But one thing's for sure - Wales has some great places to do it. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. Venture into Scotland or the North of England, and you'll also find some climbs to rival many an Alpine climb too, with England's Mont Ventoux - Great Dun Fell being a particular highlight. Climbing into the Aran Mountains on the edge of Snowdonia, its a road of outstanding beauty rough, weathered and remorselessly steep. Inspecting my bike it appears my right pedal has partially disintegrated. Photograph: Ashley Cooper/Alamy, The radar station of top of Great Dun Fell. Height gain 286m From the long, straight opening stretch, the summit seems scarily close in distance, while worryingly far away in altitude. Over the course of the slog, you'll climb . The steepest paved street in Pittsburghand one of the toughest climbs in the USmakes the top spot on our list. Brutal hill climb in Wales held on newly-crowned - Cycling Weekly You have to take each and every opportunity to recover when it is presented, no matter how slight he says. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. 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.The term Eryri first appeared in a manuscript in the 9th-century Historia Brittonum, in an account of the downfall of the semi-legendary 5th-century king Gwrtheyrn (Vortigern).In the Middle Ages the title Prince of Wales and Lord of Snowdonia (Tywysog Cymru ac Arglwydd Eryri) was used by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd; his grandfather Llywelyn Fawr used the title Prince of north Wales and Lord of Snowdonia.Before the boundaries of the national park were designated, "Snowdonia" was generally used to refer to a smaller area, namely the upland area of northern Gwynedd centred on the Snowdon massif, whereas the national park covers an area more than twice that size extending far to the south into Meirionnydd. We rank this monster as #2 most difficult in UK via the Fiets index. The wooded opening sequence and the first phases on the open hillside are where you'll really suffer. Over the years, I've sought to climb as many hills as possible. 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. -- Climbs taken from 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs (8.99, . At this point, the climb would get significantly worse! 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. If a man with legs as strong as Dans struggles up a climb then what chance do us mortals have? 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. With a maximum gradient of 22% and an average gradient of 8.1% youre afforded great views of Aberdare the higher you climb. I cant say for sure but I decide to stick with before to salvage what I can of my fragile ego. We completed this jewel in August 2018 and because it is so epic, came back for a second go in June 2022. To climb from the east, begin at the warning sign at Jubilee Bridge. Ride two miles gaining 1,055 at 10.3% average grade. Britain's top 10 toughest cycle climbs - the Guardian Penbarra ( Bwlch Pen barras / Bwlch Penbarras / Old Bwlch) - 258m - 11 to 25% - 2.3km #89. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. Llangynidr Mountain is very much a climb of two halves. He wasn't wrong. 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. 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 . Follow the base of the ridge until you reach Asterton then turn right past the post box and head up. When: March 20-27, 2022. North, as editor of the book Snowdonia (1949), states "When the Committee delineated provisional boundaries, they included areas some distance beyond Snowdonia proper." Bwlch y Groes means Pass of the Cross.. 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. Follow the road alongside the river to Llanymawddwy, pass through and begin the climb across the Pont y Pennant. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news sent straight to your inbox? He was in north Wales pinching some of my best KOMs so I thought he deserved some punishment. The superlative Bwlch y Groes is coincidentally ranked #2 most epic hill climb in Wales and 3 in all the UK. 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. The views? danevanscycling Ffordd Pen Llech (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more). Our preloaded PJAMM Adventure App trip pages Wales and the UK are accessed by clicking the purple PJAMM Trips button above. The hardest ascent is from the west, beginning at Fell Foot Farm, where straight away you have a 20% right-hander and that's just a taste of what lies ahead. "Take it easy now or you'll never make it." 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. 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. Pass Castell Coch on your left, feel the smooth false flat underneath your wheels and the scent of wild garlic in the air, and you'll think you're in for an easy couple of miles. It's very steep into a small woodland, over a cattle grid and then you will see the enormity of your task. Babusar Pass, 4. Abercynafon Our first relentless climb is Abercynafon, found between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. The Shelf - 262m - 5 to 15% - 5.1km #87. 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). 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. Mauna Kea: Cycling the Hardest Climb in the World Newly formed Denver Disruptors and Miami Nights NCL teams will make their debut at Tucson Bicycle Classic and tackle a full season of NCL and domestic racing, By Anne-Marije Rook 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. 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. Since that . You start your ascent from the beautiful Corgarff castle and straight away you hit 20% slopes rough, relentlessly steep and twisting a little. