Where is Bwlch-y-Groes in Wales?
Wales, europe
19.79 km
545 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because Bwlch y Groes (aka the Pass of the Cross, or even Hellfire Pass!) in Gwynedd, Wales, is a wild ride! Nestled in the Aran Mountains, right on the edge of Snowdonia, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
Clocking in at just over 12 miles between Minllyn and Llanuwchllyn, it's a tough climb to 1,788 feet. Don't let the paved surface fool you; this road is NARROW and STEEP, boasting gradients that max out at a lung-busting 25%! Seriously, "brutal" is an understatement – it's one of the UK's gnarliest climbs. Back in the day, Austin and Triumph even used it to test their cars! Just a heads up, big trucks should probably skip this one.
Give yourself 30-45 minutes to conquer it, and that's *without* stopping. But trust me, you'll WANT to stop. The scenery is incredible. Think rugged, weathered beauty, killer views over the Dyfi valley, Cadair Idris, and Aran Fawddwy looming nearby. It's remote, it's challenging, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.79 km
- Max Elevation
- 545 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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