The best gravel rides in North Wales

Embark on the Gwydir Mawr Trail, a challenging gravel biking route spanning 19.3 miles (31.0 km) with a significant 2108 feet (643 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult ride, typically completed in about 3 hours and 6 minutes, takes you through the lush green landscapes of Gwydir Forest Park. You'll experience panoramic views of the Snowdonia mountains, riding a mix of wider forest roads and technical singletrack. The route traverses dark forests and exposed ridgelines, offering a varied and engaging experience. Keep an eye out for scenic spots like Llyn Geirionydd, a beautiful lake nestled within the forest.

When planning your visit, be prepared for challenging conditions, especially if the weather is wet. Descending sections can become slippery with leaf-covered rocks and flowing water, so exercise caution. Some parts of the trail are steep and rocky; consider riding north to south, which allows you to hike up particularly difficult sections rather than riding down them. A suitable quality off-road mountain bike is recommended for this terrain, though experienced gravel bikers can also tackle it.

This trail is situated within the stunning Eryri National Park, offering a unique opportunity to explore its natural beauty on two wheels. The Gwydir Mawr Trail is known for its blend of fast-flowing sections and technical challenges, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking an adventurous ride. It stands out in the region for its diverse terrain and the immersive forest environment it provides.

Prepare for a difficult gravel biking adventure on the Ride the Clwyds: Loop de Loop, a challenging route covering 20.5 miles (33.0 km). You will climb 2749 feet (838 metres) over varied terrain, from compacted gravel to exciting singletrack, all set within the distinctive heather-clad hills. As you ride, you will encounter untamed trails, steep climbs, and exhilarating berms. The route offers impressive vistas over the Vale of Clwyd and across the East of the Clwydian Range. You can also expect to pass by the Moel Famau Summit, a memorable landmark on your journey. This ride typically takes around 3 hours and 31 minutes to complete.

This route is consistently rated as difficult, so you should have a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills before you set out. While you can tackle this on a gravel bike, wide, knobbly tires are highly recommended. This is due to the rocky and loose descents you will encounter along the way. Make sure your bike is well-maintained and ready for a demanding ride.

The Ride the Clwyds: Loop de Loop is designed with five interlinked sections, offering flexibility for your ride. If you prefer a less demanding experience, you can choose to complete shorter sections of the route. This allows you to tailor your adventure to your energy levels or time constraints. The varied terrain and challenging climbs make this a notable route within the Clwydian Range.

Embark on a challenging gravel biking adventure with the Cregennan Lakes and Mawddach Trail loop from Barmouth. This difficult route spans 24.8 miles (39.9 km) and features a significant 3247 feet (990 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 48 minutes to complete. You will experience a dramatic contrast between the flat, well-maintained Mawddach Trail, which follows an old railway line along the estuary, and the demanding climbs towards the beautiful Cregennan Lakes, nestled north of Cadair Idris. Expect varied terrain, from smooth gravel to rougher, unpaved sections with large holes and rocky parts as you ascend.

While the Mawddach Trail portion is accessible to all skill levels, the climb to Cregennan Lakes requires very good fitness. Some gradients can be steep, reaching up to 20% or even 30% in places, and you might encounter technical sections where pushing your bike is necessary. It is often recommended to cycle this loop clockwise, as the ascent to the lakes is more gradual in that direction. Make sure your tires are at least 700x40c to handle the rougher segments near the top.

This route is notable for its stunning scenery, offering panoramic views across the Mawddach Estuary, the picturesque Cregennan Lakes, and the grand Cadair Idris range. On a clear day, you can even see the mountains of Snowdonia and the sea from the lake summit. The Mawddach Trail itself has historical significance, following an old railway line and crossing the Barmouth Bridge, which is the longest timber viaduct in Wales. The Cregennan Lakes are owned by the National Trust and are free to visit.

Embark on The Clwyds loop from Ruthin for a challenging gravel biking adventure through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. This difficult route spans 18.2 miles (29.4 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2382 feet (726 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You'll navigate a diverse mix of paved and unpaved sections, including compacted gravel, singletrack, and quiet country roads, often encountering undulating hills and forest tracks. Look forward to spectacular views from Bwlch Penbarras and panoramic vistas over the Vale of Clwyd, with the distinctive heather-clad hills of the Clwydian Range forming a dramatic backdrop. Be prepared for rocky and loose descents that demand good balance and technique, especially if conditions are wet.

This route is considered difficult and requires a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills. The varied terrain includes steep climbs, exhilarating berms, and loose descents, with some sections potentially requiring you to push your bike. For optimal handling, particularly in muddy conditions, wider, knobbly tires are highly recommended. Ensure you are well-prepared for a demanding ride that will test your physical endurance and technical abilities.

The Clwyds loop stands out as a premier gravel biking destination in North Wales due to its diverse and demanding terrain. It offers a blend of physical challenge and rewarding natural beauty within the stunning Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This region is known for its dramatic uplands, ancient hillforts, and rich cultural heritage, providing a tapestry of heather moorland, limestone crags, and broadleaved woodlands to explore.