An 'express' 300km version of the classic Irish Mail route. Taking in some classic North Wales roads (and hills) through Snowdonia to Bangor and back. To run the same day as the 400km route...so take your pick!
What a treat we have for you here! We head out from Upton Magna Village Hall over the border to the famous Dafarn Newydd stores by Lake Vyrnwy. Next comes the hills proper as you ascend the beautiful climb to the top of the Bwlch and then the fast descent to the southern tip of Lake Bala. (2025 edit, due to road closures we will not visit lake Vyrnwy this year and head straight to Bala from the start ) We then climb again up the gated road over the Cambrian Ranges heading to Trawsfynydd followed by the long beautiful descent through Maentwrog and onto a well earned break in Porthmadog, chips by the sea are recommended but entirely optional.

Snowdonia now beckons but first we must tackle the Nant Gwynant climb and then through Llanberis. We are now over half way and we celebrate this with an easy section to the outskirts of Bangor and the delights of a 24 hr service station. The A5 back to England now beckons, this can be a busy road so we use the delightful old road as much as possible but still don the high viz and get back in the saddle as we go up and over the Ogwen valley, through Betws Y Coed to a village hall control just before Llangollen for tea and cake. With AAA points in the bag the climbing is well and truly behind us now as we enjoy a flat(ish) 50km back to Upton Magna for refreshments.

Online entry and e-brevet available. GPS and routesheets supplied.

Village Hall start with free parking, toilets, camping (charge ú10 per night), light breakfast (tea and toast) at the start. Refreshments at 250km included as well as at the Arrivee, to include cake and a hot bowl of our famous vegan chilli.

Plenty of food options and toilets en-route, full details to be provided to all entrants with the riders notes.