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The Standard Route

This route takes in the spectacular coast road from Aberdovey to Fairbourne, then crosses the Barmouth railway bridge and follows the far side of the estuary. From there, the route crosses the wooden bridge at Penmaenpool and ascends a steep climb up to Cregennan Lakes (you will need small gears!), where the first feed station is at 52km.

Following the scenic forest route to Cross Foxes Inn and the second feed station, the route wends its way back alongside the Talyllyn steam railway and past the Talyllyn lake to Aberdovey.

Distance: 90km/56 miles
Climbing: 1437m


Map GPX file KML file

Standard Route description

The route kicks off with a flat run out of the picturesque village of Aberdyfi. As you hit the coast road next to the golf course the road rolls a little towards the neighbouring village of Tywyn. Passing down next to the railway line, the route takes you over the first river crossing over the brand new Bailey Bridge at the mouth of the Dysynni. Out onto the back roads through Rhoslefain and onto the magnificent stone-walled coastal road towards Fairbourne. Rolling at best, there are no real climbs and as the road builds above Fairbourne you can see the town of Barmouth across the Mawddach estuary and the railway bridge. This year the bridge is closed so we will be riding down the scenic Mawddach Trail instead, a former railway line which follows the south bank of the estuary, really close to the river. This is the Welsh equivalent of the Strade Bianchi! *

At the end of the Mawddach Trail is the George III Inn at Penmaenpool where the route goes back onto the road and towards the village of Arthog, and then left up into the hills.

This is the first proper climb on the route, short and intense. The scenery is amazing on the way up this climb although the chances are you will be doing your best not to get off the bike and will not have time to look over your shoulder. If you were to you will see the railway bridge you crossed a few miles earlier laid out over the estuary behind you in the breath-taking view that has featured on a good deal of the pre-ride publicity. There are a couple of fierce hairpins of 20 degrees plus up this section of the route and there are sure to be some walkers, so if you manage to stay on the bike the whole way to the top you have done well. For a good club rider it is only 10-15 minutes long but the gradient will put a sting in the legs.

The reward for the climb is a stunning view over the Cregennan Lakes at the top and a feed station if you need it. A few hundred yards more climbing after the stop and the descent is long and fast all the way down to the town of Dolgellau. A good chance to recover some energy and eat if you did not stop at the top.
A short navigation challenge round the one-way system in Dollgellau and then it is off to another climb. This one is longer but steadier and allows the climbers to get into a rhythm and tap away up the constant 9-10 degree climb.

A mile or so of downhill freewheeling takes you to Cross Foxes pub on a junction of four roads. Make sure you follow the signs carefully here as the route splits and whilst the standard route heads for home, the long route is just getting warmed up.

The dead straight run from Cross Foxes offers a great view of the majestic Cadair Idris on the right which is the second highest peak in Wales after Snowdon. The road climbs a short way to the top of the Cadair Pass at 286m and smooth fast descent down the pass towards the Talyllyn valley laid out below. This section of road has often been used in TV clips for the area as helicopters film the view coming across the pass.

* NB. The Mawddach Trail is not a tarmac road. It is gravel but well bedded in, so it is actually fairly smooth to ride. However, it may not be something that everyone is comfortable to do and, if not, an alternative suggestion is below, which involves going round the roundabout near Dollgellau and back again. It is slightly further and will take a bit longer than the Mawddach Trail, but it is an option for anyone who would rather not ride this section. NB. This will not be signed. It will be your responsibility to familiarise yourself with this alternative and you will not technically be on our route. The map below shows the route section from Fairbourne to Cregennan Lakes on the suggested alternative.

The Routes

Fun Route

52km/32 miles

Fun route

Standard Route

90km/56 miles

Standard route

Long Route

141km/88 miles

Long route

The Big Dog!

162km/101 miles

The Big Dog

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