Back to On road Routes Off road Routes
Cycle Ride from Denbigh
A ride on quiet lanes through unspoilt countryside. There is one long hill climb but the reward is breathtaking views and an exciting descent to the village of Cyffylliog. There is an optional off-road detour via Lady Bagot's Drive, a Victorian carriage drive along a sublime glen and gorge. The ride starts from the edge of Denbigh town centre and avoids the town centre, but there is an optional detour if you wish to visit Denbigh castle.
Route: Denbigh - Cyffilliog - Bontuchel - (Lady Bagot's Drive - off-road detour) - Rhewl - Llanynys - Denbigh
Distance: 17 miles
Ascent: 1750 ft 530 m
Start: free car park just outside Denbigh town centre Grid Ref: 053664 (OS 50,000 Denbigh & Colwyn Bay No 116). The car park is best approached from the roundabout SE of the town. Follow the Town Centre sign and go past the Leisure Centre, a school and tennis courts. Turn Left at the sign for Free Parking and the car park is shortly on the Right after a terrace of cottages.
The Ride
(See below for optional detour at start) Turn Left out of car park and shortly Right at main road
Turn Right into lane signposted Prion & Saron after passing school and leisure centre
After just over a mile keep straight ahead at crossroads near Pont Ystrad
Turn 2nd Left (no sign post; Grid Ref: 055681)
Keep straight ahead at crossroads signposted Cyffylliog 3 miles and go at first through attractive woodland
Turn 1st Right soon after crossing a stream near an idyllic farmhouse
After a low gear climb over the shoulder of Fridd Fawr hill Keep Left near small farm
The views from the high, unfenced lane soon become spectacular. Descend steeply to the village of Cyffilliog
Turn Left at the village
Follow the river first with the river on your Right and then on your Left. Pass a weir and salmon pass and the hamlet of Bontuchel. (See below for optional diversion via Lady Bagot's Drive) Nearly a mile after the bridge at Bontuchel Turn First Left (unsignposted; Grid Ref: 093583)
Turn Left at A525 and enter the village of Rhewl
Just after the Drovers' Arms pub Turn Right and immediate Left signposted Llanynys
Keep Left after pub in Llanynys signposted Lanrhaeadr
Turn 2nd Left at white house
Turn Left at T junction signposted Denbigh and go to roundabout SE of Denbigh
Optional detour at start for those wishing to visit Denbigh Castle
Go to the far end of the free car park and walk down the short path
Go Left along main road signposted Town Centre and again Keep Left
At the Conservative Club Fork Left into a narrow, quiet, restricted access road
Shortly after the end of the one-way section Turn Left on to the B4501 and Left again to visit the castle
Return to the B4501 and Turn Left
Shortly Turn First Left into a lane
In just over a mile Turn Right to join the main route near Pont Ystrad
Optional detour via Lady Bagot's Drive
Cross the bridge at Bontuchel and keep Right parallel to the river
After half a mile and just before a steep hill Turn Right into the Drive
After over 2 miles the Drive enters a tarmac lane which comes out nearly opposite the Drovers' Arms in Rhewl
Points of Interest
Denbigh is a walled historical town. Its ruined Castle (Admission £2.50 for adults with concessions for children and over sixties) is on a hill and commands wide views. Its best preserved part is the gate tower reputed to be the most impressive in Britain.
Cyffylliog is a quiet, remote village surrounded by expanses of totally unspoilt countryside.
Lady Bagot's Drive is very special. Click here for more information. Though off-road the going is mostly easy but parts of it can be distinctly muddy in wet weather.
Back to On road Routes Off road Routes