Pete and Jan do Snowdonia. 29th -Aug to 3rd-Sept.
Monday.
Starting out from Keynsham with a fully loaded bike the first port of call was the old railway station in Tintern for breakfast. That finished, a quick tweak of the suspension as rear was bouncing like a trampoline, due to being fully loaded, we're off again.
Up towards Monmouth, taking a road I never traveled before, I wanted to see if it was a suitable road as a cut through, but alas even though it wasn't bad it wasn't suitable for us in a ride out, taking us up to the top Road, shortly turning off that cutting across to A40 following it to Abergavenny going around it continuing up, taking A479 following that up until we join A470 and our next pit stop, Builth Wells. After continuing up A470 we take the B4518, following that then taking the mountain road towards Dylife and the wonderful views over the mountain, joining the A489 and into Machynlleth and our next pit stop. Jan tries my bike for size at this point, a lower seat and she would be fine, Leaving on A487 then A470 till we hit the A487 again which took us to our digs at Plas Tan Y Bwlch. After a signing in, a walk through the gardens down to the pub, Oakley Arms Hotel, for a meal and a pint, and a final walk around the full gardens bringing our day to an end and Jan's first ever view of the area. 180 miles left at 10:15am arriving at 4:30pm.
Starting out from Keynsham with a fully loaded bike the first port of call was the old railway station in Tintern for breakfast. That finished, a quick tweak of the suspension as rear was bouncing like a trampoline, due to being fully loaded, we're off again.
Up towards Monmouth, taking a road I never traveled before, I wanted to see if it was a suitable road as a cut through, but alas even though it wasn't bad it wasn't suitable for us in a ride out, taking us up to the top Road, shortly turning off that cutting across to A40 following it to Abergavenny going around it continuing up, taking A479 following that up until we join A470 and our next pit stop, Builth Wells. After continuing up A470 we take the B4518, following that then taking the mountain road towards Dylife and the wonderful views over the mountain, joining the A489 and into Machynlleth and our next pit stop. Jan tries my bike for size at this point, a lower seat and she would be fine, Leaving on A487 then A470 till we hit the A487 again which took us to our digs at Plas Tan Y Bwlch. After a signing in, a walk through the gardens down to the pub, Oakley Arms Hotel, for a meal and a pint, and a final walk around the full gardens bringing our day to an end and Jan's first ever view of the area. 180 miles left at 10:15am arriving at 4:30pm.
Tuesday.
Jan hasn't been to Snowdonia before, so today was a covering some of the rides covered before and some new, A night at Plas y bwlch. Sadly, it wasn't as trouble free as my previous stay, we needed a drink and we had issues with tea it was awful, a horrible taste in it, so we went to buy milk to make our own, but the milk was off, so we gave up and died of thirst. Breakfast was good but not as good as it was last time. I'm not giving full details of the route as it was similar to the ride up here before. We left our digs at 9:45, riding up one side of Snowdonia, and the sat Nav threw a hissy fit in the area it did last time, it seems to have a glitch at that point, back down llanberis pass, stopping for a tea at llanberis, on reaching the end of llanberis pass we turned right instead of left and drove to the end of Snowdonia, a new one for me, had an ice-cream each as Mark wasn't there to have one, Continuing across to Betws y Coed, to check out our planned activity for tomorrow, a brief stop, a look round and a help from helpful carpark guy, info loaded we left. It's time for new ground for me, it's meant to be a lovely place to visit, we are about to find out so out of Betws, we go up, going north, new roads new views A470 up to Llandudno and the Great Orme and well worth the trip, we spent hours there, a fantastic classic bus trip around the Great Orme. Norm the bus driver was a delight to talk too, had a passion for his job, and bus and it meant I got to see more of it as I wasn't riding. I totally recommend going here, thank you Jane Ryan for suggesting it. On returning to the bike, we leave, heading back down country, back briefly along A55 dropping in to the top end of the Ponderosa (it was closed by the time we got there), so Jan could see it, stopping for a breather for half hour, dropping down through horseshoe pass down A5 all the way back to Betws y coed ready for our two night stay and evening meal 8:30pm finish a long day but well worth it. 130 miles.
