Bala and Penllyn Cycling Routes
There are extensive and varied opportunities for cycling either in the Bala and Penllyn area or nearby. These opportunities include quiet local roads for cycling, car-free routes and challenging hill-climbs with passes over 1,000 feet high. Note that in mountainous areas roads may be steep, narrow and with drops to the side.
Below are examples of routes included in the downloadable leaflet.
Route 11: Bala - Llanuwchllyn
Distance: 10 miles
Grade: Easy - Moderate
This route takes you alongside Llyn Tegid, Wales’ largest natural lake. Set in a rift valley and home to the Gwyniad (a species of fish unique to this lake), Llyn Tegid is a very popular venue for sailing and fishing; there is safe access to the lake foreshore at Llangower. Visible from the route are Aran Fawddwy, Cader Idris and Arenig Fawr, some of Snowdonia’s highest montains. The Bala Lake Railway runs between Bala and Llanuwchllyn and by prior arrangement bicycles can be carried for those wishing to return by train.
Route 12: Bala - Llanuwchllyn - Llyn Efyrnwy - Bala
Distance: 23 miles
Grade: Difficult
This route, which takes you through the Berwyn mountain range, initially follows the same direction as route 11 but just before Llanuwchllyn heads south to start its climb up to Bwlch y Groes (at 546 metres, the highest road pass in Wales). This is a demanding ride with lots of climbing and steep descents, but you will be rewarded with magnificent views of mountains and deep valleys carved by glaciers. Moorland birds thrive in this habitat and at the southern end of Llyn Efyrnwy (a man made reservoir) are Visitors’ and RSPB information centres.
Route 13: Llanuwchllyn - Trawsfynydd
Distance: 14 miles
Grade: Difficult
This is an ancient drover’s route linking Llanuwchllyn with Trawsfynydd. It ascends the Lliw valley through steep and wild countryside to reach a high point of 530 metres [Bwlch Pen–y–Feidiog]. From here the road descends and winds its way to Trawsfynydd, crossing the remains of Sarn Helen, a Roman road and affording striking views of Cadair Idris and the Rhinog mountains. In Trawsfynydd there is a Heritage Centre [Llys Ednowain] while nearby at Coed y Brenin is the UK’s premier mountain bike centre.
Route 14: Llanuwchllyn - Dolhendre - Llanuwchllyn
Distance: 4 miles
Grade: Easy
A leisurely ride following the lower reaches of the picturesque afon Lliw which is popular with trout fishermen. The route is overlooked by the remains of disused gold workings and one of Prince Llewelyn’s castles, at Carndochan. Look out for the fascinating wall plaque on the terrace of alms houses near the bridge at Dolhendre. On your return to Llanuwchllyn you pass a statue of O.M Edwards, author and scholar, and also his son Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards, who established the Urdd (the Welsh Language Youth Movement).
Route 15: Bala - Rhyduchaf - Parc - Bala
Distance: 8 miles
Grade: Difficult
This relatively short but hilly route affords the rider open views of the hills and mountains surrounding Bala and Llyn Tegid and as such provides a good introduction to the area. The marshy upland plateau is home to curlews, larks and predators such as buzzards, each with its distinctive call. Take care when descending the steep hill to the main road alongside Llyn Tegid.
Route 16: Bala - Rhyduchaf - Parc - Bala
Distance: 8 miles
Grade: Difficult
This relatively short but hilly route affords the rider open views of the hills and mountains surrounding Bala and Llyn Tegid and as such provides a good introduction to the area. The marshy upland plateau is home to curlews, larks and predators such as buzzards, each with its distinctive call. Take care when descending the steep hill to the main road alongside Llyn Tegid.