I'm thinking about heading off to Wales tonight, and riding Penmachno then Llandegla tomorrow.
Is this going to be biting off a bit too much since I'll probably have a big drive in the evening?
How long does Penmachno take at a moderate pace? Does it get used much during the week- I'm assuming it's not too demanding technically/high risk since I'll be by myself and presumably there's no mobile coverage?
And can I freecamp in the carpark?
Is Llandegla a half days worth of trails?
I think thats a do-able combination. If you do both loops at Penmachno I think its about 3 hours, the only technie bit is the last couple of descents. Otherwise there are bits that are techie but IMHO I think its more xc than dh. doing Llandegla afterwards should be fine, IMHO its about 1.5 hours around the red/black and having done Penmachno you'll be tired enough to sit in the visitor centre and eat rather than going to do, say, the red loop on its own. Enjoy.
Oh and any second somebody will say why not do Penmachno and the Marin. Bit tougher but also do-able for somebody pretty reasonably fit.
Oh and camping at Penmachno car park... hmmm not sure I'd fancy that. Its a small car park on a slope, gravel/hardcore base. The bigger area of space is further back near the road but also has the same base.
Cheers for that.
I should have said I'll be in a campervan so not too concerned about the ground underfoot, more interested in a quiet undisturbed night's sleep 🙂
I'm curious about Llandegla actually- want to see what it's actually like, so will do that I think.