A brutally steep road to Bwlch Pen Barras in Wales
Wales, europe
5.6 km
360 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Bwlch Pen Barras! This mountain pass in Denbighshire, Wales, nestled right in the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a proper little gem. Locals also call it Bwlch Penbarras or Old Bwlch.
Clocking in at just 5.6km (3.5 miles) from Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd to Tafarn-y-Gelyn, don't let the short distance fool you. This fully paved road packs a punch! We're talking about hitting 360m (1,181ft) above sea level, and let me tell you, some of those climbs reach a leg-burning 25%!
Cyclists, this one's for you—and prepare for a challenge! The west side ascent from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd is a beast, gaining 260 metres (853 feet) in just 2.25km (1.4 miles). That first half? Nearly 25%! Then you hit *that* hairpin. Oof! The east side is a bit gentler, but the real reward is that straight-shot mile-long descent after all that climbing! Plus, its location makes it perfect for linking up with other epic climbs like The Shelf and Horseshoe Pass. Get ready for some stunning scenery, but maybe pack some extra gears (and snacks!).
Where is it?
A brutally steep road to Bwlch Pen Barras in Wales is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 53.2502, -3.3480
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 360 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.2502, -3.3480
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