Eryri / Snowdonia Cycling Weekend

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

Easy: ​ Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. ​ Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

Relaxed: ​ Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. ​ Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling. ​ Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. ​ Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. ​ Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at Llanberis hotel or Bangor train station

The trip begins in our hotel in Llanberis. If you’re driving then we’ll meet you at the hotel and give details on where to park. If you prefer to arrive by public transport we can meet you at Bangor train station (daily direct trains from London and other major rail hubs throughout the UK) to transfer you, your bikes and luggage to our hotel in Llanberis. At the hotel you will be met by the More Adventure team for a trip briefing and evening meal in preparation for tomorrow’s ride. 

Day 2: Beddgelert and Betws-y-Coed loop

(62km & 800m⇧ / 38 miles & 2600 feet⇧)

After breakfast in our hotel, we’ll begin our first ride of the trip. It begins by heading northwest towards Caernarfon to join the Lon Eifon, a scenic, paved traffic-free route that runs south alongside the Welsh Highland Way. At Penygroes we cut inland to our first climb of the day – the Nantlle Pass (aka Drws y Coed). It’s a steady climb from the village of Nantlle, the road flanked either side by disused mining operations and striking rocky outcrops as we approach the summit. A fantastic descent leads to Rhyd Ddu (Black Ford) then onto Beddgelert, a popular tourist village whose name translates as Gelert’s Grave in English. From Beddgelert we tackle the spectacular Nant Gwynant climb up to the Pen y Gwryd hotel where you’ll be torn between pedalling and stopping for photos as the views back down the valley are simply stupendous. 

The Pen y Gwryd hotel is steeped in mountaineering history as it was used as a base for many famous mountaineers training for the greater ranges, including Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary no less! From the hotel we’ll tackle the final kilometre to Pen-y-Pass (359m) which is the starting point for most people climbing Snowdon. A definite highlight of the day is the road on the other side, the jaw-dropping descent of the Llanberis Pass, carving through a deep valley lined with vertigo-inducing cliffs. We pop out in Llanberis next to the stunning lake and make our way to our hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Ogwen Valley and Nant Gwynant

(73km & 1100m⇧ / 45 miles & 3600 feet⇧)

After a good night’s rest we begin our second day cycling, a slightly longer route with a touch more ascent than the previous day. We’ll cut inland through open farmland to Llanrug before. We begin with a pleasant warm-up along the banks of Llyn Padarn on a traffic-free cycle lane. At the northern end of the lake we begin our first climb of the day up through ancient woodland to the mountainous moors above Dinorwig. On a clear day there are incredible views of Snowdon and the Glyders. A short descent leads to the foot of the Ogwen Valley just south of Bethesda. It’s impossible to ignore the presence of the once-thriving slate industry in this part of Wales. Welsh slate once “roofed the world”, with huge global exports providing employment for many people of the region, many of which were employed in nearby Penrhyn quarry which we’ll ride directly beneath. We turn off the main road and ascend the valley along Lon Las Ogwen (The Ogwen Trail), which mainly follows the route of the old railway line that brought slate down the valley from Bethesda slate quarry to the coast, where it was shipped around the world. It’s a relatively gentle climb with two short and sharp sections near the top, but the views of the wide open valley behind are completely worth the effort. We’ll stop briefly at Ogwen Cottage on the banks of the lake, where you’ll see the shark fin peak of Tryfan towering above. On a clear day you can see Adam & Eve, two distinctive summit rocks that many people jump across when reaching the top of this mighty mountain. 

From here we descend to Capel Curig then turn right back up to the Pen y Gwryd hotel, this time continuing straight to descend the road above Nant Gwynant. It’s exhilarating, with immaculate tarmac, sweeping turns, and views that are difficult not to stop for. At Beddgelert we continue northwest towards Rhyd Ddu then ride along the beautiful banks of Llyn Cwellyn. On the way back we have an optional climb on a lesser-known road above Llanberis. On a clear day we’ll enjoy views of the summit of Snowdon, down to magical Llyn Padarn below, the peaks of the Glyders beyond and the glistening sea in the distance behind us. After many photos and a breather we’ll descend into Llanberis. Here the trip comes to an end and we say our farewells. If you’re travelling by train, we’ll transport your bikes and luggage to the train station for your onward journey.

Please note

We can run this trip with as few as two participants and the trip can be arranged up to a week in advance. If the dates below don’t fit, please get in touch to see if we can arrange for the trip on dates that suit you!

The trip begins in the evening of Day 1 but if you’d prefer to join us in the morning of Day 2 in time for the first ride, then no problem, just let us know.

Map

Includes

• Cycle guide(s)
• Support vehicle (for larger groups)
• Snacks and water whilst riding
• 2 x night’s hotel accommodation (twin sharing)
• 2 x breakfasts
• Bicycle and luggage transfer from/to Bangor (if required)
• GPX files of the route

Not Included

• Bicycle and helmet
• Transport to and from start and finish points
• Taxi/bus from Bangor to Llanberis (if required)
• Evening meals, lunches, drinks and personal snacks
• Travel/bicycle Insurance

FAQs

Can I join you on the morning of the first ride instead of the night before?

Sure no problem, just let us know when you book.

Is it possible to extend this trip?

Absolutely! There are numerous options to extend this trip, with further excellent cycling on Anglesey, the Lleyn Peninsula, and to the east towards the Great Orme and Llandudno.

How do I get to the start of the trip?

If you're driving, Llanberis is roughly 2 hours directly west of the M6. If you're arriving by public transport, there are direct trains to Bangor from London and various other main train hubs throughout the UK.

Can I arrive early to explore?

Yes! There's plenty to see and do in the area, including countless hiking opportunities, several stunning castles, vast sandy beaches and plenty more!