Day One: Llandudno to Machynlleth

Overview

Day One of RideCymru sets the tone for the entire ride almost from the very first pedal stroke.

Departing Llandudno, you’ll head immediately up and around the Great Orme, a mighty limestone peninsula jutting out into the Irish Sea. Its name means ‘sea serpent’ in ancient Norse – a fittingly fearsome title for the climb which introduces perhaps RideCymru’s most challenging day.

After passing by the ancient Conwy Castle, you’ll enter Eryri National Park, home to the highest mountains in Wales including Eryri (Snowdonia) itself. A series of challenging climbs punctuate the day, culminating with the epic ‘Three Gates’ ascent: a four-mile, 1300-foot climb up and out of Dolgellau, before the final descent into Machynlleth for a some well-earned recovery.