(Click on
to see a map of the start location.)
Cycle path south of caernarfon.
Welsh Rock cafe adjacent to Inigo Jones Slateworks,
Groeslon,
Caernarfon,
Gwynedd
LL54 7UE.
GR 471 551; OS Sheet 115.
Distance 20km each way.
Click Here for a map of the region.
EITHER
Park at Inigo Jones and ski south 12km to Bryncir then return.
Then ski north 8km to Caernarfon Welsh Highland Railway station then return. Last half of outward route (north of Dinas) follows the narrow gauge railway. Can be extended by including approx 5km (each way) Lon Las Menai cyclepath (north from Caernarfon to Y Felinheli).
OR
Park at Caernarfon then ski 20km to Bryncir (alternatively park at Bryncir then ski 20km to Caernarfon). Ski back or use bus or bus & steam train.
Off-road section of National Cycle Network Route 8 [Lon Las Cymru] - Caernarfon to Porthmadog.
Tarmac cycleway running parallel to and separate from A487. Crossings of the main road are by underpass and overbridge. Occasional gated crossings en route of mostly very minor and traffic-free country lanes.
Tarmac quality varies but generally good - suitable for classic and skate. However more comfortable on rubber wheeled classic rollerskis on some old A-road sections.
As usual, watch out for demonic cyclists and oblivious/ day dreaming pedestrians (especially dog owners).
Caution when descending some new ramps on to old A-road surface where sudden transition from smooth tarmac to not so smooth tarmac can cause instability if unexpected.
The Welsh Rock Cafe has a large free car park (shared with Inigo Jones Slateworks). Caernarfon town centre has a wealth of cafes, restaurants and pubs. Welsh Highland Railway terminus car park just south of Caernarfon Castle is convenient. Cost £2.
Various refreshment places at Penygroes and villages to north on way to Caernarfon.
Good cafe at Bryncir Garden Centre - 200m south of cycleway end on A487.
Toilets at the cafes & hostelries en route. Free toilets at the Welsh Highland Railway Caernarfon and Dinas stations. Pay public toilets in Caernarfon.
There are various route options with a number of transport alternatives.
For instance if starting at Caernarfon and skiing to finish at Bryncir there is a bus, Bangor - Caernarfon - Bryncir - Criccieth - Porthmadog (Express Motors 1/ 1a) Monday to Saturday approximately every hour. Beware 3 hour break between buses from early to mid afternoon. Bryncir is not mentioned in bus timetables but bus stops there - on A487, 200m from cycleway end.
For bus times check, Pant Glas is just north of Bryncir. Check Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 www.travelinecymru.info
At Porthmadog there is the opportunity of a delightful 2.5 hour trip on the Welsh Highland Railway through Snowdonia to Caernarfon. Although not shown on the big colour map the missing rail section between Porthmadog and Rhyd Dhu via Beddgelert was reopened in 2011.
Train runs daily from April through to October plus every weekend through March and November through to December. Check 01766 516000 www.festrail.co.uk.
Details by MCCSC
Last updated 1-3-2013