The Clwyds (Bikes need suspension and MTB tyres)
4 people attending
6 places left
NB Good quality mountain bikes, preferably full suspension, but hard-tails are fine. However, MTB tyres are a must. (Sorry no Hybrid or Gravel Bikes)
This 20 km loop is one of the best rides in the Clwydian Hills, North East Wales. It starts at the Pump House car park close to the tiny village of Cilcain to the north of Moel Famau.
We start a long and gradual climb, first on track then onto grassy bridleway and single track, up to meet the Offa's Dyke Path just below the summit of Moel Famau. No mean feat but the reward is some superb grassy doubletrack before a sinuous moorland singletrack brings us down to the village of Llangynhafal and our stop for lunch.
This descent is fast and fun but do watch out for walkers on their way up.
Don't eat too much lunch would be my advice. Our return leg follows road and track up and up towards, and within touching distance of Moel Arthur. To our right is Moel Llys-y-coed and we'll loop right round the mountain before some of the best singletrack North Wales has to offer takes us down to the reservoir at Garth. From here a couple of kms on hardpack takes us back to the car park to conclude an excellent ride.
If the weather is bad then the ride will get postponed and I will look for another suitable date
There is also an MTB event on the Saturday at Penmachno
I will be staying in Betws - y - Coed that weekend so we can meet-up for drinks, food etc Saturday evening.
See all Off-Road Mountain Biking events
Looking for LGBTQ+ mountain biking groups in the UK? Read our full guide on gay mountain biking groups
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
- A good quality mountain bike. Preferably full suspension, but hard-tails are fine.However, MTB tyres are a must.
- At least one spare inner tube, tyre levers and pump for your bike. Make sure it's the correct type and size. Plus any special tools your bike needs.
- Food - lunch, bring small snacks such as chocolate bars and energy foods.
- Plenty of water (minimum 2lts)
- Eye protection - impact from a bee, grit or even a fly at speed is extremely unpleasant, sunglasses may do if not made of glass and not too shaded.
- Clothing: choose suitable clothes and footwear for the weather forecast and time of year. You will be exercising so lightweight layered clothing is best. Shorts are best even in rain, as they allow free movement of your legs. Jeans are useless if it rains but tracksuit bottoms need to be not too baggy or they may snag in the chain and cause an accident. You'll need flat soled trainers for standard pedals.
- Cyclist's Helmet - Outdoorlads policy asks you to wear a helmet to events. Gloves, knee and elbow pads is highly recommended
- Bag you will need a small day-sack to carry essential additional warm clothing, water and an emergency snacks.
- A change of clothing, towel etc for when we finish as you'll probably be covered in mud when we finish!
-
Any questions, please ask the leader
Food & drink
Please bring plenty to eat and drink. Remember that it will be early November when we do this ride so something warm to eat for lunch would be a good idea as well as a plentyful suply of energy snacks.
THERE IS NOWHERE TO BUY FOOD AND DRINK AT/NEAR THE START OR EN-ROUTE.