Cycle route from Gaer Hyfryd Caravan Site

An 18-mile route on quiet roads through the rugged landscape of the Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from Gaer Hyfrd Caravan Site in North Wales.

Discover the wild beauty of North Wales on this route through the rugged countryside that borders the River Dee. The land on the far side of the river is in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with only an arbitrary border stopping this ride from being within the AONB.

For a flavour of the region it’s worth a quick reference to the AONB’s definition of natural beauty as: “unspoiled, rural landscapes that are largely free from the effects of disfiguring development or urbanisation... and perceptual qualities such as tranquillity, remoteness and a sense of freedom.” 

In brief, look forward to tall hedgerows, grazing pastures, glimpses of the lazy Dee as it winds through the valley, and hills. There are broadleaved woodlands, the occasional mighty veteran tree, conifer plantations and a few rocky outcrops and drystone walls on this ride from Gaer Hyfryd Caravan Site. 

The ride’s jagged gradient profile resembles the ECG heart rate trace of someone having a defibrillator applied, which seems appropriate given the merciless steepness of a couple of the climbs. The rewards, however, are spectacular, with far-reaching views, roads with precious few vehicles to spoil the peace and a sense of a countryside left to its own devices. The occasional tumbledown barn adds to the aura of abandonment. 

This does create two issues that are worth flagging up: firstly, the road surface is very poor – broken and potholed in places; and secondly, there are very few road signs, so it is definitely worth downloading the GPX of the route from the Club's Strava page before you go. 

Finally, if you’re feeling peckish at the end of the ride, the fabulous Rhug Estate farm shop and café are on the A5, less than 1km from the Club site. 

You can download this route from our dedicated Strava page here.

Directions

1 Turn right at the end of the driveway of Gaer Hyfryd Caravan Site and continue for just over 2km to reach a T-junction. 

2 2.3km – Turn right at the T-junction and continue for almost 4.5km until the road bends 90o to the left. 

3 6.8km – Turn right where the road bends left, signposted Cycleway 16. Continue on this road, with the River Dee on the left, to a T-junction opposite whitewashed cottages in the village of Llandderfel. 

4 10.7km – Turn right at the T-junction and in 300m turn left, signposted to Cefnddwysarn. This is the start of a long, steep climb followed by a descent to a crossroads with the A494. 

5 13km – Go straight across the crossroads and continue for 6km until Tai Mawr farm on the right. 

6 19.3km – Turn right at Tai Mawr farm, riding between barns on the left and a farmhouse on the right. In 400m, turn right at a T-junction and soon begin a steep climb, eventually reaching a sharp left bend where two other roads go off to the right. 

7 20.9km – Follow the road around to the left and in 300m reach an offset crossroads with cream-painted house on left. Go straight across the crossroads, signposted to Glanrafon and Corwen. In 600m reach a T-junction and turn left, continuing to another T-junction with the A494. 

8 23.4km – Turn left along the A494 and continue for 1km.

9 24.5km – Turn right off the A494, signposted to Cynwyd. Continue for about 2km to a T-junction. 

10 26.8km – Turn left at the T-junction and in 1.5km the Club site is on the left. 

About the route

• Start/finish: Gaer Hyfryd Club site, Corwen, Denbighshire LL21 0EW. 
• Distance: 17.8 miles/28.5km. 
• Time: 2 hours (without stops). 
• Level: Suitable for fit cyclists and e-bikers. This is a very hilly route, with two steep, sustained climbs.
• Terrain: Asphalt all the way, although it’s in very poor condition. A hybrid, mountain or e-bike is ideal. 
• Landscape: Remote, rugged farmland and woodland, with the River Dee your companion for the first section.
• Refreshments: The Bryntirion Inn, Llandderfel.