DYFI FOREST

ABERLLEFENNI, MACHYNLLETH

In the centre of a triangle of roads south of Dolgellau lies the lost world of the Dyfi Forest. Splitting the area in two, between Corris and Aberangell, is one hell of an isolated and forgotten road. The ascent begins as you leave Aberllefenni just before a left-hand junction. The slope is benign to begin with, rising gently into the forest. You pass a few houses down a brief dip and then approach a 17% gradient sign. Following the second of two cattle grids, the climb plateaus and then dips down briefly after a junction on the left before resuming its upward progress. As you exit the murky light under the cover of trees you round a sharp right-hand bend into the first of two stretches of 20% gradient. Twisting left and right – climbing, levelling, and climbing again – you reach the second stretch of 20%. This one is much tougher, bending right then left. But then all that’s left is to trudge on to the finish at the final brow.