For more epic hill climbing data, visit our Top 10 Most Epic UK and also our Top 10 Most Epic Welsh hill . The steep, consistent gradient hovers around 15% all the way, making it one of the most challenging climbs in South Wales. Constant variations in gradient make finding a rhythm a tough task and there are significant stretches in excess of 10%. This challenging route is found between between Ystrad Mynach and Merthyr Tydfil and is a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres). View epic images taken along the climbing route. Second hardest bike climb in the UK (#1 Wales) - PJAMM Cycling In fact, there is a sign at the start warning that the road is Unsuitable for motor vehicles. Although I assume this is mostly to keep tourists away as we intersected multiple residents traveling the road in their cars. The gradient on the inside of the bend is estimated to be somewhere in excess of 30%, and while you'd be daft to try riding over that bit, the outside isn't exactly a piece of cake either. The climb goes up a ridge to a small parking lot, where we saw two other cyclists. Babusar Pass, 4. If the Tumble is the famous and successful son, the Tyla is his awkward, challenging older brother. Another climb with a fair bit of ascent to even get to the start. We completed this jewel in August 2018 and because it is so epic, came back for a second go in June 2022. >>> Subscriptions deals forCycling Weeklymagazine. Id evaluated the merits of all contenders from Yorkshire's Rosedale Chimney to Ffordd Penllech via Bushcombe Lane and Vale Street but then came that bigger fish, then came a new vision of hell: Afon Ddu, AKA the Baby Zoncolan. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Simon Warren for his books generally and for his contribution of Top 10 lists for PJAMM Cycling. Baran Road is arguably the most beautiful of all the tough climbs were listing here. [Summarized above under Fiets Top 10 Hardest]. I cant say for sure but I decide to stick with before to salvage what I can of my fragile ego. Grid Ref: SE 720 945 (OS94) Length 1430m Height gain 179m Approx climb time 9 mins, Fleet Moss, the highest road in Yorkshire, is a beast from either direction but the greater challenge lies in the route south from Hawes. . The Tyla rounds the Blorenge from Gilwern, Heading into the trees on the Wentwood Ridge climb just where it starts to get really steep. This gorgeous country road is testing for even the best cyclists, but it provides great views north towards the western Brecon Beacons. . The bottom of the Abercynafon climb - note the 20% gradient, The open countryside of the Baran Road climb, The open part of the Bedlinog climb, after leaving the village, Looking south from the climb up the Black Mountain, The profile of the Black Mountain, from Brynamman, Looking down at the upper reaches of the Black Mountain climb from Llangadog, Looking north from the top of the Black Mountain, The profile for the Black Mountain from Llangadog, The top of the British, heading out of Abersychan, Steep inclines before leaving Aberdare on the way up Maerdy Mountain, The hairpin on the climb up Maerdy Mountain from Aberdare, Descending from the Bwlch into the Afan Valley, Near the top of the Bwlch, from the Afan Valley, The profile for the climb up the Bwlch from the Afan Valley, Looking up towards the summit of the Bwlch on the way up from Treorchy, The early part of the Caerphilly Mountain climb after leaving Tongwynlais, The steepest part of the climb up Caerphilly Mountain from Tongwynlais, The profile of the climb up Caerphilly Mountain from Caerphilly, The 20% slopes of the Wenallt climb up Caerphilly Mountain, The profile of the Wenallt climb up Caerphilly Mountain, Dan Martin and Nairo Quintana lead up Caerphilly Mountain in the 2013 Tour of Britain, The final kick on the Mountain Road ascent of Caerphilly Mountain, The profile of the climb up Caerphilly Mountain from the centre of the town, The road up Cefn Bryn stretching into the distance, The higher part of the Cimla climb out of Neath, The steep and cobbled slopes of Swansea's Constitution Hill, The long stretch up to Crai reservoir from Pen y Cae, The view down from the top hairpin on the Devil's Elbow, The top section of the Gospel Pass, after the steepest parts, Climbing up alongside dry stone walls and mountain streams on Heol Lan, Looking back down the climb out of Llangattock, Looking back down from the top of Llangynidr Mountain, Llanguicke Road: Almost unimaginably steep, The views from close to the