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Does anyone know of a Wales C2C that can be done on a loaded 29er (tent, cooking gear) that does not involve hike a bike and does not contain sections that are just not rideable on a loaded 29er. From what I have read, the Sarn Helen Trail is a really tough ride and contains hike a bike and tricky sections.
Just for reference, I have just returned from cycling the King Alfred's Way and I found every part of the trip manageable.
Thanks
(Assuming North 2 South)
Probably following NCR8 fits your bill best in terms of limiting hike a bike. I did the Dave Buchanan route which deviated from that in places to pick up Climachx and Nant-yr-arian trails. I wouldn't want to do the Climachx descent on a fully loaded bike!, Fortunately that bit is easy to miss out just by staying on NCR8 into Machynlleth. Choice of whether to stick to NCR8 and head to towards Rhayader, or head more directly south through Strata Florida, Llanwrtyd, Tirabad to Brecon. Again sticking to NCR8 will be the easier route
Then for the last leg, the choice is to stick to NCR8 down the Taff trail into Cardiff Bay (if you do this then don't arrive at 5pm on a weekday, it was heaving all the way through Cardiff, and made it into a bit of an anti-climax to an otherwise great ride). Alternatively switch to NCR42 heading over the Gospel pass and finish in Chepstow, or stay on NCR8 past Talybont and Pontsticill reservoirs, then at Merthyr pick up NCR46 down past Afan to the Port Talbot / Swansea area.
Is the NCR8 an all tarmac road route or does it take in gravel trails too. If it's predominantly tarmac roads then it's more of a touring bike ride than one for the 29er.
If you divert into the woods south of Mach at Forge and head for Nant-yr-Arian, then off the A44 take the bridleway south of Ponterwyd (you might need to push up). Then head through Strata Florida to the Twyi forest, then through the forest southeast of Lynn brianne to Llanwrtyd; this will give plenty of gravel miles!
Also another option is to start at Conwy and go over Snowdonia to Trawsfynydd. More “all terrain” but significantly harder than the NCR section.
You’re probably better off deciding where you want to finish (start if going south 2 north), before choosing your route through the Brecon Beacons.
Trans Cambrian ?
Edit, - just realised there is only one coast on that route. LOL.
Trans Cambrian ?
Edit, – just realised there is only one coast on that route. LOL.
Unless it's bone dry, you ain't riding all of it either.
si77
Full Member
Then head through Strata Florida to the Twyi forest
I'm not sure I'd like to ride the Tywi splashes with a fully loaded 29er
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I’m not sure I’d like to ride the Tywi splashes with a fully loaded 29er
Easily avoidable if you stay on the gravel road on the west side through the forest.
We are doing flattyres Aberystwyth to Prestatyn this weekend...will let you know how it Goes!
Having perused over the maps, I think I am going to do the EV2 road ride. Looks like it takes in a lot of the castles too, so plenty of history. I agree that it misses out the rugged and remote areas of Wales.
Not sure if anyone has done the EV2?
EV2 in Wales is basically ncr8 / ncr42. I’ve ridden most of it except the bit in Anglesey and the section from Rhayader to Hay.
EV2 in Wales is basically ncr8 / ncr42. I’ve ridden most of it except the bit in Anglesey and the section from Rhayader to Hay.
Would you recommend it?
I think if I was doing something like that again that’s the route I’d take in the southern half. The part from Caernarfon to Porthmadog was a bit dull, but I didn’t divert to Criccieth, so that will be an improvement.
There’s some fantastic scenery in the middle section and probably just enough opportunities to pick up refreshments on route, e.g. Coed y Brenin visitor centre, Blue bell inn at Llangurig, plus shops/pubs in Dolgellau, Mach, Rhayader, Builth etc.
Time it right leaving Hay and you can stop for an ice cream on your way up the Gospel pass.
One of our daughters lives in Cardiff and we live in Bangor.
When we cycle to see her, we use the xdurowales route from The Racing Collective. Its two decent days on our gravel bikes. We can ride it all. The start has some climbs through the ace slate quarry, but it keeps you off the road. Its well worth considering.
Ian
The Wildcat Cambrian Trail/Cambrian 500 might do. Whether it's all rideable is a matter of debate and was governed by my legs rather than my bike!
If the Ev2 is the same as lon las cymru, (I think it is) this is a fantastic mostly road tour.
Highly recommended.