FFORDD PEN LLECH

HARLECH, GWYNEDD

Forget Rosedale, forget Hardknott – Ffordd Pen Llech is the steepest hill in the land. Tucked away behind the castle in Harlech lies a tiny road that has to be seen to be believed. Unfortunately it’s a one-way street at the bottom and you need to ride it against the flow, but those mad enough to try it will face very little traffic as it’s a nerve-shredding descent in any vehicle. Leave the A496, turning right just before a level crossing and then right again past a caravan park to reach the base. It’s now time to kiss your saddle goodbye, as you’ll not be able to sit down again until the finish. The first ridiculous bend is dead ahead, the tarmac ripped and scarred as if it’s been attacked by some prehistoric creature. Round this 40% bend, it continues crazy steep all the way up, kinking left then right and passing by houses. It’s never less than 20% at its easiest and by the time you reach the shops at the top you’ll be ready to collapse.