summit of Llangynidr Mountain, The climb from Llangwm towards Shirenewton, The climb to Llanwonno, shortly after leaving the houses of Graigwen Road, The forested section close to the top of the climb to Llanwonno from Pontypridd, Onto more open terrain at the top of the Maerdy Mountain, The profile of the climb up Maerdy Mountain, The Old Black Rock climb from Gilwern to Brynmawr, The relentless gradient to the top of Penrhys, One of the steepest sections of the climb up past Pontypridd Golf Club, Looking back from the top of the Pontypridd Golf Club climb, The profile for the Pontypridd Golf Club climb, The top section of the Rhigos on the north side, The profile of the Rhigos climb from Hirwaun, The profile of the Rhigos from Treherbert, Rhiwr Road is difficult from the very start, Looking back towards Monmouth shortly after leaving Mitchel Troy on the climb to Trelleck, The profile of the climb towards Trelleck from Mitchel Troy. South Wales needs no introduction. You're now face to face with the vicious 25% corner which delivers you on to the cruel slopes that cling to the side of the sheer bank. Ride two miles gaining 1,055 at 10.3% average grade. When: March 20-27, 2022. The views? Since that . We rank this monster as #2 most difficult in UK via the Fiets index. And yet it's easy to forget that it's also one of the toughest. Based in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Simon continues to keep riding his bike uphill and guides rides, hosts events and gives talks on climbing hills on bikes! Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. It covers 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline. Round the end of Loch Kishorn and follow the signs to Applecross, up and over Bealach-na-Ba. Pass Gairnshiel Lodge and Colnabaichin. Ride two miles gaining 1,329 at 12.5% average grade. The 10 hardest hill climbs in Wales can be viewed on this page via the map (zoom in to view climbs in particular areas), by Climb Cards (photo and stats) or by a detailed list of the climbs that can be arranged in metric or imperial units by difficulty, distance (longest climbs in the area), altitude gained, highest elevation (highest summit), average grade (sort the grades by varying distances), lowest start point, etc. This climb is breathtaking and we will return and do this one again - its just that unique, inspiring and exceptional. Thanks to Strava for the route maps and climb profiles. Between the narrow road, the rutted surface and the severity of the slope, this is one seriously tough climb. Region: South West Length: 3.1km Average gradient: 10% Elevation: 321m Don't let the urban nature of this climb fool you - it's not easy. . The Harlech Hell Climb event was held on the excruciating climb on Sunday (August 11), with riders tackling the 330 metre climb, which averages 17 per cent and reaches a maximum gradient of 37.45 . If youve ever been to Manhattan and walked the streets straining your neck upwards to admire the skyscrapers, well, for a moment looking up this road it feels like that. Its quite a strange effort needed to try and get the KOM, he explains. Receive a selection of the most beautiful climbs we've added. Ride over Irton Pike and pass through Eskdale Green and Beckfoot to reach the base of the climb next to the warning sign at Jubilee Bridge. There is also now a Welsh Climbs book 100 greatest cycling climbs is a list of some of the hardest climbs in the UK from Constitution Hill to Kirkstone Pass and Ditchling Beacon. Below, we detail 10 of the toughest climbs in the UK, and provide links to the Strava segments to help you plan your routes. That said, Bwlch Penbarra is certainly a top three for US. If there's a more brutal stretch of road anywhere in South Wales than Llanguicke Road, then it's definitely best avoided. Plus detailed bike, kit and accessory reviews from the experts. Afon Ddu, 7. The top few miles of the Swansea Valley take you up the steady slopes of a wide and straight main road up to the beautiful Crai Reservoir. On the west coast of Scotland, Bealach na B has the most elevation gain of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level to 626m over a stretch of 9.2km. "Cycling in south Wales is a completely different story. Then you hit the switchbacks, where a better surface is cold comfort as you grapple with gravity's pull and attempt to hold your momentum through these vicious bends. As I force round this wicked right-hander, bend three, the pale, rugged and debris-strewn surface rises up like a wall