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. We have twice personally documented the Welsh Top 10 Hardest Climbs. The scene of a brilliant double ascent during the 2013 Tour of Britain, this iconic route out of Caerphilly also features as the final climb in the Velothon Wales loop of South Wales. Views and scenery during the middle of the climb. 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. This is the story of how he found it and just how painful it is to ride. Unceremoniously I hit the floor and proceeded to tumble southwards just missing Jess by millimeters (how she stayed upright Ill never know and sincerely I apologise for ruining her QOM attempt). The Road to Hell - 353m - 3 to 20% - 11km #90. 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. Bryn Du is a very steep climb in Aberdare, up Maerdy Mountain. What comes next will take your breath away. Most local riders know its here, we gave it the nickname the Baby Zoncolan but we all avoid it like the plague. The road levels slightly but the surface is cut up and damaged. Reaching new heights - tackling 100 toughest cycling climbs 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. 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. 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. Im now trapped on a two foot wide strip of rippled 30 per cent concrete fighting for survival. 1. United Kingdom: Wales Hardest and Most Epic Hill Climbs. Published 2 March 23. But as the road heads into the trees, it rears up sharply, and doesn't drop below 12% until the very top. The bike climbs we have documented are in the slideshow above. Heres how it works. El Torneado, and 10. Even though its very short you have to go so slowly at first. Picturesque mountains, hills, valleys and coastland define the landscape, and make the area a dream cycling location. At the end of this long stretch, as we reach bend four of four. When you reach the open mountaintop (after 3.4 miles), the views will take your breath away. This leaves us with a wealth of material describing the setting and condition of the road nearly a 100 years ago (SpeedTrackTails). In many ways, the quintessential Welsh mountain road - wild, remote, desolate and endearingly featureless. For more epic hill climbing data, visit our Top 10 Most Epic UK and also our Top 10 Most Epic Welsh hill . This climb isn't for the faint-hearted. But what is the attraction? 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 quite the Alps, but it's a close as it gets in South Wales. 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%. Before the construction of the Heads of the Valleys road, this was the main road between Gilwern and Brynmawr. Epic Climbs in South Wales - Cardiff By Bike This challenging route is found between between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil and is a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres). The Brecon landscape is barren but beautiful as you climb 3.5 miles in Pen-y-Cae. Bedlinog Cape Epic. 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. 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. This climb has one very steep segment near the beginning of the climb: a full half-mile at 16.5%. 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. 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. Where Leave the A470 at Dinas Mawddwy and head north east towards Aber-Cywarch. Simon ranked Bwlch y Groes as the fourth hardest climb in Wales (7 UK) and second most epic in Wales (after Stwlan Dam). If someone built it we will damn well try and ride it, even if it means falling on our ass because. WOW - enough said! Youll see the Foel Y Gordd formation as you enter the canyon area. ANDY! I scream, we are coming. The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 ft (1,085 m). 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. It starts steep from the village of Clydach and beats you up for a whole mile before easing just a touch. Stunning and rugged, the Black Mountain (and you) are open to the elements. Photos clockwise from top left: Bwlch y Groes (Wales #1, UK #2 hardest); Stwlan Dam (Wales #1, UK #2 most epic); Entering Wales in Llanymynech; Cardiff Castle; Welsh flag flying over Cardiff Castle (center). Not here. 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. But, I like to think its a Sheep in Dragons clothing. Thank you for signing up! Here are some of the UK's other toughest ascents. Youre not going to forget the name of this route, nor how it makes you feel! Within a few hundred feet of the start point, a switchback of over 20% warns you of the battle to come. The Top 5 Steepest Cycling Climbs in the UK - Laka Far from any major towns, the starting point is near some very old homesteads. Thanks to Strava for the route maps and climb profiles. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The road levels slightly but the. Rounding the corner I spot our photographer Andy ahead and see he isnt in position. Where: Between Talybont-on-Usk and Pontsticill. There is also now a Welsh Climbs book 100 greatest cycling climbs is a list of some of the hardest climbs in the UK from Constitution Hill to Kirkstone Pass and Ditchling Beacon. After leaving the village, you're into open moorland but don't expect a gradient in single figures. This was the advice of a local man as I approached the foot of this brutal climb last year. Ranking list Scroll down the page to access the full Top 10 Welsh Bike Climbs on the Map below (or switch to "Table" for a detailed list). I can see why. The climb begins as we pass a set of old farm buildings on the left. The 10 Hardest Cycling Climbs in the World 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. List of - 100 Climbs Total climbing: 21,293m over 322.75km. Read next: This spectacular virtual fly-through shows the stunning route of the 2016 Velothon Wales. And yet once you get to the top, you'll realise you enjoyed every second. I had to go and check it out. My veins are ready to explode as I push and pull through each agonising revolution of the pedals. 