SNOWDONIA – WALES
Bala – Trawsfynydd – Dolgellau – Bala
Wales is, we think and along with Scotland, one of the most under-used areas of the UK isles when it comes to biking. Some of the roads are simply incredible, be that in south Wales across the stunning Black Mountains/Breacon Beacons and, of course, the hopefully soon to be revived Welsh road racing course too. Like many out of the way places, road surfaces can be a bit iffy here and there, though animal life (sheep especially) can be a particular worry as they tend to jump out when you least expect it, or just sit down en masse in the middle of the road, behind a blind bend – baaaaa’d sheep...
But don’t let this put you off, because it’s a joy to ride in many parts of Wales. For this route though, we’re looking at the Snowdonia Park area, and in particular a brilliant little loop passing by three lakes.
Starting from Bala, heading west on the A4212 with Llyn Celyn on your left. The road snakes around the lake’s northernmost point, and for this route you’ll want to stick to the 4212 (rather than turn right on the B4391 to Ffestiniog, though that’s fun too, but watch out for a new cattle grid!) as it wends its way down the valley. Eventually you’ll hit the A470, so turn left towards Bronaber on the way to Dolgellau. Stick on this until you reach the latter, then another left on the A494 starts you on the (really rather fast in places) run back up to Bala.
Reader Phillip Barraclough recalls his time in that area: “I can’t remember every one, but we did all the roads round Llangollen up to Ponderosa Cafe up Snowdonia down to Conway, Betws-y-coed then Ffestiniog to Bala (watch for sheep) probably the best roads we've covered – quiet, smooth and fun! Plus the Lake Bala café has free parking for bikers!” Cheers Phil, we’ll be getting to Betws-y-Coed ourselves on another page!
Meanwhile, Stu Houston had this to say about the route: “All of those are awesome, good surfaces, light traffic, nice and twisty with enough straight(ish) bits to open her up on. The best part is it’s right on our doorstep!”
Indeed, and there’s so much good stuff around there, that the very next route we’ve chosen is a mere stone’s throw away! Well, maybe a bit further than that, but you get the drift!