Elan Village to Eglwys Fach
- 106 km
- 1,914 m
- Hard
- Mixed
Elevation profile
- 1,914 m
- 106 km
Route overview
Riders suited to a 106 km route with 1914 m climbing and mixed surfaces including gravel.
Stage 2 of 2 of the Trans Cambrian Way: 106.4 km from Elan Village to Eglwys Fach with 1914 m of climbing, on the signed route.
The route starts in Elan Village at 0 km, climbing steadily in the first 2.7 km with gradients up to 13.8%, reaching 402 m. Early climbing continues with several moderate ascents at up to 7 km in length. The terrain fluctuates with climbs and descents including a notable 5.1 km descent starting near km 33. For surface, the route is 42% paved and 57% gravel or unpaved, with minor roads covering 38%, tracks 37%, paths 20%, and quiet streets 3%. There is 4.2 km on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more. Water springs are near km 27 and 37, although these are off-route by about 120-240 m and the route lacks cafés or shops for 63 km after km 37. Toilets are located near km 10.7 and 65.6. The ride passes through or near the places of Ysbyty Ystwyth (36.1 km), Pont-rhyd-y-groes (37.3 km), Cwmystwyth (42.9 km), and Rhyd-y-benwch (65.6 km). The highest point is reached around km 51.2 at 527 m elevation. The route ends near a railway station at Dovey Junction (100 km), accessible for bailout. Peaks near the road include Carn Gafallt early on and Y Glog near km 43.4.
Highlights
- Climb with max 13.8% gradient at start
- Peaks near road: Carn Gafallt and Y Glog
- Longest descent 5.1 km dropping 188 m
- Water springs near km 27 and 37
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 0 km | 2.7 km | 194 m | 7.1 % | 13.8 % | 402 m |
| — | 10.6 km | 1.8 km | 54 m | 3.1 % | 6.6 % | 372 m |
| — | 22.1 km | 3 km | 66 m | 2.2 % | 4.3 % | 444 m |
| — | 28.4 km | 2.5 km | 82 m | 3.3 % | 6.8 % | 463 m |
| — | 37.6 km | 1.8 km | 42 m | 2.4 % | 8 % | 315 m |
| — | 46.1 km | 2.6 km | 172 m | 6.7 % | 11.8 % | 433 m |
| — | 49.2 km | 2 km | 109 m | 5.5 % | 11.5 % | 527 m |
| — | 59 km | 4.4 km | 120 m | 2.7 % | 6 % | 442 m |
| — | 71.8 km | 7.1 km | 190 m | 2.7 % | 8.7 % | 493 m |
| — | 86.9 km | 1.8 km | 73 m | 4.1 % | 8.3 % | 209 m |
| — | 89.5 km | 2.8 km | 131 m | 4.8 % | 9.8 % | 300 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 38% minor road · 37% track · 20% path · 3% quiet street · 1% unmapped
- Fast roads
- 4.2 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Surface
- 42% paved · 57% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 36% climbing · 33% descending · 31% flat
- Steep sections
- 9.9 km over 5% · 4.3 km over 8% · 1.7 km over 10% · steepest 500 m averages 20.1% at 0 km
- Longest descent
- 5.1 km from 33.2 km, dropping 188 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 63 km, from 37 km to 100 km.
Food, water and shops
- 10.7 kmToilets · 40 m off route
- 27 kmFfynnon Goch · spring · 120 m off route
- 37 kmSpring · 240 m off route
- 65.6 kmToilets · 50 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 100 km — Dovey Junction (station), 840 m off route
Worth a stop
- 6.6 km — Llannerch y Cawr (attraction)
- 29.1 km — Pen Waun Gwyn (ruins)
- 33 km — Chwarel Mawr (peak)
- 41.2 km — Gothic Archade \ Arced Gothig (ruins)
- 78.3 km — Nant Du Mine (ruins)
At the finish
- Dovey Junction · station · 840 m
Stay after this ride
- Ynyshir · hotel · 2.5 km from the finish
- Riverside Hotel · hotel · 3.0 km from the finish
Practical information
- Mixed
- Point to point
- 8 h 52 min
- Jun to Sep — daily highs of 16–19 °C in those months
Know before you go
- No café, shop, or water for 63 km after 37 km
- 4.2 km on roads with 80 km/h speed limits
- 57% unpaved or gravel surface