through the trees. Heres how it works. Arguably, though, he is best known as the author of Cycling Climbs series of books. Having featured as a summit finish for the Welsh Nationals and the Tour of Britain, as well as being the signature climb for Velothon Wales, the Tumble is easily one of the most famous climbs in Wales. United States - Top Bike Climbs - PJAMM Cycling is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales (100 Greatest Cycling Climbs - Britain). Get through this, the first of many brutal stretches, and things back off for a while before ramping up to the first of two gates. Who knows. If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. The climb begins as we pass a set of old farm buildings on the left. It's that steep much of the way. 37 beautiful and challenging climbs in South Wales every - WalesOnline Follow the road alongside the river to Llanymawddwy, pass through and begin the climb across the Pont y Pennant. But one thing's for sure - Wales has some great places to do it. And it's so steep, close to 25% at the point where the tall valley walls disappear and the radar slowly rises over the horizon to sit above you, tracking the remainder of your progress. Scotland Bealach Na Ba Bealach na B is arguably the toughest climb in Britain. Apagua, 5. The first 10km climbs 800m to a small Visitor Centre, via ever steepening slopes and long 12 - 15% ramps. Britain's top 10 toughest cycle climbs - the Guardian The steepest paved street in Pittsburghand one of the toughest climbs in the USmakes the top spot on our list. There's something evil lurking in the woods at the top of this climb in rural Monmouthshire. Saw signs of a moose, unstrapped and started walking down the trail and saw her about 100ft up the trail. This climb is along the southeastern edge of Snowdonia National Park (established 1951 - third national park in Britain after Peak District and Lake District). We begin this climb in the midst of lush pastureland. The base of the climb is on the first right out of the village next to a farm gate. All rights reserved. Top 7 cycling climbs in North Wales and Snowdonia A little bit about Simon Warren - We contacted Simon Warren with our request for his Top 10 lists because we consider him the Gold Standard and cyclist with the most thorough and comprehensive knowledge of hill climbing by bike in the UK. Cycling apparel brand, Rapha today launched the Rapha Film Fund, a program designed to help support creatives bring their life lived by bike stories to life on Raphas YouTube. Cross the cattle grid onto a long straight 7% drag that takes you into the trees. Below is a list of Simons choices for Wales Top 10 Hardest and Top 10 Most Epic. Learn More ALL TRIPS It's short, steep and fairly hostile all the way to the final left corner that brings you out Caerphilly Mountain's famous snack bar. In an attempt to move right, my front wheel lifts, there is a bang, my right foot instinctively unclips and that was it, I am gone. The climb lasts for almost a mile and has an elevation gain of 180 metres. . Photograph: Paul White/Alamy, Scotch mist hanging over Bealach na Ba. This climb comes with the steepest 500 meters in all of the UK at 25%, and it comes at the beginning of the climb so be prepared to strain at the outset. La Muerte, 9. Stwlan Dam. The maximum gradient is 13%. Photograph: Stephen Dorey/Alamy. The Rhigos is an altogether different proposition from the south, getting straighter rather than more meandering as it climbs. ranks this as the hardest climb in Wales and he will get no argument from us on that front! This mini monster was brought to my attention by hill climb master and double National Champion Dan Evans after I noticed a string of expletives in his Strava feed. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure. Grid Ref: SH 913 232 (OS125)Length 3.56km Height gain 385m Approx climb time 23 mins, A true monster of a climb through the heart of the Cairngorms, the road up to the Lecht Ski Centre is a simply stunning ride. The Travel App includes many helpful travel tools, including: an itinerary, interactive map with points of interest and all loaded routes as well as navigation to each; a tracking feature that shows participant locations; records statistic for routes completed; post photos and text in real time to blog and map; and a share feature so friends, fans and family can follow you and your adventure on our interactive map. Bending right the slope immediately kicks up to around 25 per cent but this is mere