This is a medium / Long Day ride, most suited for Ebikes. Consisting of 2 main climbs, the first half of the first climb is on a quiet road. The second half of the first climb is on a long forest ramp that takes you above Penmachno village. The second climb starts on a quiet road which is part of the Roman Road called Sarn Helen.
Route10 Photos
There are no cafes on this route so take drinks and food with you. The start of this ride is along a quiet road to the A470 where there is a short cycle route off road beside the A470. Then a small bridge is crossed and a long quiet up hill road is ridden above the Conwy River. Once at the top of this road the route goes off-road with a long climb up to and above Penmachno village. This is a very quiet forest area, few people, although horse riders may be met. Please slow down for horses.
Eventually you will reach the Lledr valley which has the river Lledr flowing through it. From here the route crosses the A470 and climbs up Sarn Helen. Then from here the route takes you to the view point and picnic area on Llyn Elsi. When leaving here push the bike carefully down the short steep rocky slope and follow the Lake bank. Walk the first 200 metres as this is a footpath, when the path meets the forest track again it is okay to ride the bike once more.
Now the route is almost downhill the whole way to Betws y coed, take care on the decent because of the possibility of farm vehicles, there are also some tricky corners to negotiate. The final 400 metres to Betws are on a quiet tarmac road.
This ride should not be chosen if you cannot self-repair a bike puncture as some areas are very remote.
Duration depends on fitness levels and the size of group. Large groups tend to move slower.
Bikes come equipped with Spare Inner tube /repair kit and map. Please return after use.
Garmin Satnav is available for hire to make navigation easy or a GPX file can be emailed if you want to use your own bike computer or phone.
