100 Climbs Route: Day 8, Llandovery to Maentwrog

In August 2018, three Cycling UK members - Dominic Millar, Graham Salisbury and James Findlater – cycled a 3,300-mile, 29-day route around Britain to take on all 100 hills featured in Simon Warren’s book ‘100 Greatest Cycling Climbs’. This route plots day eight of the journey, 112 miles from Llandovery to Maentwrog, taking in the climbs of Devil’s Staircase and Ffordd Penllech.

With only two climbs due on today’s route, you might be tempted to think this will be a boring day. But you couldn’t be further from the truth with a ride full of unique Welsh wonders, sights and experiences.

To begin, head north-east on the A483 to Llanwrtyd Wells, where the route takes the left-hand fork to Abergwesyn. Soon after the village you’re deep in a rocky valley wilderness, but things are about to get much wilder with the awesome slope of Devil’s Staircase to contend with. The name isn’t over-dramatic – this is a very, very tough climb.

Once bested, though, it’s time to enjoy yourself with a ride that leads down to the coast at Aberystwyth and then back up to Pen-y-garn, before taking in historic Welsh villages such as Tal-y-bont, and historic Welsh towns such as Machynlleth.

From old to new, as you head back into the hills you’ll find yourself on the edge of the 'Mach Loop' training ground for RAF and US Air Force pilots. Have your camera to hand just in case, because there are few sights more spectacular then a fast jet screaming between the hills.

The route drops you back down to sea level at Barmouth and then around the coast northwards towards Harlech and its imposing castle. Take your time to admire this incredible fortification because just behind it lies the steepest road in the country: Ffordd Penllech. This beast is only 360 yards long but it climbs 200 feet, starts at 40% and never eases less than 20%. Conquer this and you'll feel like you could probably seize the castle singlehandedly with nothing more than a frame pump.

Finally, use whatever energy you have left to cruise onwards to finish at Maentwrog.