WELSH RARE BITS
1 B4391 from Bala to Pen-y-bont-fawr
Classic swoop of B-road switching from rolling fields leaving Bala, morphing into some dramatic moorland crests with huge views across the heather, a couple of cracking corners thrown in, and an attention-grabbing roll down the side of a valley into Pen-y-bont-fawr which has more than a hint of the Peak District about it. In some places, the road is so elegant it feels as if it merits a bit more significance than mere B-road status.
2 Lake Vyrnwy loop
Not the most compelling piece of tarmac in Wales, but a fab little diversion to ride around the magnificent reservoir; formed in 1888 with a grand stone dam head — the first in the UK — built over seven years from blocks of Welsh slate. The village of Llanwddyn — ten farms, nearly 40 houses, three pubs and a church — was flooded against the wishes of the inhabitants. The buildings now lie under 84 feet of inky water, which is perhaps why the lake has such a tranquil, slightly eerie feel to it.
3 B4518, Staylittle to Llanidloes
The B4518 from the top of Clywedog reservoir coming down into Llanidloes is another classic slice of Welsh B-road, mixing open, fast sections between conifer plantations, running over the top of a hill overlooking the reservoir below and then winding down the side, looping the foot of the lake, then climbing away.
4 Rhayader to Devil’s Bridge
This is a frantic section of riding — there’s so much to see and so many side roads diving off around the Elan Valley and Claerwen reservoir, you could
‘So elegant, it merits more than just B-road status’
easily spend all day exploring just this area alone. The road out of Rhayader (which doesn’t actually become a
B-road until over halfway towards Devil’s Bridge) is a mix of a bit of everything: valley climbs, high moorland, farmland, even a section that feels like something from the Alps. A highly entertaining, and pretty, ride.
5 B4343 to Lampeter
The final stretch is more of a wind-down from the hectic variations you’ve just experienced (or indeed a gentle wind-up if you’re riding the route in reverse). The B4343 kicks off with some great combinations of corners — and a hairpin — but quickly settles down into a straightforward B-road roll on some smooth, even tarmac through and landscape of fields and farmland, which proves to be the perfect end to an amazing ride.