The best gravel rides around Denbigh
4.6
(16)
83
riders
3
rides
Gravel biking around Denbigh offers diverse terrain across North Wales, featuring uplands, valleys, and expansive moorlands. The region is characterized by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, with its hillfort-topped summits and limestone crags, alongside the wild Denbigh Moors. Riders can explore varied landscapes from the rolling fields of the Vale of Clwyd to the heather-clad Berwyn Hills. Key areas like Llyn Brenig and Alwen Reservoir provide routes with dirt and rough stone tracks suitable for gravel bikes.
Best gravel bike trails around Denbigh
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Ride the Clwyds: Loop de Loop, a 20.5 miles (33.0 km) trail that takes 3 hours 31 minutes to complete. This difficult route traverses the Clwydian Range, offering views of hillforts and moorland.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is The Clwyds loop from Ruthin — Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, a difficult 18.2 miles (29.4 km) path. This route explores the varied terrain of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Llyn Brenig – Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre loop from Ruthin, a 32.9 miles (53.0 km) trail leading through forest sections and along the lakeshore, often completed in about 3 hours 45 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Denbigh is defined by the Clwydian Range, Denbigh Moors, and the Llyn Brenig area. The network offers options for challenging climbs on rugged tracks and more leisurely rides through picturesque valleys.
- The routes in Denbigh are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 80 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Denbigh's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
5.0
(1)
13
riders
33.0km
03:31
840m
840m
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.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
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.
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4.5
(13)
61
riders
54.7km
03:57
990m
990m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
5
riders
42.7km
02:49
650m
650m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
Not all trails in this area permit mountain bikes. Check it first. The rangers over there are zealots.
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A good walk or ride. Easily achievable on a cheap MTB or a gravel bike. It's mostly gravel, which makes it a good all-weather route.
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Though it was not a tough or technical ride, it did take me into territory I had never visited before and was a lovely antidote to the 'fleshpots' of Gwydir Forest or Coed-y-Brenin. Some lovely gentle singletrack, beautiful views and I didn't see another rider for the whole trip - although tbh I did set off at 08.30 on a Wednesday!!
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This bridge across the 900-acre (364 ha) Alwen Reservoir enables a beautiful and tranquil loop of the Wales' largest artificial lake. The views across the water and to the surrounding woodland and hills are lovely.
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This was used in 2015 Mark Cavendish sportive. Hard climb but well worth it
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Explore over 2500 acres of forest, moorland and lakes amid stunning upland scenery. With visitor centre, café, gift shop, osprey exhibition, adventure playground, cycle hire, mountain biking, walking trails, sailing and world class fishing to discover. Perfect cycling conditions for all ages and abilities. Hire from a wide range of bikes or bring your own ride. Enjoy a gentle family ride on an e-bike or an exhilarating mountain bike adventure.
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Stunning scenery some nice roads but watch out for sheep 🐑
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Ruthin is a market town and community in Denbighshire, Wales, in the south of the Vale of Clwyd. It is Denbighshire's county town. The town, castle and St Peter's Square lie on a hill, skirted by villages such as Pwllglas and Rhewl. Make sure you stop at the tower clock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Denbigh?
Denbigh offers a diverse range of terrain for gravel biking. You'll find everything from uplands, valleys, and expansive moorlands to the hillfort-topped summits of the Clwydian Range and the wild Denbigh Moors. Key areas like Llyn Brenig and Alwen Reservoir feature dirt and rough stone tracks, often not requiring a mountain bike. The routes can include challenging climbs on rugged tracks and more leisurely rides through picturesque valleys and woodlands.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in the Denbigh area?
Yes, several routes offer circular experiences. For instance, the Llyn Brenig – Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre loop from Ruthin is a popular 53 km circular trail that takes you through forest sections and along the lakeshore. Another option is the Ride the Clwyds: Loop de Loop, a 33 km route traversing the Clwydian Range.
What are the difficulty levels of gravel bike trails near Denbigh?
The gravel bike trails around Denbigh, particularly those highlighted in this guide, are generally considered difficult. They often involve significant elevation gains and cover varied, sometimes rugged, terrain. For example, the The Clwyds loop from Ruthin includes over 700 meters of elevation gain over 29.4 km.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the gravel bike routes?
The routes offer stunning views and pass by notable natural features. You can explore the beautiful upland reservoir of Llyn Brenig, which is a hub for outdoor pursuits. The Clwydian Range features hillfort-topped summits and limestone crags. You might also encounter highlights like the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau, offering spectacular views, or the Dyserth Waterfall.
Are there any specific areas known for gravel biking around Denbigh?
Yes, the region around Llyn Brenig and the Alwen Reservoir is particularly well-suited for gravel biking. These areas feature extensive networks of dirt and rough stone tracks that are ideal for gravel bikes. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB also offers numerous routes through its varied landscapes.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Denbigh?
The gravel biking routes around Denbigh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 10 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the challenging climbs, and the picturesque valleys and woodlands encountered on the trails.
Can I find long-distance gravel routes near Denbigh?
Yes, there are options for longer rides. For example, the Llyn Brenig – Llyn Brenig Dam loop from Ruthin covers approximately 56.2 km, offering a substantial ride through the area's varied landscapes. Another longer route is the View of Alwen Reservoir – Llyn Brenig loop from Llansannan, which is about 42.7 km.
Is there bike hire available near the gravel biking areas?
Llyn Brenig, a central hub for outdoor activities just 12 miles from Denbigh, offers cycle hire facilities. This can be a convenient option if you don't bring your own bike.
What is the surface like on the Llyn Brenig gravel trail?
The trails around Llyn Brenig, including the Brenig Trail, typically consist of dirt and rough stone tracks. These surfaces are generally well-suited for gravel bikes, providing a mix of forest sections and lakeshore riding.
Are there any viewpoints along the gravel bike routes in Denbigh?
Absolutely. Many routes offer spectacular views. Denbigh Castle itself provides breathtaking views across the Vale of Clwyd. Within the Clwydian Range, you can find viewpoints like Penycloddiau Summit and the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau, which offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding moorlands and valleys.
What are the best times of year for gravel biking in Denbigh?
Denbigh's diverse landscape means conditions can vary. While specific seasonal advice isn't detailed, the region's uplands and moorlands can be exposed. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for potential heat on exposed sections. Winter rides are possible but may require more robust gear and awareness of colder, potentially wetter conditions.
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