LOCATION DETAILS

North Wales is well known for its manmade trails and for big, wild, rugged natural loops that require a full day of committed riding. This little route provides a quick, steep ride up the hillside, then sea views, before a fun technical descent back down. You’ll be back before anyone has noticed you’ve gone!

GETTING THERE

Barmouth is on the west coast of Wales, along the A496 from Dolgellau, at the mouth of the Barmouth Estuary. There’s lots of parking along the seafront. Our route starts from the car park at the furthest end, with toilets and near the Promenade Cafe and Wine Bar.

MAPS & BOOKS

Ordnance Survey Landranger 124: Porthmadog & Dolgellau. Wales Mountain Biking by Tom Hutton (Vertebrate Graphics).

ACCOMMODATION/FACILITIES

There are lots of places to stay in Barmouth, but it gets busy. For details of local hotels/B&Bs, call the tourist information centre on 01341 280787. Hendre Mynach campsite (01341 280262, www.hendremynach.co.uk) and Bunkorama (01341 281134, www.bunkorama.co.uk) are good budget options. Knickerbockers ice cream parlour is worth a visit. Try The Last Inn (01341 280530, www.last-inn.co.uk) for food and drink, or the Harbour Fish Bar (http://harbourfishbar.co.uk). There’s also a choice of cafes. You can hire bikes from Birmingham Garage (01341 280644).