Looks like I’m going to have 4 days riding in NW Wales in early September. Any suggestions of must do trail centre routes? Would also be open to any suggestions for “natural” routes in the area (not Snowdon, I’m saving that for later in the year).
Hi Mike, can’t recommend Coed-y-Brenin enough, could then go to Marin and Penmachno, then LLandegla (or is that too far East?) and don’t miss the Clwydians – some of the most under-rated natural riding IMHO!
That descent from Drum down to Llanfairfechan is my favourite bit of trail anywhere.
The route on the other side of the mountain through the old green gate and back to Conwy runs it pretty close though.
I’m also there in early September. Prolly doing Penmachno might do the others but tbh, as Vortexracing and Rorsach have pointed out, it’s the natural stuff what’s the most rewarding imo.
It’s one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of England; don’t confine yourself to trail centres when there’s so much more great riding to be had.
God I’m so excited I can’t wait! I think I may burst before I even get there.
Be careful though cos there’s dragons about look here’s one:
England!?!
Bloody hell, don’t be saying that to the locals.
Great downhill blast from Llyn Anafon too.
Try and get a copy of the Bikefax Snowdonia book if you can.
It’s full of brilliant routes.
The Druids Circle ride is a properly good longer route, with some cheeky options and amazing views.
Dunno why, but I prefer riding in North Wales to anywhere else I’ve been.
yes I cut out the descent as I was struggling that day and declined –iirc there is a photo on Loweys blog of me in the recovery position …a week away with young kids had not prepared me well for the ride and early start…. I could have slept at any point on the ride
Will mail you re light not dark enough yet to worry
We ended up hitting the Roman road past the YHA, coming from the right. We tried two footpaths over the south side of the mountain, did end up as a bit of a hike, but worth an explore.
Think we missed out the descent past the wall after the old church and headed up and over.
Will check the map when I get home.
Well durr I know it’s in Wales, I’m just saying it’s one of the most beautiful parts of England. 😕 🙄
Like, The Lakes are in The Lake District but it’s still part of England, innit?
Conwy mountain itself is a good little ride. The road descent into that little village looks proper evil. Wanted to do it, but we had more riding to do and it’s a proper bastard climb back up.
Vortex do you know Kevevs off here? Are you on that NWMB forum thingy? I’ll be up there soon, and Binners off here is coming over too! 😀 Would be nice to have a little forum ride up that way.
Should be able to sort out some bunkhouse type accomodation in Llanberis if required, right next to the quarry. Much cheapness, great views.
E mail in profile if needed.
Mother in law has a static caravan just on the coast nar the marina at the bottom of Conwy mountain, so I get a sneaky ride or four every time we go there. 😆
I find myself quite chilled out when I’m there actually.
Vortex; we’ll be just by Deganwy station. I’ll be there 4th-12th September. Kevevs works in Llandudno ASDAs. He’s on the NWMB forum. Local lad, in’t he?
Go quite often, just feels like a weight has been lifted off every time I go.
Nice people too, contrary to the common myth.
The ‘pizza and a pint for eight quid’ place, opposite the DMM factory at the end of the lake, the Ice Cream shop opposite Pete’s and the chippy are particular highlights.
Yes it’s true. Hoping perhaps to visit my ancestral home when I’m up there. It’s an old woollen mill near Corwen, now part of the National Trust I understand. Some of me ancestors owned it. Probbly employed some of Flashy’s ancestors..
Speaking of climbing, if this does turn into a meet, bring yer borstal breakout gym shoes and we might just be able to sort out a bit of gibbering terror as well.
Last time I went climbing I got in trouble for sitting in a little shelf bit, smoking a cig. Apparently this is ‘extremely dangerous’ according to the instructor. I pointed out that it was probbly a fair bit safer than dangling from ropes over a huge drop, but he weren’t having it.
Just don’t have a spliff first.
Don’t ask me how I know,, just don’t.
Giggling uncontrolably, half way up a pitch whilst those on the ground make sheep noises and sing ‘Send In The Clowns’ is frowned on, for some weird reason.