There are some fantastic cycling routes around our holiday cottage in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog. Head north over the hill into Llangollen then you have a fantastic route up the Horseshoe Pass. There are various routes heading west to Bala – some more challenging than others. There are also some beautiful rides straight from the cottage through the Ceiriog Valley or up into the Berwyn Mountains.
Cyclist owned, we are a cyclist friendly holiday cottage based in the small village of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog in North Wales. There are two historic inns in the village which make a great place for a drink after a long days riding. We have secure bike storage and bike washing facilities. Llanarmon and the surrounding area makes a great location for a cycling holiday. If you are looking for mountain biking routes in Wales take a look at our map of mountain biking routes and trails in Wales. If you don’t mind driving to start your ride, here are some nice rides a little further south of the cottage in mid-wales.
North Wales cycling route guide and maps (with .gpx)
Here are nine of our recommended on road cycle rides around North Wales and mid Wales. They include rides across high mountain passes, hard climbs, traffic free rides and long distance rides. They showcase some of the best cycling routes in North Wales and each has a downloadable .gpx file.
1. Llangollen and the Horseshoe Pass cycle route
2. Lake Vyrnwy and Bala via Bwlch-y-Groes pass and Hirnant pass cycle route
3. Llangollen, Llyn Brenig and Bala cycle route
4. Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog to Pistyll Rhaeadr cycle route
5. Bala to Dolgellau cycle route
6. Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant to Bala via Milltir Cerrig pass cycle route
7. Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog to Llangollen cycle route
Llangollen and the Horseshoe Pass cycle route
Horseshoe pass (Bwlch yr Oernant) is a 4 mile climb in North Wales near Llangollen, averaging 5% gradient. Ponderosa Cafe at the top is a good place to stop and refuel. The Grouse Inn overlooking the River Dee is also a great place to stop for refreshments. This route starts in Llangollen, heads up the Horseshoe pass then circles back to Llangollen via Corwen.
Lake Vyrnwy and Bala via Bwlch-y-Groes pass and Hirnant pass cycle route
Circular route going over the Bwlch-y-Groes pass (also known as the Hellfire pass) and the Hirnant pass. Bwlch-y-Groes is the second highest public road mountain pass in Wales. There is a cafe at Lake Vyrnwy and plenty of food options in Bala. The ride around Lake Vynwry is a real favourite of ours – the scenery is stunning. It is not a long ride around the lake (about 13 miles) but when combined with the onward ride to Bala, it makes this a really special ride in mid-wales. Bwlch-y-Groes averages a 12% climb going up to 25% on the final stretch. It was renowned as one of the toughest climbs in the Milk Race.
Llangollen, Llyn Brenig and Bala cycle route
Circular route taking in Llyn Brenig. There are cafes in Llangollen and Bala and a great cafe at Llyn Brenig overlooking the reservoir. Llyn Brenig does not get a lot of visitors – most people pass it on the way to Snowdonia. However it is worth a visit for a ride or a walk as the roads are quiet and the scenery stunning. Llyn Brenig sits just to the west of the Clwydian Range which is also a great area to explore on a bike.
Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog to Pistyll Rhaeadr cycle route
A short ride between Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog and Pistyll Rhaeadr (240 foot high waterfall). There is a small cafe at the foot of the waterfall. This is a traffic free route (other than the odd tractor). There is a big climb out of Llanarmon before the ride follows very quiet roads to the waterfall.
Bala to Dolgellau cycle route
A long distance ride between Bala and Dolgellau with some great scenery along the way. Plenty of cafes in Bala. Smaller selection of cafes in Dolgellau. Or stop at Coed-y-Brenin which also has a great cafe.
Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant to Bala via Milltir Cerrig pass cycle route
A ride with spectacular scenery up the Milltir Cerrig pass. Not one to do if you do not have a head for heights. There are a couple of pubs in Llangynog then nothing until Bala. The weather can get really wild going over the top so be prepared.
Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog to Llangollen cycle route
A nice route from Llanarmon DC following the Ceiriog Valley then over the top of the hill into Llangollen. Some nice climbs up and over the valley into Llangollen then back again.
Corwen to Llandrillo cycle route
Corwen to Llandrillo via Llandderfel. A few food options in Corwen and a nice pub in Llandrillo. Relatively traffic free.
Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog to Chirk cycle route
Leaving Llanarmon DC you follow the route of the River Ceiriog to Chirk. Then return the same way or via Selattyn. Nice pubs in Glyn Ceirog, Selattyn, Pontfadog and Llanarmon DC if you want a stop along the way.
About this Wales road cycling guide
Llanarmon sits on the border between North East Wales and Mid Wales (bordering Powys). So our cycle routes cover some of the most spectacular scenery, roads and mountain passes wales has to offer. There is something for everyone. Shorter rides, long distance rides and traffic free rides. Llanarmon also makes a great stop off point on a cycle touring holiday in North Wales, mid Wales, the Welsh borders and the Welsh Marches.