Llyn Elsi Short, Favourite half day ride for Manual Bikes
This is the 2nd shortest ride on our list, it is not a flat ride so will require some effort in places.
There are no flat easy rides in this area as the village is at the bottom of a valley, any direction out of the valley requires riding uphill.
Route2 Photos
The first 1km as you leave the village is on the road this is unavoidable unfortunately. The first 200metres after leaving the road are the toughest as this is steeply uphill, after this things improve.
The destination of this ride is the view point and benches at Llyn Elsi (Lake Elsi), a beautiful place and time for a picnic. The views of the lake mountains and forest is breath taking and well worth the effort.
Before getting to the lake there is lovely ride along an old Roman Road (Sarn Helen) which runs through most of Wales in a North/ South direction. This trail/road is very old therefore much more natural in its nature. The surface is more rugged and fun to ride compared to modern day forest roads, much more Cross country style. This Roman road extension adds in 3km more distance than route 1 plus some extra ascent.
The return to Betws y coed is a fun long downhill descent, an enjoyment for everybody but enjoy with care.
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.
