CYCLING IN NORTH WALES

Are you dreaming of the most perfect location to go cycling in North Wales? One full of exhilarating terrain within stunning scenery? Whether you fancy a tricky downhill, a flat road route or want to pick one of the nearby mountain climbs. There are lots of cycling routes close to Oak View Lodge Park.

Nothing quite compares to heading out and exploring new places with your two-wheel friends. With so much choice in the local area though, we thought it might be handy to suggest a few starting points for your North Wales cycling adventure. A selection of local routes below will vary in difficulty. Family friendly routes are featured at the bottom!

Cilcain Short

This ride takes you from the village of Cilcain, up along a country road towards Snowdonia. The brilliant views of the Clwydian countryside towards the highest point of the route offer a worthwhile reward for your efforts in the climb. After enjoying your moment at the top, the descent is challenging due to narrow, rocky terrain. The end point of the route is then conveniently located near the village pub and café. It’d be rude not to nip in after your hard work!

Difficulty: MODERATE
Length: 5-10km
Duration: 1 hour

Height climbed: 185M
Grid reference: SJ176648
View Route here 

Arthur 2 Times

Arthur 2 Times is named this way because you pass the old iron age hill of Moel Arthur twice! This cycling route features a steady climb with terrific views of Snowdonia on both sides. Tricky descents and long climbs give this route its moderate status.

Difficulty: MODERATE
Length: 30+km
Duration: 3 hours
Height climbed: 660M
Grid reference: SJ169653

View route here

MBR’s Killer Loop

MBR’s Killer Loop is a popular route that featured in MBR magazine’s Killer Loop series. Speaking of the ride, MBR said ‘we named the series Killer Loops for a reason and this circuit lived up to its name on all accounts’. This 4-hour ride features many climbs and descents. Definitely one of the trickier moderate routes on this list.

Difficulty: MODERATE
Length: 30+km
Duration: 4 hours
Height climbed: 990M
Grid reference: SJ176648

View rout here

Almost the Delyn

Almost the Delyn was the setting of the Delyn Challenge – The Clwydian Range’s benchmark difficult route. This route even has a little bit more added on from the challenge. A consistently up and down route on sometimes testing terrain. This is one for the super fit.

Difficulty: HARD
Length: 30+km
Duration: 8 hours
Height climbed: 1605M
Grid reference: SJ173612

View route here

Coed Moel Famau

Coed Moel Famau is a gentle climb that is suitable for a wide range of riding abilities. Your climbing efforts are rewards with fantastic views of Merseyside at the high part of the end of the forest. Once you’ve soaked in the scenery, you’ll love the fun and exciting descent – down through the forest and to the starting point.

Difficulty: EASY
Length: 10km
Duration: 3 hours
Grid reference: SJ173612
View route here 

Going Backwards

Going Backwards, another route with long climbs and rewarding descents, is curious as it is ridden clockwise. This ride starts and finishes in the local town of Ruthin. Points of interest on the route include travelling Easterly across the Range and through the Clwyd Forest. With a varied set of terrain and scenery across the 5-hour ride, Going Backwards is a route for experienced riders.

Difficulty: HARD
Length: 30+km
Duration: 5 hours
Height climbed: 730M
Grid reference: SJ128586

View route here

Loop de Loop

Loop de Loop is named after the 5 interlinked loops it offers. Known to test even the most experienced and fit riders, Loop de Loop is hailed as one of the hardest routes in the local area. A caveat here though, is that a couple of the loops offer the opportunity for shorter rides for less experienced. Each loop has a slightly different characteristic, meaning you could ride the Loop de Loop 5 times and get a different experience each time. Expect to be out for most of the day for this one – a prepare for some sore legs if you select the most difficult loops!

Difficulty: HARD
Length: 30+km
Duration: 6 hours
Height climbed: 1570M
Grid reference: SJ128586
View route here

Over the Top

Over the Top is the one for breath-taking views. It gets its name from the altitude it reaches – you’ll visit the highest permissive point on The Range, at 450M. The climb is known to be tough, but it is oh so rewarding, as I’m sure you can imagine. For the best photo opportunities, this route ranks highly.

Difficulty: MODERATE
Length: 30+km
Duration: 4 hours
Height climbed: 545M
Grid reference: SJ12858
View route here

4 Village Tour

This routes name does what you’d expect – it takes you on a tour of four villages. As you journey through Graianrhyd, Eryrys, Maeshafn and Nercwys you’ll have lots of opportunities to stop at a local pub for some food and drink, or a village shop. With several steep climbs, we would position this route as being one of the trickier moderate rides. However – the route does afford you with the option to cut out Graianrhyd – and therefore, cutting out a very technical descent – which makes the route suitable for less experienced rides, too!

Difficulty: MODERATE
Length: 20+km
Duration: 3 hours
Height climbed: 490M
Grid reference: SJ218593
View Route here

Family friendly bike rides in North Wales

Coed Nercwys Multi User Trail

Coed Nercwys Multi User Trail is full of history that children will love learning about as they go around this circuit. Stop at one of the many information boards for a short break and to follow the stories of past. Positioned between Eryrys and Nercwys, Coed Nercwys is easily accessible, with free parking available on the Northern entrance to the forest. Enjoy a relaxing ride away from busy roads in the beautiful Clwydian Vale.

Difficulty: EASY
Length: 5km
Duration: 1 hour
Height climbed: 50M
Grid reference: SJ1218592
View route here

Coed Llandegla, Oneplanet Adventure

This is one for little and big kids alike. Oneplanet Adventure has become a haven for mountain biking for all levels of experience. Like skiing, their routes range from blue to black – blue being the easiest routes, and black being the most difficult.

The purpose built mountain bike centre also includes optional loops like ‘Parallel Universe’ and ‘B-Line-‘ – which features boardwalk sections and tabletop jumps for strong riders.

Whether your children are strong riders or just starting out, a brilliant day is certain to be had by all at Oneplanet Adventure in Llandegla Forest.

Click here to view the Oneplanet Adventure website
Click here for directions from Oak View Lodges to Coed Llandegla

If your legs are aching after all that cycling, might we suggest a spot of fishing or a gentle walk in the local area? Find out more below.

Fishing in North Wales

Golf Clubs In North Wales

Walking in North Wales