrubs blocking the views ahead. 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). 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). Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our. Simon and Dan get to grips with Pythagoras Theorem. How many have you ridden? Ride two miles gaining 1,055 at 10.3% average grade. An altitude gain of 620ft in just a mile gives a clue about what kind of climb this is. 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. 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. We begin this climb in the midst of lush pastureland. My veins are ready to explode as I push and pull through each agonising revolution of the pedals. WOW - enough said! 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. It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline.The park is governed by the Snowdonia National Park Authority, which is made up of local government and Welsh representatives, and its main offices are at Penrhyndeudraeth. But one thing's for sure - Wales has some great places to do it. Each country has her crowned Jewel and Bwlch y Groes makes a good argument for taking that award for the Welsh territory. The Brecon landscape is barren but beautiful as you climb 3.5 miles in Pen-y-Cae. Heading up the Blorenge from the other side, the climb gains slightly less altitude in slightly greater distance. Grid Ref: NY 231 014 (OS96). Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. Another climb with a fair bit of ascent to even get to the start. Wales treated us quite well on our visit in August 2018. ), and I recommend parking there and not attempting to traverse any part of the actual climb route in a car. First off, a classic. The Tyla rounds The Blorenge Mountain from Gilwern, and its an incredibly challenging climb, mainly because of its steep lower slopes. (If you're cyclist in North, Mid or West Wales, we'll be. Since that . 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. Photograph: John Morrison/Alamy, Warning sign near the Rosedale Chimney in North Yorkshire Photograph: Mark Sunderland/Alamy, Remote pass Bwlch y Groes, Wales Photograph: Keith Morris/Alamy, The road from Cockbridge to Tomintoul, Aberdeenshire. Bwlch Penbarras from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, The Road to Hell from Denbigh via Nantglyn, Llanberis Pass / Pen-y-Pass from Nant Peris. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britains steepest hill. 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. is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales (, Also known as Hellfire Pass, Bwich-Y-Groes is the highest paved road in Wales. 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. When: March 20-27, 2022. The climb up here out of Ferndale is pretty tasty too. 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. They are good people out here that enjoy a way of life much slower and unfamiliar to most others I think. A headwind, on the other hand, and it can be a real grind. 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. The Shelf - 262m - 5 to 15% - 5.1km #87. Dan is still chatting away but Ive fallen silent - there is no space to fit words in-between breaths. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. 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. Wrong. 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? Only two miles, but one of those climbs that feels like it goes on forever. Bending right the slope immediately kicks up to around 25 per cent but this is mere childs play compared to what lies ahead. . The Rhigos is an altogether different proposition from the south, getting straighter rather than more meandering as it climbs. My bike is creaking. The best advice for anyone heading uphill out of Aberdare - don't put yourself in the red too early. Let us know what you thought of this climb. ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! 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. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. I snapped my chain not once but twice in my attempt to conquer this vicious stretch of tarmac.