Wolverhampton - Llandudno route help & advice

broachboy

Hi forumgoers,

I am planning a ride up to my sisters in Llandudno within the coming weeks I'm kinda excited as it will be my first century ride of 2018 8)

So basically I am after local knowledge regarding the best route to take and what roads to avoid etc

Am I best to take an 'as the crow flys' direct route across country using B roads ?

Many TIA

pmannion9

Make your way to Chester.
Then a cycle route all the way from there. NCR 5 I think.
Basically hugs the coast and do-able on a road bike.

ugo.santalucia

Very exciting trip....

I would head towards Shrewsbury via the quietest possible route, from there you can head to Bala following this route in reverse (highly recommended!).

https://www.strava.com/activities/1186972278

From Bala head to the B4501, which then joins the A5. The A5 at the point is rideable on a bike, traffic is not too bad at all. It will take you to Betws-Y-Coed and from there you take the B5106, which is a lovely road, with hardly any traffic at all. That will take you to Conwy and once you cross the bridge, you head for the B5115 to Llandudno.
It's one long day or two short days. Many points of interest along the route and many places where you can get a decent meal.
If you want a longer trip, there are some "must do" diversions

1) Hirnant pass and lake Vyrnwy loop from Bala, with return from the Bwlch-Y-Groes... here

https://www.strava.com/activities/1074999239

2) From Betws Y Coed to Capel Curig, then Llanberis pass and down to Bangor. From Bangor to Llandudno you can follow the coastal cycle path, which is stunning.
Basically opposite way to this one, except for the Great Orme, which is a one way system (and not to be missed if you stay in the area!)

https://www.strava.com/activities/1074990618

ugo.santalucia

There you go, all mapped for you... if you want I can send you a GPX track file.

The big climb is not to be missed, one of the most beautiful in the country

https://www.strava.com/routes/12193746

broachboy

ugo.santalucia wrote:

There you go, all mapped for you... if you want I can send you a GPX track file.

The big climb is not to be missed, one of the most beautiful in the country

https://www.strava.com/routes/12193746

Many many thanks ugo.santalucia your help is much appreciated

I have cycled the NCR 5 from Chester to Llandudno and the Great Orme many times while staying at my sisters in Llandudno, she lives on West Shore, and I usually leave a bike at her house so I always have access to the north Wales countryside while staying with her. This time I am taking the bike back after servicing it at home while my wife drives up in the car

Looking forward to it tbh

part time waster

If you can get to Llandudno often , take a few days riding around Anglesey. I have been on the forum before and banged on about it.
Rolling and steep hills non stop. Coastal rides , almost traffic free and hardly any potholes. My handy training ground that has enough rides , just not the Mallorcan sun.

broachboy

part time waster wrote:

If you can get to Llandudno often , take a few days riding around Anglesey. I have been on the forum before and banged on about it.
Rolling and steep hills non stop. Coastal rides , almost traffic free and hardly any potholes. My handy training ground that has enough rides , just not the Mallorcan sun.

Yeah I've thought about it often tbf, this July maybe the ideal time as I have a weeks holiday in Llandudno

Do you have Anglesey routes that you would like to share for an island virgin like myself haha

ugo.santalucia

SO, have you done it?

part time waster

There is the Tour Du Mon , a 110 mile ? sportive which is popular. Not done it yet. As for routes , basically choose to hug the coast roads ,
I ride the northen half in a day , the southern half the next. about 80 mile each day. Find church bay , bull bay , Trearddur bay, Menai Bridge for pleasant places to eat. The Tavern at red wharf bay is excellent , more of a evening meal type of place , but open for coffee etc.
Im based at Benllech so set off and explore the internal quiet lanes zig zag about. You cant really get lost its fairly small. The mobile signal is good so you can just check your google map and keep going. Cemaes bay has a good café. Beaumaris has plenty of cafes, the central bakery is magic for home cooked pastries and stuff, also has a espresso machine in it.
A land ranger map stuffed in your back pocket will do.
The coast road above Llanddona is 30% climb .
To me exploring is the fun bit . forget average speeds and enjoy the coastal views.
I believe 65% of Wales area of outstanding natural beauty is actually the Anglesey coast.