Snowdonia, North Wales

Fabulous riding, wonderful beaches, slate mines and steam trains. But you might need a cagoule

Roads to ride: The B4396/B4391 from the A5 to Bala is the best way into North Wales. Lap Lake Vyrnwy on the B4393. Aiming for Snowdon? The A4086 Llanberis Pass and A498 are superb. But my favourite stretch of Welsh tarmac is the B4391 from Bala to Ffestiniog. It’s fast, quiet and the views are awesome. Places to stay: White Lion Royal Hotel, Bala (from £55/night) or camp at Cae Du in Beddgelert (from £15). It’s my favourite UK campsite south of Scotland and the picturesque village is only a short walk. Food and drink: Good beer and pub food at the Saracen’s Head, Smokin’ Joe’s on-site pizza wagon at Cae Du (£7 stonebaked pizzas), and cakes at The Real Coffee Shop next to the Post Office. All in Beddgelert. Events: Oulton Park is 50 miles from Bala. See BSB there on 14-16 September, 2018. Stephen Herbert