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Cycling in Conwy
Cycle ride from Colwyn Bay
Though the ride goes through a mile or so of built-up area shortly after the start, you soon reach the village of Llysfaen and then pass through lovely limestone country. The return is by the edge of the sea on a delightful coastal cycleway
Route: Colwyn Bay - Old Colwyn - Llysfaen - Rhyd-y-Foel - Abergele - Colwyn Bay (Photos of the Ride)
Distance: 17 miles
Ascent: 290 m. After quitting the coast the early part of the ride consists of a long, steady climb to Llysfaen but the gradient is always manageable. There is a short very steep climb into Rhyd-y-Foel followed by another steady, moderate ascent a mile from the village. There is also a short, steep ascent on the cycleway near Llanddulas headland.
Start: The vicinity of the pier, Colwyn Bay OS map 50,000 No. 116 Grid Ref: 853793
The Ride
Go eastwards along promenade cycleway
Leave the cycleway and join the road where the road bends Right and quits the coast passing underneath the expressway
Cross the main A547 (it may be advisable to dismount to do this - the road is busy) and go diagonally Left into Llysfaen Road
Turn Right at T junction (Highlands Road)
Turn Right into Bron-y-Llan at crossroads near church after passing Semaphore Lodge pub
Turn Right at triangular junction and pass The Castle pub, Llysfaen
Turn extremely sharp Left (take care!) into Geulan
Turn Right into Isallt Road opposite bus stop and near church
Fork Left by house called Rhiwlas
Turn Right near stream and pass converted mill
At Rhyd-y-Foel village green turn Right
Turn first Left after 4/5 of a mile signposted Tan Rallt Caravan Club
Turn Left after nearly half a mile
Stay on this road for 2¼ miles ignoring right and left turns
Turn Left at T junction on outskirts of Abergele
Turn Right at the A547 (Llanddulas Road)
Turn first Left (Sea Road)
Go over bridge to reach the promenade at Abergele
Refreshment kiosks and public conveniences can be visited by going a short distance Right, otherwise Turn Left on to the promenade and follow the cycleway signs back to Colwyn Bay
Points of Interest
Llysfaen village is built on an rocky eminence with distant views - to the sea on one side and to rolling landscape and hills on the other.
Ryd-y-Foel has an unusually large green and is surrounded by limestone hills. You approach the village is through an idyllic small dell.
The Coastal Cycleway is metalled all the way and has fine sea views.
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