Are you a cyclist? Are you looking for a new challenge? Then take a look at The "Brailsford Way" ("Ffordd Brailsford"). These two routes (one 50 miles and one 75 miles) will take you from coast to mountains, along some of the most scenic routes in the UK.
Sir Dave Brailsford CBE grew up in Snowdonia and spent his early years cycling the local routes. He says:
'There's no better cycling, or a more stunning part of the world than Snowdonia.' Sir Dave Brailsford CBE
The two ‘Ffordd Brailsford Way’ cycle routes have been named in his honour. One loop is 50 miles and the other is 75 miles long.
The shorter route (marked in green on the plan) takes a loop around Snowdon. Ride up the stunning Pen-y-Pass, down through Beddgelert before heading back towards the sea and Caernarfon.
The longer route (marked in red) also takes in the Pen-y-Pass before heading towards Capel Curig and through Betws-y-Coed. From there the route turns south along the A470, passing over the Crimea Pass and down to sea level through the industrial heritage of Blaenau Ffestiniog and Ffestinog. The road then turns back into the hills, through the Aberglasyn gorge before joining the green route at Beddgelert to head back to Caernarfon.
Obviously with these routes being circular they can be picked up anywhere along the way.
For guests staying with us (Cadair View Lodge Ltd) at either our log cabins or in Llys Ednowain group accommodation, the nearest point is Maentwrog. A large lay-by near the bottom of the hill on the A487 (just outside of Maentwrog) might be a good place to leave cars or one of the lay-byes opposite Plas Tan y Bwlch, if riding the Red route. For the Green route maybe use one of the car parks in Beddgelert.
There are lots of places to stop along the way for food or just to admire the scenery. Take a look at the route map for suggestions.
For groups looking for accommodation to ride Ffordd Brailsford Way, take a look at our Llys Ednowain building. The building sleeps a total of 20 guests in bunk beds split over several rooms. Each room has en-suite facilities. There is a communal kitchen with washing machine and dryer available. Outside there is a car park and a lockable bike cage.
The accommodation is a stone's throw away from The Cross Foxes pub. The building has been newly refurbished and is open for breakfasts, lunches and evening meals. Groups can be accommodated in a separate room, if necessary, and the chef is able to cater for all requirements.