Jan hasn't been to Snowdonia before, so today was a covering some of the rides covered before and some new, A night at Plas y bwlch. Sadly, it wasn't as trouble free as my previous stay, we needed a drink and we had issues with tea it was awful, a horrible taste in it, so we went to buy milk to make our own, but the milk was off, so we gave up and died of thirst. Breakfast was good but not as good as it was last time. I'm not giving full details of the route as it was similar to the ride up here before. We left our digs at 9:45, riding up one side of Snowdonia, and the sat Nav threw a hissy fit in the area it did last time, it seems to have a glitch at that point, back down llanberis pass, stopping for a tea at llanberis, on reaching the end of llanberis pass we turned right instead of left and drove to the end of Snowdonia, a new one for me, had an ice-cream each as Mark wasn't there to have one, Continuing across to Betws y Coed, to check out our planned activity for tomorrow, a brief stop, a look round and a help from helpful carpark guy, info loaded we left. It's time for new ground for me, it's meant to be a lovely place to visit, we are about to find out so out of Betws, we go up, going north, new roads new views A470 up to Llandudno and the Great Orme and well worth the trip, we spent hours there, a fantastic classic bus trip around the Great Orme. Norm the bus driver was a delight to talk too, had a passion for his job, and bus and it meant I got to see more of it as I wasn't riding. I totally recommend going here, thank you Jane Ryan for suggesting it. On returning to the bike, we leave, heading back down country, back briefly along A55 dropping in to the top end of the Ponderosa (it was closed by the time we got there), so Jan could see it, stopping for a breather for half hour, dropping down through horseshoe pass down A5 all the way back to Betws y coed ready for our two night stay and evening meal 8:30pm finish a long day but well worth it. 130 miles.
Thursday.
The last day in Betws y coed, so packed up bike early. Starting with shopping in Betws y Coed new waterproofs for the bike, as mine are very tired, and a coffee. We had done all the places we wanted to do travel wise, but Jan mentioned Bala lake, so that was where we went via the back roads, oh and what a find we ended up riding up a wide single track road, over the mountains the view was amazing and we were the only ones on it, stopping at the pond near the top, for photos, arriving at Bala we followed the lake, I saw a road that followed down the east side of the lake and took it, on the entrance to it a narrow gauge train station, we pulled over into a sailing club and cafe opposite to find out where we had to park, apparently, there was no parking for the station, after tea and cake in the cafe, I wander over to a couple working on a boat in the club, believe it or not they are bikers, most friendly couple ever, offered us, to leave bike and gear with them, while we did the train trip, but after we went to station we found out , it would be too long to leave gear with them, it would hold them up if running late, so we collected bike and gear and thanked them and they told us where we could park the bike without getting a ticket, The train ride was brilliant, 4.5 miles down the whole length of the lake, all run on charity, the driver was a knowledgeable enthusiast, chatty, and happy to chat about the train. 3 hrs later we got back to the bike and rode around the top end of the lake to the west side to find a place to eat, as we were hungry, before returning to the next hotel, and found a cafe with a big bike park, slip way and fantastic views we sat, we ate and drank in the views, and did some people watching. Hours later we head home stopping in Bala for supplies, as we return to the bike, someone shouts out, it's the couple again sat outside a pub, stopping to chat, being locals they told us the places to go, away from tourists, shall let you know tomorrow on that one. Shortly returning to the hotel afterwards, back to the Plas Tan y Bwlch, and they bent over backwards to give us a room with a TV, just so we can have some evening entertainment. Another busy but fantastic day
The last day in Betws y coed, so packed up bike early. Starting with shopping in Betws y Coed new waterproofs for the bike, as mine are very tired, and a coffee. We had done all the places we wanted to do travel wise, but Jan mentioned Bala lake, so that was where we went via the back roads, oh and what a find we ended up riding up a wide single track road, over the mountains the view was amazing and we were the only ones on it, stopping at the pond near the top, for photos, arriving at Bala we followed the lake, I saw a road that followed down the east side of the lake and took it, on the entrance to it a narrow gauge train station, we pulled over into a sailing club and cafe opposite to find out where we had to park, apparently, there was no parking for the station, after tea and cake in the cafe, I wander over to a couple working on a boat in the club, believe it or not they are bikers, most friendly couple ever, offered us, to leave bike and gear with them, while we did the train trip, but after we went to station we found out , it would be too long to leave gear with them, it would hold them up if running late, so we collected bike and gear and thanked them and they told us where we could park the bike without getting a ticket, The train ride was brilliant, 4.5 miles down the whole length of the lake, all run on charity, the driver was a knowledgeable enthusiast, chatty, and happy to chat about the train. 3 hrs later we got back to the bike and rode around the top end of the lake to the west side to find a place to eat, as we were hungry, before returning to the next hotel, and found a cafe with a big bike park, slip way and fantastic views we sat, we ate and drank in the views, and did some people watching. Hours later we head home stopping in Bala for supplies, as we return to the bike, someone shouts out, it's the couple again sat outside a pub, stopping to chat, being locals they told us the places to go, away from tourists, shall let you know tomorrow on that one. Shortly returning to the hotel afterwards, back to the Plas Tan y Bwlch, and they bent over backwards to give us a room with a TV, just so we can have some evening entertainment. Another busy but fantastic day
Friday.
