Pen-y-Pass & Ogwen Valley loop from Llanberis — Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

This difficult touring bicycle loop from Llanberis takes you through the dramatic landscapes of Eryri / Snowdonia National Park. You will cycle 29.2 miles (47.0 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2300 feet (701 metres), which typically takes around 3 hours and 27 minutes. The route features the celebrated Llanberis Pass, offering spectacular views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Glyderau and Snowdon Massif mountain ranges, including the ribbon lake Llyn Ogwen.

Planning your ride, be aware that this route is classified as difficult and requires a very good level of fitness. While mostly on paved surfaces, some unpaved sections may require you to dismount and push your bike. The ascent to Pen-y-Pass, especially from Nant Peris, is a notable challenge with gradients reaching up to 9.6%. Pen-y-Pass itself provides amenities like toilets and a café, making it a good spot for a break.

The Pen-y-Pass & Ogwen Valley loop offers a comprehensive tour of North Snowdonia's rugged beauty. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history from its mining past, and provides views of the Snowdon Massif, Y Carneddau, and Y Glyderau mountain groups. The Llanberis Pass is not only visually striking but also historically significant, known for rock climbing and bouldering.