Lleyn Peninsula
Cycle Ride from Aberdaron
The most westerly part of north Wales, the Lleyn peninsula, has its own special character and this rides explores some of the country lanes and beaches near the tip of the peninsula.
Route: Aberdaron - Mynydd Mawr NT car park - Whistling Sands (Porth Oer or Porthor) - Porth Iago - Pen-y-Graig - Porth Colmon - Pen-y-Groeslon - Felin Uchaf - Aberdaron
Distance: 21 miles (34 Kilometres)
Ascent: 350 metres. There is only one long ascent (with mostly moderate gradient) - at the end of the ride if you start from the National Trust grassed parking area near Mynydd Mawr or at the beginning if you start from the car park in Aberdaron. There is a short, very steep ascent out of Whistling Sands beach and a steep ascent out of Aberdaron.
Map: OS 50,000:1 No 123 Lleyn Peninsula
Start: free NT grassed parking area on the slopes of Mynydd Mawr (Grid Ref: 142254) or alternatively at the pay car park in Aberdaron village (Grid Ref: 172264). The National Trust area, two and a half miles from Aberdaron, is a spectacularly beautiful and tranquil spot to start the ride and is worth the ride even if starting from the village
The Ride
From the NT parking area on Mynydd Mawr Go East downhill in the Aberdaron direction
Turn Left at T junction signposted: Porth Oer & Pwllheli
Turn Left shortly at crossroads signposted Whistling Sands
Turn Left at National Trust Drive signposted Porth Oer and go down to Whistling Sands beach
After visiting beach return to same junction and Turn Left signposted Cycle Route 43
Turn 1st Left near barn signposted Porth Iago
Turn Left into farm drive signposted Porth Iago
Go through farm paying 50p at honesty box
After visiting beach return to junction near barn and Turn Left
Turn Left at T junction by chapel in hamlet signposted Porth Colmon and visit shore
Return to junction near chapel and go straight ahead signposted Tudweiliog etc.
In a few yards Turn Right at crossroad signposted Aberdaron 6 miles
Turn Right at T junction on to B4417 signposted Pen-y-groeslon etc
Go straight ahead at crossroads over B4413
Turn 1st Right downhill
Turn Right at T junction
Turn Left at T junction
Turn Right at T junction
Continue to Aberdaron and visit the beach
Climb west out of Aberdaron on coast road
Turn Left at crossroads signposted Uchmynydd
Keep Right and follow lane to Start at NT grassed parking area
Points of Interest
Bardsey Island:
Bardsey Island or Ynys Enlli in Welsh (Island of tides or Island of the great current) is 2 miles long and rises 548 feet above sea level and is situated off the furthest north western tip of Wales. In the early middle ages it was an important centre of pilgrimage and 2000 pilgrims are reputedly buried there, as well as, according to some legends, King Arthur and Merlin. It has a striking profile and one feels an atmospheric sense of remoteness when viewing it from the lovely, open National Trust coastal property at the start of the ride.
Whistling Sands (Porth Oer or Porthor)
Its English name derives from the fact that, because of its texture, the sand makes a squeaking or whistling sound when you walk on it. It is popular beach in a long, sheltered cove. A cafe is open during the holiday season.
Porth Iago
Porth Iago is a striking, south facing narrow inlet with a small but magnificent beach and steep cliffs. It is approached along a rough track through a farm and there is a charge of 50p for cyclists.
Aberdaron
Aberdaron is small, white-washed village with an attractive beach that is popular with sun seekers and water sports enthusiasts. It has a small 16th century stone bridge. St. Hywyn's is a fine old church stunningly situated, overlooking the bay. The poet R.S. Thomas was vicar there.
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