A day with a difference, a more laid-back affair. The day started at 9:30 with Jan and myself throwing ourselves down a woody hillside in a roller coaster. After three fantastic goes we return to the b&b for a few hrs chill out. Then a trip up to Beaumaris and popping into the castle, we climb all over it, seeing how they use to live, on the trip home, I work out my brain wasn't in bike mode, as tiredness had kicked in, due to the late finish the night before and early start today ,so a slow trip back, plus front tyre had lost pressure over night, causing bike to be skittish, a stop in a garage to sort it, and back to b&b to chill out, away from the bike. 60 miles covered. Later Finishing with the best meal we had this week so far. Jan.
Friday.
A late start for us, our first event didn't start till 12, so no rushing out this morning, a quick journey to Betws y Coed and were early but they let us go with the earlier group, 11:30 we're getting kitted up in harnesses, this is going to be harder for Jan than myself who has fears of height, I'm sure I'm part goat as I love clambering, zip wire safari, yes we are climbing around in tops of trees, zip lines/assault course suspended in the trees, after training us up on the equipment we are let loose. Over 3 hrs of swinging through the trees, best work out I have had in a while, as for Jan she had to push past her fears of heights and throwing yourself off a perfectly good platform to hang in the air, but she did well, she did all of it, I just did a few extra bits which pushed the limits. I was filming Jan as she did hers, and to find at the end my phone had failed and hadn't taken one photo or video, I was gutted as she had pushed her limits, and wouldn't give up, we had coffee at the cafe to finish and to chill. Now it's time to find out if the locals info was any good, it's ride time we start heading south, all the way almost out of Snowdonia to Dinas Mawddwy taking a single lane road up to Llanymawddwy, at bwlch y groes we missed a junction but we did get to see a fantastic views as we went over the mountain at Hell fire pass, we followed the road all the way to Bala lake, the south end , it was an awesome ride, but not where planned to be after pulling over and discussing it with Jan on the map , we realised that when Howard and Caroline were telling us about the route, we think they both were explaining it from different ends, so we retraced our steps back up the same road to bwlch y groes, this time, what Howard said to me came to life, the junction turns back on itself, as he said take it wide, a car width only and bouncy like a roller coaster but car free so you can get a good pace going, as you can see the road unrolling ahead showing it's clear, we followed this until we hit the lake, another hidden treasure they told us about, we turn right following the lake, we stop in a layby for a photo op, then continue around the lake, it's a wonderful road sweeping corners, a wide single lane, so again a little bit of pace can be used, after crossing the dam and circling the lake we head up another single track Rd heading to North end of Bala lake, again no cars so reasonable pace, still allowing for that random sharp bend now and again, but all of these roads you're just driving through mountains and the views are fantastic, it's just you and the bike. After reaching Bala lake we simply took the A roads back to Plas Tan y Bwlch hotel via a pub for food. Lots of fun had and 102 miles covered 8:30 finish it was dark when we returned. After checking phone it's the SD card that had failed.
Pete.
A day with a difference, a more laid-back affair. The day started at 9:30 with Jan and myself throwing ourselves down a woody hillside in a roller coaster. After three fantastic goes we return to the b&b for a few hrs chill out. Then a trip up to Beaumaris and popping into the castle, we climb all over it, seeing how they use to live, on the trip home, I work out my brain wasn't in bike mode, as tiredness had kicked in, due to the late finish the night before and early start today ,so a slow trip back, plus front tyre had lost pressure over night, causing bike to be skittish, a stop in a garage to sort it, and back to b&b to chill out, away from the bike. 60 miles covered. Later Finishing with the best meal we had this week so far. Jan.
Friday.
