CYCLING: CAERNAFON - BRYNCIR

CAERNARFON - BRYNCIR - CAERNARFON ............... 24 miles/40 km ............Climb: 720 feet

This ride has to be one of the flattest rides in North Wales and is also virtually traffic free for the whole 40km. It starts in the town of Caernarfon, famous for its castle then follows the tracks of the old mountain railway. Along the way you'll cycle through some glorious countryside, you could also visit the Indigo Jones slate museum, there's a very special cafe with a Tornado (aeroplane) parked in the car park! and there's even an aviation and military museum literally alongside the track itself. This isn't a circular ride and milage is calculated there and back.

Start: Our ride starts at the lower Castle Car park. However, if you drive a little further on to the cob, then parking is free.

0.00m Leave the car park from the furthest end past the large 'Buoy shed' and past 'Tyre Gwynedd' workshop. This is the only proper bit of road you'll come across.

0.16m Turn left up the small lane, look out for the bicycle above your head. The lane does go uphill for about 30 meters but then virtually the next 20km is an unnoticeable 1% incline.

1.60m If you look out across the sea, you'll see the 'Three Companions' (mountains), on the Lleyn Peninsula.

1.7m Bont Newydd railway station. Look out for the unusual sleeper seat on your right.

2.64m Looking over to your right you'll see the golden sands of Newbourgh beach and also the forests famous for its red squirrels.
2.64m Dinas Station

2.96m First of the wooden bike gates. There's a few of these en route and apart from the one proper sized one, whoever designed them obviously had never been on a bike in is life! ok gripe over...... There's a lovely church and spire here too.

3.34m After a very short uphill you'll come to a large roundabout. The cycle track stays on a wide path which skirts around it. Your heading for the path directly opposite, its well signposted.

3.47m Go through a wooden gate onto what used to be the old main road. You can still see the old road barriers on the side.

3.57m Picnic bench. I think this is the only one for 17km.

4.47m Pub stop 'Tafarn Pennionyn'. Little bit early in the ride but they do have a nice beer garden.

5.07m The Indigo Jones Slate Museum and Cafe.
5.86m Look out for the impressive stone walls which the area is famous for.
6.26m Another sharp but very short hill.
6.31m The village of Pen Y Groes with the incredible Nantlle Mountains behind.
6.97m This is the only section where you really notice the main road but it doesn't last long.
8.46m Aerial mast on your left.
8.73m Not sure how long ago this happened but here you'll find a whole row of impressive tree roots towering the right side of the path where several very large trees have been blown over.
8.94m Crossroads. Optional diversion to Portmadog along another cycle lane.
9.07m Look out for the small reservoir on the right.
9.92m Through the wooden gate on your left hand side is Lynne's Nursery. I love this place. The cafe is literally their back garden, tea, scone and jam was £1.50. There's even a friendly robin who welcomes you as you sit down. But that's only the start of it! In their driveway parked next to the car is a real Tornado cockpit! The owners, Lynne and Brian have a passion for anything Military and especially aviation memorabilia. So much so that over the past 30 years they now have so much stuff they've opened their own museum. Yes in their garden. But we're not talking a few bits n pieces in a garden shed, this is a proper museum. Amongst the thousands of things they've collected there's a real 'Lugar' (rare German pistol), medals, radios, daggers, uniforms even a tail fin from a plane. Its truly fascinating.
11.8m Bryncir. A large water tank marks the turn around point of this ride. Although the 1% incline on the way was hardly noticeable, the 1% decent all the way back is great. Freewheelers rejoice.
24.0m Finish

Climb X Distance

.

.

ADDITIONAL INFO: Lynne and Brian have a caravan to hire situated inside their beautiful garden and nursery. It has 2 double bedrooms and is available to hire from £100-£200 a week. Call 01766 530747 for more details.