Lon Las Cymru (was: Group/self guided tours in the UK)

[dimrub]

Day 3, distance - 75 km, climb - 2110 m (!). Komoot suggested around 1100 m of climb, and it ended up being double that - pretty amazing. The views continue to be astonishing throughout, and today there was no rain too. The Harleth castle looked impressive from the outside, but I cheaped out (admission cost - 10 pounds), opting instead for "award winning icecream" across the street from the castle (price for child single scoop - 3 pounds). But the ice cream parlor is at a location where there used to be a chapel adjacent to the cemetery, so there, history experience - checked. The ice cream was delicious, by the way. It was my second of the day - the first was had at the Barmouth promenade, which looks like every other promenade I've ever been to - probably the least exciting moment of this trip. I'm now in Porthmadog, and it's a lovely town. The local pub was full, so I opted for an Indian restaurant instead - and probably got the better option too. I think I ate half the menu - not very surprising, given the daily climb.

Looking through the photos, it's absolutely inconceivable that all of this fit into a single day.

 

[dimrub]

More photos

 

[dimrub]

And yet more...

 

[richardfm]

Harlech has the (disputed) steepest street in the world. Have you found it and cycled up it?

 

[dimrub]

Harlech has the (disputed) steepest street in the world. Have you found it and cycled up it?

I definitely found it, yeah - it's the one leading to the castle. To say that I cycled up it would be stretching the definition of cycling to also cover pushing my bike with all my strength.

 

[dimrub]

One hell of a day today. There was a forecast for rain, and rain there was. I left shortly before 9 when it was raining, and it rained non-stop till about 1pm. By the time I reached Caernarfon, my feet were cold and, obviously, very wet, and while not hypothermic yet, I was beginning to yearn for warmth and dryness. Also, for food. I tried one restaurant - no vacant tables, another - same result, and the third one was indeed charming - the Wal. Sure, they said, we've got a table for you. Where can I put my bicycle, I asked? I then was certain I misheard the answer, but no, the server said "just put it next to your table". I had a last table in a row, with the bicycle leaning on the wall behind me, so I spread my jacket to dry, shifted socks and put on slippers instead the wet shoes. At this point I decided the sky is the limit, and went to the toilet, to dry my shoes with their hand dryer. The food was delicious too, and by the time I was done (dessert included, I was stretching it), the rain was over.

It made things much easier, but not easy. Still had almost 50 km to go. Crossed the bridge over to Anglesey and followed the narrow lanes to my B&B for the night. I knew there were no restaurants nearby, so I stocked on chicken sandwiches at a grocery store. The B&B used to be a mill of sorts and is an old cottage located near a gurgling brook - absolutely marvelous, and so well restored, with all the possible amenities. Including a washing machine - yay, I did laundry.

92 km, just 540 m of climb - this time Komoot overestimated the climb.

15 km remain for tomorrow, then a train from Holyhead.

 

[dimrub]

I've now finished my ride and awaiting my train.

This morning, I thought, it's just a matter of getting to the train station, a simple A to B utility journey, no surprises. Feck yeah, said Wales, and threw at me some more spectacular countryside, followed by a sea view, followed by a sudden plunge into a completely dark forest, then back into the brilliant sun rising above the sea, and finally Holyhead.

I rode to the lighthouse and gazed at the sea for a while. There's land on the horizon, probably a rock in the sea, but I like to think it's Ireland.

Damn, what an adventure.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

Lovely photos, sounds like you had a whale of a time. Lon Las Cymru is a route I could do every year and not get bored with it.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I have absolutely loved this thread. A combination of real life stuff and minor but unpleasant illness have been keeping me off the bike lately. This has filled the gap vicariously, and given me an urge to get back on the bike.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Lovely photos, sounds like you had a whale of a time. Lon Las Cymru is a route I could do every year and not get bored with it.

Plus there are so many options to vary it, should you ride it more than once. Plus riding in opposite direction always gives different views.

 

[dimrub]

Thanks everyone for reading. A somewhat longer version is up on CGOAB now.

 

[Grant Fondo]

Greetings cyclists!

I MIGHT have a few days in the UK in August, that I would like to fill with some crank revolutions in picturesque settings. I'd be fine with either a group ride or a self guided one, as long as the bike and some necessities are provided. Any first hand recommendations of companies and routes to consider?

I love the gravelly bits around the forests/ lakes close to Betswy Coed.
Bloody beautiful.
Hope you have/had agreat time!