A late start for us, our first event didn't start till 12, so no rushing out this morning, a quick journey to Betws y Coed and were early but they let us go with the earlier group, 11:30 we're getting kitted up in harnesses, this is going to be harder for Jan than myself who has fears of height, I'm sure I'm part goat as I love clambering, zip wire safari, yes we are climbing around in tops of trees, zip lines/assault course suspended in the trees, after training us up on the equipment we are let loose. Over 3 hrs of swinging through the trees, best work out I have had in a while, as for Jan she had to push past her fears of heights and throwing yourself off a perfectly good platform to hang in the air, but she did well, she did all of it, I just did a few extra bits which pushed the limits. I was filming Jan as she did hers, and to find at the end my phone had failed and hadn't taken one photo or video, I was gutted as she had pushed her limits, and wouldn't give up, we had coffee at the cafe to finish and to chill. Now it's time to find out if the locals info was any good, it's ride time we start heading south, all the way almost out of Snowdonia to Dinas Mawddwy taking a single lane road up to Llanymawddwy, at bwlch y groes we missed a junction but we did get to see a fantastic views as we went over the mountain at Hell fire pass, we followed the road all the way to Bala lake, the south end , it was an awesome ride, but not where planned to be after pulling over and discussing it with Jan on the map , we realised that when Howard and Caroline were telling us about the route, we think they both were explaining it from different ends, so we retraced our steps back up the same road to bwlch y groes, this time, what Howard said to me came to life, the junction turns back on itself, as he said take it wide, a car width only and bouncy like a roller coaster but car free so you can get a good pace going, as you can see the road unrolling ahead showing it's clear, we followed this until we hit the lake, another hidden treasure they told us about, we turn right following the lake, we stop in a layby for a photo op, then continue around the lake, it's a wonderful road sweeping corners, a wide single lane, so again a little bit of pace can be used, after crossing the dam and circling the lake we head up another single track Rd heading to North end of Bala lake, again no cars so reasonable pace, still allowing for that random sharp bend now and again, but all of these roads you're just driving through mountains and the views are fantastic, it's just you and the bike. After reaching Bala lake we simply took the A roads back to Plas Tan y Bwlch hotel via a pub for food. Lots of fun had and 102 miles covered 8:30 finish it was dark when we returned. After checking phone it's the SD card that had failed.
Pete.
Saturday, the return.
Up at 8:30, went for breakfast to find there was no cooked breakfast, gutted so grabbed a croissant, staff shortages. 9:30 we are on the move out on A487 and onto the A470 stopping an hour later for a bacon roll at Starbucks, the route home had another planned stop to see my mum who's not well, and she's in Malvern. So, we leave Starbucks continuing on A470 then jumping onto A458 then A483 and A489 stopping at Church Stoke shopping centre for a breather as traffic is slow, we continue afterwards until we hit the A49 and head towards Leominster and another pitstop Dom's bike stop, Jan hasn't eaten yet and it be rude for me not to partake, that over we continue but out of Dom's turning right and following the A44 down to B4220 then on to A4103, dropping down a back road to my stop. A few hrs later we depart dropping down to B4208 then on to A417, into Gloucester and out the other side and onto the A46 which we followed all the way down to the Bath motorway junction which was jammed solid as there was a car on fire, so we rerouted dropping down through the back roads home. Finish time 6:45 total distance travelled over the week 792 miles and lots of fun. Pete.
Up at 8:30, went for breakfast to find there was no cooked breakfast, gutted so grabbed a croissant, staff shortages. 9:30 we are on the move out on A487 and onto the A470 stopping an hour later for a bacon roll at Starbucks, the route home had another planned stop to see my mum who's not well, and she's in Malvern. So, we leave Starbucks continuing on A470 then jumping onto A458 then A483 and A489 stopping at Church Stoke shopping centre for a breather as traffic is slow, we continue afterwards until we hit the A49 and head towards Leominster and another pitstop Dom's bike stop, Jan hasn't eaten yet and it be rude for me not to partake, that over we continue but out of Dom's turning right and following the A44 down to B4220 then on to A4103, dropping down a back road to my stop. A few hrs later we depart dropping down to B4208 then on to A417, into Gloucester and out the other side and onto the A46 which we followed all the way down to the Bath motorway junction which was jammed solid as there was a car on fire, so we rerouted dropping down through the back roads home. Finish time 6:45 total distance travelled over the week 792 miles and lots of fun. Pete.