BSC24: Cycling Along the North Wales coast, Bangor and the Las Ogwen Cycleway (Sat)
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This is one of the events organised as part of Big Spring Camp 2024.
Join us on a circular ride along the stunning North Wales coastline, Bangor and the Lon Las Ogwen cycle path.
This event is suitable for intermediate/experienced cyclists as we will be cycling at a steady pace for approximately 50 miles (80km). The route is hilly - this is Wales 🏴 - (about 1750 of climb) but we will have plenty of rest stops and we will not leave anyone behind.
Route information
We head north from the campsite to Conwy and then west along the stunning, vast, sand and skyline of the North Wales coast. Pack swimming trunks and a towel for a quick cool dip at Llanfairfechan or Penmaenmawr beach, if that's your thing!
We will leave the coast just shy of Bangor - a quick trip to the old cathedral city is also an option! Then we will head inland in the direction of Lon Las Ogwen and the first section of National Cycle Network Route 82, which runs from Bangor, entering the Snowdonia National Park at Bethesda.
It largely follows the route of the old railway line that carried slate down the valley from the Bethesda slate quarry to the coast where it was shipped around the world. The route is listed in the Guardian's "Five of the best scenic bike rides in Wales".
When we reach Llyn Ogwen, a beautiful ribbon-like lake, we'll cycle along the A5 between two of Snowdonia's mountain ranges, the Carneddau and the Glyderau. We will then continue on the A5 alongside the river to Capel Currig before turning off the main road at Pont-Cyfyng and onwards to the final stretch of our cycle back to the campsite through the wooded foothills of Mynydd Bwlchyrhaearn and then a well-earned pint or two at the bar.
Note: I've tried to avoid too many A-roads, but a short section is unavoidable - most of it is on quiet, scenic roads.
Click here for an overview of the cycle ride:
https://explore.osmaps.com/route/21178229/odl-cycle-north-wales-coastline-bangor-and-las-ogwen
This trip is suitable for road or hybrid bikes.
This activity is also suitable for anyone taking part in the Conwy Parkrun!
Photos taken by event leader.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete the Cycling Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending a cycling event.
What to bring
Bike: road, touring or hybrid bike.
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one.
Clothing: lightweight and layered, colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users (do as I say, not as I do: I usually go full stealth). Please bring your best summer cycling kit... and your best waterproof. It's the Lakes, so we don't know what weather to expect.
Footwear: suitable for your bike and pedals.
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold. They also allow you to go back to cycling quicker if you take a tumble.
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and/or CO2 canisters, puncture repair kit and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs.
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars plus a more substantial savoury snack. We will stop for lunch at a cafe, but best come prepared.
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder. Hydration tablets can be useful to replenish salts lost in sweat.
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes (appropriate shade etc.) are recommended.
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Bike lights: be seen and safe. I don't expect that we will be riding during the night, but better safe than sorry if we are delayed by mechanicals etc.
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike (e.g. saddle bag).
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Food & drink
Bring plenty to drink, a packed lunch if you want one and snacks to keep your energy levels topped up.
We will start looking for a lunch stop after Conwy, but I'm anticipating that we will stop in Bangor for a late afternoon. We will keep it flexible!