Regional Cycle Route 15
- 16 km
- 235 m
- Easy
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 235 m
- 16 km
Route overview
Cyclists looking for a short loop with moderate climbing and varied road types.
16 km loop cycle route near Llanycil, Gwynedd with 235 m climbing.
This 16 km loop route begins and ends at Llanycil, passing through Parc at 4 km, Rhyd-uchaf at 10.7 km, and Bala at 14.4 km. The road surface is predominantly paved (98%) with minor sections of gravel and unmapped surfaces. The route includes 12.9 km on minor roads, with short sections on major roads, a cycle path, and a main road. Main roads without a cycle lane total 1.8 km. The profile features 235 m of climbing, concentrated mainly in the first half of the ride, including two climbs: a 2.2 km ascent starting at the beginning averaging 4.4% gradient, peaking at 276 m elevation, and a 1.6 km climb from 3.9 km averaging 5% gradient to 269 m height. The highest point of the ride is 301 m at 8.3 km, while the route descends to its lowest elevation of 165 m at 14.4 km near Bala. The longest descent runs for 2.2 km from 8.5 km, dropping 59 m. Facilities are limited along the way with no cafés, shops or water for 14.1 km from the start. However, there are cafés at the start/finish at Llanycil, with a bakery, supermarket, petrol station, and toilets in Bala, just after 14 km. Bailout is possible at Penybont station near Bala. Nearby peaks include Bryn-moel-uchaf at 299 m near km 1.2 and Tomen Y Bala castle close to 14.2 km. The route suits those comfortable with moderate climbing and a mix of minor and main roads.
Highlights
- Bryn-moel-uchaf peak at 1.2 km
- Tomen Y Bala castle near 14.2 km
- Two climbs within first 6 km
- Longest descent 2.2 km from 8.5 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 0 km | 2.2 km | 96 m | 4.4 % | 9.6 % | 276 m |
| — | 3.9 km | 1.6 km | 80 m | 5 % | 9.6 % | 269 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 81% minor road · 7% major road · 5% cycle path · 4% main road
- Main roads
- 1.8 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 31% climbing · 33% descending · 36% flat
- Steep sections
- 1.7 km over 5% · 1 km over 8% · 0.5 km over 10% · steepest 500 m averages 20.7% at 0 km
- Longest descent
- 2.2 km from 8.5 km, dropping 59 m
Along the way
Food, water and shops
- 14.2 kmHenblas Garage · petrol station · on the route
- 14.3 kmL Rowland & Co · pharmacy · on the route
- 14.4 kmGerrards Confectioners · bakery · on the route
- 14.6 kmCo-op Food · supermarket · 100 m off route
- 15 kmToilets · 60 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 14.8 km — Bala (Penybont) (station), 980 m off route
Worth a stop
- 1.2 km — Bryn-moel-uchaf (peak, 299 m)
- 14.2 km — Tomen Y Bala (castle)
At the start and finish
- Caffi Pererin · café · 130 m
- Loch Cafe · café · 920 m
Practical information
- Paved
- Loop
- 1 h 09 min
- Jun to Sep — daily highs of 16–19 °C in those months
Know before you go
- Long 14.1 km with no café, shop or water from start
- 1.8 km on main roads without cycle lane