The Snowdonia Crossing
Connecting the south and north coasts of Wales on a journey through Snowdonia by Bike and Boots. Starting at the seaside town of Barmouth to finish on the majestic shores of Conwy Castle and overnighting at quaint Welsh villages in-between. This carefully curated route takes in many places of natural, cultural and historic interest which will captivate your imagination and provide the perfect distraction from travelling 125kms under your own power.
Day 1: Barmouth to Beddgelert by bike and boots
Leaving the coast of Barmouth your journey begins along the traffic-free trail from Barmouth to Dolgellau following the Mawddach Estuary. This marks an incredible start to your journey as the trail is one of the most spectacular rides in Wales with wonderful open views north to wooded hills rising 1000 feet up from the water’s edge.
This 10-mile ride takes you across the wooden Barmouth Viaduct and follows the old railway track into the heart of Dolgellau in north-west Wales.
Leaving Dolgellau your route continues along the Mawddach River, climbing 250m over 8kms through Coed Y Brenin, an area steeped in historic gold mines and fantastic mountain bike trails through the forest. The forest trees will open to clear landscapes as your trail takes you around the scenic Llyn Trawsfynydd on gravel paths. This marks a great place for lunch at 43kms where you can enjoy a well deserved break and refuel whilst enjoying the stunning view across the lake.
The route then descends back down to sea level at Maentwrog before the second big climb of the day of 200m. Here you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of the Welsh coastline and Snowdonia as you wind your way to Croesor, a small village at the foot of Cnicht known as the Welsh Matterhorn. Leaving Croesor, there’s another short steep climb out of the village where you join an old Drovers Road crossing moorland for 3km to the village of Nantmoor. This 3km trail is a moderate technical section and predominantly downhill. It’s great fun though if you wish you’re more than welcome to jump off the bike if you feel uncomfortable at any time.
Arriving at Nantmoor you’ll then swap your bikes for boots for a short walk following the Fishermans Path through the stunning Aberglaslyn Gorge to arrive in the picturesque Welsh village of Beddgelert. Beddgelert is the resting place of Gelert, the faithful hound of the medieval Welsh Prince Llewelyn the Great.
Activity details:
Cycling distance: 65kms
Cycling terrain: Gravel path, forest track with 3kms of a moderate technical section with the option to walk.
Trekking distance: 3kms
Total ascent: 1800m
Approx. length of time: 7 – 9 hours
Do you have a group of 6 or more adventurers?. We can tailor your Snowdonia Crossing Adventure to your requirements. We’re here to make this excting multi activity adventure a great success for all involved. We offer this trip between the months of May – September For more information on Private Bubble Trips please contact us at email: info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
