Wales North to South?
- Thread starter Steve T
- Start date
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Yeah, I did the Lon Las Cymru in August but South to North. We deviated at times, but there was a lot of quiet roads and quite a few that were gated (which means car drivers can't be bothered to use them). Be aware though that these "off road" routes may be quieter but usually longer and ential larger than normal hills, and not so great surfaces. Some roads we took I was like "the main road is flatter and quicker!" but my complaints fell on deaf ears and I got dragged over a mountain instead. Literally. On a fully loaded touring bike. I was not impressed.
Well worth doing though.
Well worth doing though.
Spinney
Bimbleur extraordinaire
- Location
- Back up north
Oh that does sound familiar...!
My longest day rides have all been on my own, when I have chosen to take flatter A roads in the interests of getting home while still being able to move...
We did it in 4 days but carrying all our gear on touring bikes, sightseeing as well (partner in crime interested in "Friends of Friendless Churches" so we checked some of them out that weren't too far off route). 3 days I think will be hard going, but do-able, especially if it's in B&Bs as you don't have to lug as much stuff about or pack horrid wet tents away when it's blowing a hoolie.
Thought the sun always shined in Wales
Crankarm
Guru
- Location
- Nr Cambridge
You want the best advice - buy some OS maps and plot your own route. You will enjoy your journey a lot more.
You could also attempt the Sarn Helen - Conwy to Worms Head off road.
You could also attempt the Sarn Helen - Conwy to Worms Head off road.
BigCam
Active Member
- Location
- In the fens near Ely
My brother and I did the Lon Las Cymru a couple of years back on mountain bikes. "Portage" was a regular cry, although on day two we topped out at 47mph on a downhill 
I recall the lovely sizzling sound the rain water dripping onto my hot discs at the bottom...
I recall the lovely sizzling sound the rain water dripping onto my hot discs at the bottom...
Agreed about the maps/own route, the sustran ones were got as a default, but I was planning to do the odd diversion (road) as necessary. Any tips, or places to avoid on the official route (for a road bike)? Was thinking:
Day 1: Holyhead - Dolgellau (brother's mate lives there)
Day 2: Dolgellau - Builth Wells
Day 3: Builth Wells - Cardiff (in laws live there)
Crankarm
Guru
- Location
- Nr Cambridge
When are you going?
My advice is still to get OS maps Landranger 1:50k. You should be able to plot a nice peaceful route avoiding pretty much all traffic and seeing some pretty stunning scenery. I bought a Sustrans map once for the C2C a few years back. I didn't find it particularly detailed or helpful, let alone anywhere near accurate enough. Plus it sent me down roads I felt were too busy/dangerous. I wouldn't buy another much less cycle on any of their routes unless it was along a separate cycle route/path Dutch style or it co-incided with a quiet lane/road I had found on my OS maps. I have toured quite a lot in Wales and now have quite a few OS Maps. I love them and wouldn't use anything else save for a Satmap or Garmin Montana which both have OS 1:50k mapping on. But paper OS maps I love.
For route there is supposed to be a good coastal cycle path from Porthmadog via Barmouth to Dolgellau. Not cycled it I am afraid although Julia B has walked some of it as I was watching her more than the scenery
. Not stalking her but watching one of her excellent walking progs. Then from Dolgellau head for Machynlelth and from there you must take the mountain road up to Llyn Clywedog to join the B4518 going to Llanidloes. From here to Rhyader and then sustains route to Builth which is along quiet lanes except when you approach Builth Wells, but nothing too troublesome. Then from Builth down to Brecon and through the Brecon Beacons again use an OS Map to find quieter routes. It might be an idea to take a train from Merthyr to Cardiff as traffic volumes start increasing markedly unless anyone knows of any dedicated cycle routes?Alternatively you could ride south from Machynlleth towards Devil's Bridge, Cwmystwyth then cut through the pretty Elan Valley across to Rhayader this way. This would be a nice climb on a road bike, not as steep as the mountain road from Machynlleth to Llanidloes but a longer climb and a great long down hill into Rhayader. Both good routes tbh. But take a look at an OS map for yourself. HTH.
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Banjo
Fuelled with Jelly Babies
- Location
- South Wales
The Taff Trail (Sustrans route 8) is good for the last 50 miles from Brecon to Cardiff ,quite roads and paved traffic free bits. North of Brecon I would plan your own route.
Plus one to crankarms suggestion to include the Elan Valley.Very pretty and good roads.
Plus one to crankarms suggestion to include the Elan Valley.Very pretty and good roads.
