Nestling at the foot of the Clwydian Range is the little market town of Denbigh. It’s a peaceful place, full of narrow lanes and interesting old buildings. The setting is superb and, as a base for a bike ride, it’s arguably superior to some of the better-known Welsh destinations. All these rides allow you to see the area from above and below. You’ll find tiny lanes, steep climbs and appealing scenery.
ROUTE ONE
Bala Breaker 72 miles A lumpy day out all the way into Snowdonia
With a high point that comes only 10 miles before the end and after 6300ft of climbing, this is going to feel like an uphill day. If you’re struggling by Bala, you can chop off the nine-mile loop around Gwastadros. There’s lots of lush countryside, high moorland, a lake, forest and trim towns and villages.
Get the route tinyurl.com/cplus-balabreaker
ROUTE TWO
Brenig Loop 37 miles You ride up, ride around and ride back down again A beautiful circular route. You get a warm-up on the (relatively) level way to Rewl. After that, though, expect to add 1000ft in elevation over the next 10 miles as you ride out of the valley of the Clywedog. The descent begins at Llyn Brân, but there’s still the flank of Moel Fodiar between you and home.
Get the route tinyurl.com/cplus-brenig
ROUTE THREE
Give us a Clwyd 28 miles See the hills from above and below
The point of this outing is to haul yourself up onto the northern Clwydian ridge (don’t complain, this is the easy way), sail along the top, then enjoy a bonkers descent. There’s a circuit of Coed Cwm, mainly as a way of avoiding the A55. You also get to visit the charming little city of St Asaph.
Get the route tinyurl.com/cplus-clwydian
Local Knowledge
Have breakfast
Y Pantri Denbigh
Right in the heart of town, Y Pantri does great bacon rolls and all-day breakfasts. There are baps you can take away with you, too.
Where High Street, Denbigh Tel: 01745 814276
Stop for cakes
Tegid Cafe
Do the Gwastadros loop and you’ll pass this lakeside cafe-inside-a-leisure-centre. If not, make a detour from Bala.
Where Penllyn Leisure Centre, Pensarn Road, Bala
Get spare tubes
E Davies & Son
Once, all bike shops were like this. Davies has been supplying bike bits for 80 years. If you need help on a Sunday just knock on the back door.
Where Henllan Street, Denbigh Tel: 01745 813859
Fancy a pint?
The White Lion
There are a few to choose from in Denbigh, but we recommend this friendly back-street local with real ale always on at the bar.
Where Back Row, Denbigh Tel: 01745 812155
The family?
Glassblobbery
This is definitely one of Wales’s coolest craft centres. The kids will love watching the glass animals and Welsh dragons being made.
Where Glanrafon, Corwen