100 Greatest cycling climbs list - Cycling uphill A short flat section ramps up hard, then almost levels before ramping hard again. By the time you reach the clock tower in Pricetown, you'll have been climbing fairly constantly since Bryncethin. 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. 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. South Africa's Cape Epic is the only MTB stage race classed as 'hors categorie' (beyond category) by the UCI, and upon looking at the eight days of riding . Banking right, the surface breaks up and 20% soon turns into 25%. Climbs have an average length of 4.2km and 248 meters of total ascent. Cairn O'Mount from the south side is 3.35km with an elevation gain of 319 meters. Deep in the dark heart of Wales, climbing nut Simon Warren thinks he has discovered Britains steepest hill. Okay - sheep is not the official mascot. Riding alongside Dan with Jess tucked in behind we set off, all three of us understandably apprehensive of what lies ahead. The surface, just wide enough for a single car, is smooth at the edges but little more than gravel and moss in the centre. You'll be counting each and every pedal rev as you slowly push your way up the scree-littered road to the summit. From the junction with Station Road, exit the village past the first 25% sign then the road bends left at a second 25% warning as if you need reminding, it's going to be hard. That said, Bwlch Penbarra is certainly a top three for US. 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. And it's so steep, close to 25% at the point where the tall valley walls disappear and the radar slowly rises over the horizon to sit above you, tracking the remainder of your progress. No part of it is easy, but it's the first of two hairpins that makes it notorious. The Floor is Lava is nothing compared to this road. This climb has a maximum gradient of 24% and an average gradient of 6.5%. Bwlch Penbarra to Jubilee Tower, 4. 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. 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 five toughest cycling sportives in the world - The Telegraph Baran Road is arguably the most beautiful of all the tough climbs were listing here. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. Sign up with your email address to receive offers, news and updates. 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. is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales (, Also known as Hellfire Pass, Bwich-Y-Groes is the highest paved road in Wales. This route is an area of desolate but beautiful countryside. A wide right-hand bend signifies the end of the toughest part, from where it's a lovely, if exactly, ride up to the top, with a hairpin halfway up affording a great view of the town you've just left. I asked. Round the end of Loch Kishorn and follow the signs to Applecross, up and over Bealach-na-Ba. 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. The average gradient might "only" be 8.3%, but that's reduced by the steady stretch of false flat that precedes the summit. By the time that respite comes, you've climbed nearly 800ft. Stwlan Dam. After a few slight rises the road surface improves dramatically and stretches far into the distance, taking the shortest route over the featureless ridge. The first 10km climbs 800m to a small Visitor Centre, via ever steepening slopes and long 12 - 15% ramps. Is it the suffering? Once past an axle weight sign the climb begins. My bike is creaking. The less celebrated of two routes up Llangynidr Mountain, the climb from Llangattock is no less difficult. Click on "Climb Page" to jump to the detail page for that particular bike climb. A mix of all three? 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. It's all a bit of an optical illusion though. We've collected 37 of the hardest, most beautiful, steepest, highest and longest climbs in South Wales. How steep? If you want to share something you need to create an account. La Muerte, 9. 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. By the end of this section, you'll have ridden c.84km from the coast and will have climbed 2,800m from sea level. 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. Favourite cycling climbs in North Wales 1 - Pen-y-Pass aka Llanberis Pass Pen Y Pass Profile. The Gospel Pass is 548 high. View epic images taken along the climbing route. With the wind on your back, it's one that can be tackled in the big ring on a good day. This climb truly is beauty and the beast. The road to get to this climb is brutally narrow with thick shrubs blocking the views ahead. When is the first day of spring and when do clocks go forward in 2023? 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. Don't let the urban nature of this climb fool you - it's not easy. Simon ranked Bwlch y Groes as the fourth hardest climb in Wales (7 UK) and second most epic in Wales (after Stwlan Dam). 5 Hardest Climbs In The UK - Pedalsure 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. This featureoriginally appeared in the September 23 print edition of Cycling Weekly magazine,on sale in newsagents and supermarkets, priced 3.25. The Great Orme from Llandudno via Marine Drive, The Great Orme from Llandudno via Ty Gwyn Road. With one and a half pedals and dented pride I manage to make it to the top to join Dan and Jess at the finish outside the water treatment works. 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.