Betws Y Coed to Cwm Penamnen gravel loop

A seemingly never ending climb up smooth forest roads takes you from the Beaver Pool lay-by to Llyn Elsi. From here, glimpses of the mountains of Northern Snowdonia appear between the trees, bringing you to the classic Sarn Helen trail.

Never too technical, but regularly featuring some huge puddles (which are normally simple enough to walk around - and highly recommended as they are deeper than they appear!), follow the trail until it ends in tarmac near Dolwyddelan.

As you arrive at the A470, it would be easy enough to cross over the Afon Lledr and make your way back to the start, but for those with energy still to spare, the extension into Cwm Penamnen is worth a look. Passing through Dolwyddelan, there is a SPAR food shop, should you feel a bit peckish.

The loop around the Cwm is well signposted with small MTB signs on posts. More gravel roads take you on a tour of the Cwm until a fast descent leads you back to the bridge over the railway. Turning right past the school, the tarmac ends and a grassy bridleway, with the occasional rockier section, begins.

After Pont y Pant railway station, a right turn takes you steeply up to the next section in the forest. This is the last main climb, and worth a few minutes of suffering to avoid riding down the A470. Finally, after passing a couple of farm buildings you arrive at a track junction. Pleasant gravel tracks take you down to the minor road, which ends just south of the Beaver Pool lay-by.