Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
The best gravel rides around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
4.8
(15)
174
riders
8
rides
Gravel biking around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape offers diverse terrain across its 390 square kilometers, encompassing dramatic uplands, valleys, and forests. The region features the Clwydian Range with its heather-clad summits and the Dee Valley, known for its river scenery. This landscape provides varied environments for gravel biking, including routes through open moorland, limestone crags, and broadleaved woodlands.
Best gravel bike trails around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Big Jim's Black Trail – True Blue Trail loop from Gegin, a 15.2 miles (24.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 39 minutes to complete, featuring significant elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Gravel loop from Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, a moderate 7.8 miles (12.6 km) path that explores varied local landscapes.
- Local gravel bikers also love the The Clwydian Mountains loop from Gellifor, a 20.5 miles (33.0 km) trail leading through the Clwydian Mountains, often completed in about 3 hours 31 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape is defined by heather moorland, limestone crags, and broadleaved woodlands. The network offers options for both moderate and challenging ability levels.
- The routes in Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 15 reviews. More than 150 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
71
riders
22.0km
02:00
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
12.6km
01:01
300m
300m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
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.
15
riders
93.9km
07:20
2,270m
2,270m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
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.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Offa's Dyke Path — Epic coast-to-coast hike along ancient monument
North-East Wales' Secret MTB Paradise — The Triban Trail
North Wales mountain biking — Gogledd Cymru's finest
Trans-Wales bikepacking in 4 days
Hiking around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Running Trails around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
MTB Trails around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Cycling around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Road Cycling Routes around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Other adventures around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Tips from the Community
On a clear day the views extend as far as the Wirral, Denbigh Moors, and Snowdonia.
0
0
Crowning a craggy hilltop high above Llangollen, Castell Dinas Brân – the Crow’s Fortress – is one of the most dramatically-sited and legend-haunted strongholds in the whole of Britain. Set within the corner of an Iron Age hillfort, it is one of the few surviving Welsh-built stone castles, constructed in the 13th Century by Gruffudd ap Madoc, ruler of northern Powys.
3
0
Towering high above the Dee Valley and the bustling town of Llangollen, home of the International Eisteddfod, Castell Dinas Bran occupies one of Britain's most spectacular sites. A rugged, foreboding pinnacle, the hillock was the ideal spot to erect a castle. It seemed completely impenetrable, commanded views for miles around, and offered quick recognition of an approaching visitor, whether friend or foe. Yet, the native Welsh princes of Powys occupied the hilltop for only a few decades. Today, that same site is open to exploration by the public. Forced to climb to the summit, modern visitors experience the struggle and the exhilaration that the castle's medieval inhabitants - and their Edwardian attackers - must have felt. Without a doubt, the walk is a breathtaking challenge. However, that climb heightens the allure of Dinas Bran. And, it demonstrates the stark reality of medieval castle life.
3
0
Not all trails in this area permit mountain bikes. Check it first. The rangers over there are zealots.
0
0
Smart small town with plenty of decent coffee shops, bakeries and ice cream shops. Classic Co-op too if needed. Lovely place to regroup before or after Horseshoe Pass.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are there in Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape?
The Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape offers over 10 gravel bike trails, catering to various skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley?
You can expect diverse terrain, ranging from open heather moorland and limestone crags to broadleaved woodlands and river valleys. The region is known for its varied landscapes, including the dramatic uplands of the Clwydian Range and the scenic Dee Valley, providing a mix of surfaces for gravel biking.
Are there challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, the region offers several challenging routes. For instance, The Clwydian Mountains loop from Gellifor is a difficult 33 km trail with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 3 hours 31 minutes. Another demanding option is The Clwyds loop from Ruthin, which is also considered a hard gravel ride requiring very good fitness, with some segments potentially necessitating pushing your bike.
Are there any easier gravel bike routes suitable for beginners or families?
While many routes are challenging, there are options for moderate rides. The Gravel loop from Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape is a moderate 12.6 km path that explores varied local landscapes and is suitable for all skill levels, especially on mostly paved sections.
What notable landmarks or natural features can I see along the gravel bike trails?
The region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can encounter the distinctive purple heather-clad summits of the Clwydian Range, often topped with Iron Age hillforts. The Dee Valley offers splendid river scenery. Specific highlights include the World's End Road and Ford (Eglwyseg Valley), Devil's Gorge and Pentre Mill at Loggerheads Country Park, and the impressive Creigiau Eglwyseg.
Is parking available near the gravel bike trails?
Yes, parking is generally available at various access points throughout the Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape, particularly near popular trailheads and visitor centers like Loggerheads Country Park. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions on komoot.
Can I access the gravel bike trails using public transport?
Public transport options are available, though they might be limited in some of the more remote areas. Key towns like Ruthin, Llangollen, and Corwen, which serve as starting points for many routes, are generally accessible by bus. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and policies regarding bikes before planning your trip.
Are there dog-friendly gravel biking options in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley?
Many trails within the National Landscape are suitable for cycling with dogs, especially those that follow bridleways or forest tracks. However, it's crucial to keep dogs under control, particularly in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. Always check local signage for specific restrictions or requirements.
Are there circular gravel bike routes available?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include Big Jim's Black Trail – True Blue Trail loop from Gegin and Llyn Brenig – Llyn Brenig Dam loop from Ruthin.
Are there cafes or pubs along the gravel bike routes?
Yes, you'll find cafes and pubs in the towns and villages scattered throughout the National Landscape, such as Ruthin, Llangollen, and Corwen. Some routes, like those near Coed Llandegla, even have dedicated facilities like the Oneplanet Adventure Café & Bike Shop, offering convenient stops for refreshments.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.9 stars from over 15 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, stunning views, and the sense of adventure offered by the challenging climbs and descents through the heather moorland and woodlands.
Are there gravel routes around Llyn Brenig?
Yes, the area around Llyn Brenig offers excellent gravel biking opportunities. A notable route is the Llyn Brenig – Llyn Brenig Dam loop from Ruthin, a challenging 52.8 km ride with significant elevation gain, providing scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape.
Can I find gravel biking opportunities near Coed Llandegla?
While Coed Llandegla is primarily known as a mountain biking center, the surrounding area within the Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape offers gravel biking opportunities on its extensive network of forest roads and trails. You can also find facilities like the Oneplanet Adventure Café & Bike Shop there.
Most popular routes around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Most popular attractions around Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
