Slaying the Dragon - Cycling Across Wales
By Will • Aug 25th, 2007 • Category: Climbs, Cycling, TouringDoreen and I have successfully “slain the dragon” by cycling across the length of Wales. Starting from Holyhead on the Northern Island of Anglesey we followed the “Lon Las Cymru” cycling route to Chepstow on the South Western tip of Wales. Including a few scenic detours - and occassionally getting lost - over 500 kms and more than 6,000 metres of vertical climb - yes Wales is hilly!
Below: South Stack Lighthouse at the tip of Anglesey Island - the trip begins!
We were fortunate to have only a couple days of rain - although Day 2 it POURED! This was a pretty hard tour and on several days Doreen was heroic - climbing some super steeps but spectacular stretches - we bumped into more than our fair share of 20% grade signs. While every day had a distinctive feel, the scenery and routes were always beautiful.
Although primarily quiet rural/mountain roads, the route also included visits to several fantastic World Heritage Castles, quaint Welsh villages, and some great seaside views.
Related Posts
Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2009 Challenge is to cycle a 100 Cols (mountain passes) and lose a couple of pounds.
Email this author | All posts by Will
This looks like a wonderful trip, but it appears that Wales is completely uninhabited!
Yes, deserted - especially up north - fantastic. Just Doreen and I - and several million sheep …..
[...] was another great cycling month. The highlight was easily our trip across Wales - something I had wanted to do for a long time. Beautiful, mountainous and quiet roads and my brave [...]
[...] Blog Entry [...]
it looks just wonderful!!! i’m heading off to cycle around Wales myself soon (start of august) … but i’m confused - where are your panniers? i’m camping so have to take a tent, sleeping bag/mat, cooking utensils, clothes etc, etc… and therefore am going to be loaded down… you don’t seem to have anything except a camera bag. wish i could travel so light!!
Hi Julia,
We are not purists. We had a company move our suitcases every day between B&B’s
Enjoy your trip!
hahahaha… excellent - now that sounds like a great plan!!
well, with the load i’m carrying i’m afraid i might be getting off and walking my bike up a few of those 20%’ers… or perhaps i’ll just call it a photo opportunity instead…
Thanks for the reply and enjoy the many more cycling adventures to come.