LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Fancy riding to Bala and back? Here’s Andrew's wisdom
Best time to ride
“Probably afternoon in the summer as the sun catches the hills to best effect, but there’s no bad time. If you ride in winter, be careful. The road gets high and there can be streams running across the road that freeze.”
Best bit
“The climb out of Llangynog has bends and views aplenty which open up to a sweeping open road across the moors until you descend down towards Bala. In this 15-20-mile stretch, there is a bit of everything. On the right day, you will reach Bala with a big smile on your face, guaranteed.”
Be careful at...
“About five miles in you need to be careful at the crossroads in West Felton. It’s 40mph and there’s a safety camera. Llynclys crossroads is busy and needs care and the hairpins after the open moorland can catch you out. The second one tightens and the surface is dodgy. Watch out for sheep on the moor, especially if there are lambs around.”
Best place for a cuppa
“The Rhug Estate Farm shop, just a couple of miles down the road after the traffic lights when you join the A5. They farm bison here and, if you’re lucky, you’ll see them in the fields. The burgers here are great and there is parking specifically for motorbikes.”
And also remember...
“There are petrol stations on the roundabouts at the start, in Bala and on the A494 (that one’s usually the cheapest). There’s only the one speed camera at the start of the route and the road surfaces are generally good. The scenery on the way into Llangynog along the Tanat valley is amazing and, up on the moors, if the lavender is flowering, the hills are a deep purple. The Knockin Shop is good for a photo opportunity and there are plenty of pubs.”