childs play compared to what lies ahead. My puny cycling arms are shaking like a frightened kitten. The road levels slightly but the. We have twice personally documented the Welsh Top 10 Hardest Climbs. Through Gayle, the road flat, hugging the river, soon rises sharply for a short 17% lung-opener. But those who want to do climbs like Penrhys are extreme even within that bracket. North, as editor of the book Snowdonia (1949), states "When the Committee delineated provisional boundaries, they included areas some distance beyond Snowdonia proper." Picturesque mountains, hills, valleys and coastland define the landscape, and make the area a dream cycling location. Heading up the Blorenge from the other side, the climb gains slightly less altitude in slightly greater distance. The 1.9 mile route is memorable for its scary hairpin climb. In Wales cyclists can find 74 interesting climbs between 5 and 550 meters above sea level. The photos in the collage at the top of this page are of PJAMMs Top 10 Hardest per the Fiets Index. After leaving the village, you're into open moorland but don't expect a gradient in single figures. Within a few hundred feet of the start point, a switchback of over 20% warns you of the battle to come. Brutal hill climb in Wales held on newly-crowned - Cycling Weekly This is the highest paved road and hardest bike climb in Wales. Afon Ddu from Trefriw is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 621. Turn away from the village of Knock and begin opposite a farm gate. Once past an axle weight sign the climb begins. ), and I recommend parking there and not attempting to traverse any part of the actual climb route in a car. You are eventually rewarded with a blissful flat stretch, but it's not over yet; round a left-hand bend is yet more 20% gradient, a final zig-zag and a few last kicks take you to what feels like the top of the world. It then all but levels off as you pass various farm buildings, where the surface is broken and covered with the mud and debris from passing tractor tyres. You can also subscribe to the magazine, save on the cover price and get it delivered every Thursday. Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our. Wales treated us quite well on our visit in August 2018. Bwlch Penbarra (SW #88), 9. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. The traditional Snowdonia thus includes the ranges of Snowdon and its satellites, the Glyderau, the Carneddau and the Moel Siabod group. Two miles up a main road at between 4% and 6% might sound easy, but that just depends on how fast you're going. Taking your bike up a steep climb next to Welsh dry stone walls and mountain streams on Heol Lan is an experience that will stay with you. Cairn O'Mount from the south side is 3.35km with an elevation gain of 319 meters. This brutal, bucket list climb invites you to tackle an incredible 48 hairpin bends between Prato and the mountain's summit. A headwind, on the other hand, and it can be a real grind. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The Hardest Climbs - The Steepest Roads in the World Bikes & Gear Health & Nutrition Training Repair Exclusives Subscribe Sign In 1 Five Black Women Who Rode From NYC to DCin 1928 2 18 Best. The top 10 hardest cycling climbs around the globe, all of which we have personally documented, are: 1. You'll probably wish you were enjoying a sedate stroll along the fairways of the adjacent golf club by the time you reach the lung-crushing gradients at the top of this punchy climb out of Pontypridd. The second bend here is so steep on the inside that it forces you far right, so take care. The Brecon landscape is barren but beautiful as you climb 3.5 miles in Pen-y-Cae. The Gospel Pass is situated in Wales. Weve been crawling skyward for about two minutes, covering just 250m of tarmac as we round bend three. Where Turn off the A896 and head east just before Tornapress. The Guardian - Britains top 10 toughest cycle climbs, Rate climbs, post comments and share your experiences on any of our climb pages, Create bucket lists of climbs & mark the dates you complete them, Weather data for all climbs - Start & Finish, Upload photos to your member page to customize your PJAMM Cycling experience, Utilize all of our interactive tools - Profile & Routes in Area. Without being too hysterical, this climb is nothing more than a joyless straight line of pain. The gradient kicks up to 14% as you head through the Cimla area of Neath, before a descent the other side takes you down into the Afan Valley.