Regional Cycle Route 43
- 30 km
- 304 m
- Easy
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 304 m
- 30 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders prepared for moderate climbing over 30 km with mixed minor and some main roads.
Loop cycle route of 30.2 km around Porth Ychain, Gwynedd with 304 m climbing.
Starting near Porth Ychain at 2.5 km, the route heads north to Sarn Mellteyrn at 8.7 km. From here the main climb begins at 8.9 km, lasting 3.3 km with an average gradient of 4.5% and a gain of 147 m, reaching the highest point of 183 m at 12.2 km beneath Mynydd Rhiw. The descent starts around 15.9 km and continues for 2.8 km dropping 78 m, followed by some flatter sections. The surface is almost all paved (98%) on mostly minor roads (91%) with 1.9 km on main roads without cycle lanes and 2.6 km on roads posted 80 km/h or more. There is a 10.1 km stretch between 8.7 km and 18.8 km without cafés, shops or water. Facilities include a pub and convenience store near Sarn Mellteyrn (8.7 km), café and toilets near 21 km, and bike repair stand in Aberdaron at 18.9 km. The loop passes through Blawdty, Aberdaron, Trefgraig, and Pen-y-graig before returning to Porth Ychain.
Highlights
- Climb past Mynydd Rhiw at 12.2 km
- Longest descent 2.8 km dropping 78 m
- Tafarn Pen-y-bont pub at 8.7 km
- Coetan Arthur archaeological site near 6.2 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 8.9 km | 3.3 km | 147 m | 4.5 % | 6.4 % | 183 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 91% minor road · 6% main road
- Main roads
- 1.9 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 2.6 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 25% climbing · 26% descending · 50% flat
- Steep sections
- 1.4 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 6.3% at 9.4 km
- Longest descent
- 2.8 km from 15.9 km, dropping 78 m
Along the way
Food, water and shops
- 8.7 kmTafarn Pen-y-bont · pub · 90 m off route
- 8.7 kmGarej Ni · convenience store · 40 m off route
- 18.4 kmToilets · on the route
- 18.9 kmSpar - Aberdaron · convenience store · 40 m off route
- 18.9 kmRepair stand · 30 m off route
- 21.3 kmSiop Plas · café · on the route
- 22.5 kmToilets · 250 m off route
Worth a stop
- 6.2 km — Coetan Arthur (archaeological site)
- 22.1 km — Mynydd Carreg (peak, 90 m)
Practical information
- Paved
- Loop
- 2 h 09 min
- Jun to Sep — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 10.1 km without café, shop or water from 8.7 km to 18.8 km
- 1.9 km on main roads without a cycle lane
- 2.6 km on roads with 80 km/h or higher speed limit