Carneddau circuit
- Iona Pawson
- May 14, 2021
- 3 min read
A long day out that covers the full range of terrain. It can be started almost anywhere along the route, although beginning and ending close to Betws Y Coed means the majority of the ascent is completed in the first half of the ride. If doing it in one day is two much, there is a natural half way point around Abergwyngregyn, where a detour up the Anafon valley could be made for a discrete wild camp, or once in the village a car shuttle would work well too. It is a superbly satisfying journey, with very few road sections, and seems like a logical journey around a mountain range. Whilst I took my mountain bike around the route, I can't wait to repeat it and use the gravel bike instead.
From Betws Y Coed there isn't really an option to avoid the steep hillside taking you to the southern parts of the Gwydir Mawr trails (formerly the Marin). You could cycle along the road towards Trefriw instead, which is traffic free to begin with. From Llyn Y Parc you get a welcome breather and there are a variety of options. On the map and Komoot route linked here I took the easiest, terrain wise, to save some energy in my legs, but you could easily ride a few sections of the Gwydir Mawr as you approach Trefriw.
The road out of Trefriw is seriously steep, and seems to continue for ages. At 19% and many switchbacks, you definitely need some granny gears, but, being a quiet road, it's nice enough to push your bike up and enjoy the views too. Your efforts are well rewarded at the top, with a superb untechnical descent towards the pipeline and double track north-east of Llyn Cowlyd. The final few hundreds metres of descent to Coedty reservoir are a lot looser and feel spicy on a gravel bike, but it's short lived. Weaving your way northwards from here, the aim of my route was to try and stay high, without dropping all the way into the Conwy valley. This entails pushing along a footpath for a short time to link together to sections, but seemed the 'lesser of two evils' by avoiding a steep road descent, only to reascend a couple of kilometres later!
Next comes a few kilometres of minor roads which weave and wind you to the Roman Road below Tal Y Fan, complete with the juxtaposition of a series of huge pylons. The double track takes you westwards towards Abergwyngregyn. It's fantastic, never too technical, but enough to keep you focused. Watch out for the occasional drainage channel towards the end!
If you wanted to make the route longer, an ascent of Drum or a visit to the Aber falls could be easily incorporated.
Between Aber and Bethesda lie more minor roads, and whilst some of these could be avoided by skirting below Moel Wnion, I chose the easier option, with home still feeling a long way away! Bethesda has a range of small food shops and cafes, and is probably the only village you could reliably buy food in, on the route.
Cross the Afon Ogwen at the South end of town, and follow the signs for the Lon Las Ogwen. Just as you think the hard bit is over and down with, some insanely short steep undulations await. Finally, the cycle route flattens out, and one of the best easy rides await. Cruise your way up towards Ogwen Cottage, admiring the views of the Glyderau peaks on the right hand side. There are public toilets and a small cafe at Ogwen cottage too. For 2km you have no choice but to ride down the A5 which can feel quite busy, however there is a pavement running the entire way too.
Soon, you are traffic free again and on the Ogwen valley byway. This takes you all the way to Capel Curig, from where I cycled through the village, along the backroad to the Ugly House, up the short steep minor road here, and then back to Betws Y Coed along forest tracks and the minor road.
Of course, another good reason to end in Betws Y Coed are the plethora of fantastic cafes to enjoy a well deserved slice of cake and hot drink in.
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