Cycling in Eryri (Snowdonia) is not just a summer pastime. Locals ride all year round, and some of the best days on the bike come in crisp, clear winter weather when the roads are quiet and the mountains are dusted with snow. The trick is knowing where to ride, how to dress and how to keep your bike running in a wet climate. If the weather has always put you off, our guide to building cycling confidence may help, and see our cycling in Eryri guide for routes.
Routes that work all year
Some routes are far better than others when the weather turns:
- Traffic-free trails such as Lôn Las Ogwen, which follows an old railway line from the coast near Bangor up towards the Ogwen Valley, and the Mawddach Trail between Dolgellau and Barmouth, are sheltered, mostly gentle and away from traffic.
- Forest roads in Gwydir Forest around Betws-y-Coed are good in most weather and protected from the worst of the wind.
- Trail centres such as Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau have purpose-built mountain bike trails designed to drain well. Check for forestry diversions first; our guide to mountain biking in Snowdonia has the current picture.
- Valley roads are usually more sheltered than mountain passes, which can be icy, windy and in cloud when the valleys are fine. Our guide to road cycling in Eryri covers the classic climbs for better days.
In winter, check the forecast for wind as well as rain, and remember that shaded lanes can stay icy all day.
Riding in wet and cold weather
- Layers: a base layer, a warm mid layer and a windproof or waterproof jacket you can open on climbs.
- Hands and feet: winter gloves and overshoes make more difference than almost anything else.
- Lights: days are short and the weather can be gloomy, so run front and rear lights even in daylight.
- Mudguards: they keep you, your bike and anyone riding behind you much cleaner and warmer.
- Tyres: wider tyres at slightly lower pressures give more grip on wet roads and trails.
- E-bike batteries: batteries give less range in the cold, so allow a margin on winter rides, and store and charge the battery indoors at room temperature.
Staying safe on short winter days
- Plan around daylight. Work out when the sun sets and aim to be off the hill or on lit roads well before then.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back, especially on remote lanes where mobile signal is patchy.
- Carry a spare warm layer even on short rides. A puncture repair on a cold, wet roadside chills you quickly.
- Watch for ice on shaded bends, bridges and descents, and on frosty mornings stick to gritted main routes or wait until later in the day.
Riding to work through the winter? Our guide to cycling to work in North Wales covers commuting routes, lights and the Cycle to Work scheme.
Bike care for Welsh conditions
Rain, mud and grit are hard on a bike. A few habits will keep yours running smoothly:
Clean it regularly
Rinse off mud and grit after wet rides, especially from the chain, gears and brakes. A clean bike runs better and parts last longer, and many riders find it surprisingly satisfying.
Look after the drivetrain
Dry the chain after cleaning and re-lube it. Check for wear: a stretched chain will wear out your cassette and chainrings.
Check your brakes
Wet weather and long descents wear brake pads quickly. Check them often and replace them before they reach the metal. Good brakes matter on Eryri’s steep hills.
Repair or recycle old inner tubes
Patch old tubes so you always have a spare, and recycle the ones beyond repair rather than binning them.
If you would rather leave servicing to the experts, local bike shops can help. We Cycle, for cycling in North Wales, has a showroom, café and workshop offering servicing and repairs, along with electric, road, mountain and children’s bikes.
When you cannot get out
Some days the weather really is too wild. Indoor training on a turbo trainer or smart trainer keeps your fitness up, and plenty of riders use the dark evenings to plan routes for the spring, learn a new maintenance skill or practise bike handling in a safe space. Pore over a map and pick out lanes and trails you have never tried: Eryri has more of them than most riders ever explore. For a structured plan, see getting fit by bike in Eryri.
Planning a cycling trip
If you are visiting with a bike, choose a base close to the riding you want to do. Our where to stay guide covers the main areas, and our parking and transport guide has details on getting around. And if someone shouts “pob lwc!” (good luck) as you start a big climb, you will know you are in Wales.
FAQs
Can you cycle in Eryri in winter?
Yes. Traffic-free trails, forest roads and sheltered valley lanes are good choices. Avoid high passes in ice, snow or strong wind.
What is the best traffic-free ride?
The Mawddach Trail and Lôn Las Ogwen are both popular, mostly gentle routes on old railway lines.
How often should I clean my bike?
After every muddy or wet ride, if you can. A quick rinse and re-lube of the chain makes a big difference.
