The best gravel rides around Cilcain
4.9
(16)
85
riders
4
rides
Gravel biking around Cilcain offers routes through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, characterized by rolling hills, open moorland, and forested sections. The terrain includes varied surfaces suitable for gravel bikes, with significant elevation changes across many routes. This region provides a challenging environment for gravel cyclists seeking climbs and descents within a natural landscape.
Best gravel bike trails around Cilcain
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Ride the Clwyds: Loop de Loop, a difficult 20.5 miles (33.0 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 31 minutes to complete. This route features substantial elevation gain through the Clwydian Range.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is The Clwyds loop from Ruthin — Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, a difficult 18.3 miles (29.4 km) path. This route traverses the scenic Clwydian Range, offering varied terrain and panoramic views.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Llyn Brenig – Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre loop from Ruthin, a difficult 32.9 miles (53.0 km) trail leading through the Llyn Brenig area, often completed in about 3 hours 46 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Cilcain is defined by challenging climbs, open moorland, and forested valleys. The network offers options primarily for moderate to advanced ability levels, with 5 gravel bike trails available.
- The routes in Cilcain are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.88 stars from over 16 reviews. More than 80 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Cilcain's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
5.0
(1)
13
riders
33.0km
03:31
840m
840m
Prepare for a difficult gravel biking adventure on the Ride the Clwyds: Loop de Loop, a challenging route covering 20.5 miles (33.0 km). You will climb 2749 feet (838 metres) over varied terrain, from compacted gravel to exciting singletrack, all set within the distinctive heather-clad hills. As you ride, you will encounter untamed trails, steep climbs, and exhilarating berms. The route offers impressive vistas over the Vale of Clwyd and across the East of the Clwydian Range. You can also expect to pass by the Moel Famau Summit, a memorable landmark on your journey. This ride typically takes around 3 hours and 31 minutes to complete.
This route is consistently rated as difficult, so you should have a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills before you set out. While you can tackle this on a gravel bike, wide, knobbly tires are highly recommended. This is due to the rocky and loose descents you will encounter along the way. Make sure your bike is well-maintained and ready for a demanding ride.
The Ride the Clwyds: Loop de Loop is designed with five interlinked sections, offering flexibility for your ride. If you prefer a less demanding experience, you can choose to complete shorter sections of the route. This allows you to tailor your adventure to your energy levels or time constraints. The varied terrain and challenging climbs make this a notable route within the Clwydian Range.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
Embark on The Clwyds loop from Ruthin for a challenging gravel biking adventure through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. This difficult route spans 18.2 miles (29.4 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2382 feet (726 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You'll navigate a diverse mix of paved and unpaved sections, including compacted gravel, singletrack, and quiet country roads, often encountering undulating hills and forest tracks. Look forward to spectacular views from Bwlch Penbarras and panoramic vistas over the Vale of Clwyd, with the distinctive heather-clad hills of the Clwydian Range forming a dramatic backdrop. Be prepared for rocky and loose descents that demand good balance and technique, especially if conditions are wet.
This route is considered difficult and requires a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills. The varied terrain includes steep climbs, exhilarating berms, and loose descents, with some sections potentially requiring you to push your bike. For optimal handling, particularly in muddy conditions, wider, knobbly tires are highly recommended. Ensure you are well-prepared for a demanding ride that will test your physical endurance and technical abilities.
The Clwyds loop stands out as a premier gravel biking destination in North Wales due to its diverse and demanding terrain. It offers a blend of physical challenge and rewarding natural beauty within the stunning Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This region is known for its dramatic uplands, ancient hillforts, and rich cultural heritage, providing a tapestry of heather moorland, limestone crags, and broadleaved woodlands to explore.
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4.5
(13)
61
riders
54.7km
03:57
990m
990m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
12.6km
01:01
300m
300m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Other adventures around Cilcain
Tips from the Community
Not all trails in this area permit mountain bikes. Check it first. The rangers over there are zealots.
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Though it was not a tough or technical ride, it did take me into territory I had never visited before and was a lovely antidote to the 'fleshpots' of Gwydir Forest or Coed-y-Brenin. Some lovely gentle singletrack, beautiful views and I didn't see another rider for the whole trip - although tbh I did set off at 08.30 on a Wednesday!!
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This was used in 2015 Mark Cavendish sportive. Hard climb but well worth it
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Explore over 2500 acres of forest, moorland and lakes amid stunning upland scenery. With visitor centre, café, gift shop, osprey exhibition, adventure playground, cycle hire, mountain biking, walking trails, sailing and world class fishing to discover. Perfect cycling conditions for all ages and abilities. Hire from a wide range of bikes or bring your own ride. Enjoy a gentle family ride on an e-bike or an exhilarating mountain bike adventure.
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Ruthin is a market town and community in Denbighshire, Wales, in the south of the Vale of Clwyd. It is Denbighshire's county town. The town, castle and St Peter's Square lie on a hill, skirted by villages such as Pwllglas and Rhewl. Make sure you stop at the tower clock.
3
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Great area some gravel about take your time because the views are amazing
4
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One of the biggest challenges I've done in a long time absolutely fantastic scenery. Some crazy climbs but a real self achievement at the top
4
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This area is one of the best for fantastic views and some very hard climbs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Cilcain?
The gravel bike trails around Cilcain traverse the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. You'll encounter varied surfaces, including rolling hills, open moorland, and forested sections, all suitable for gravel bikes. Expect significant elevation changes across many routes.
How challenging are the gravel bike routes in Cilcain?
Gravel biking around Cilcain is generally challenging. The network primarily offers options for moderate to advanced ability levels, with most routes featuring substantial elevation gain. For example, the Ride the Clwyds: Loop de Loop is rated difficult with over 800 meters of elevation gain.
Are there any easier gravel bike routes for beginners or families?
While most routes around Cilcain are rated difficult, there is one moderate option: the Gravel loop from Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. This route is shorter and has less elevation gain, making it a more accessible choice for those looking for a less strenuous ride.
What are the typical distances and durations for gravel bike routes near Cilcain?
The gravel bike routes around Cilcain vary in length. You can find routes ranging from approximately 12.6 km (7.8 miles) to 53 km (32.9 miles). Durations typically range from around 1 hour 15 minutes for shorter, moderate routes to over 3 hours 45 minutes for longer, more challenging ones like the Llyn Brenig – Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre loop from Ruthin.
What interesting landmarks or viewpoints can I see along the gravel bike trails?
The area around Cilcain is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Along your rides, you might encounter impressive peaks and viewpoints such as Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau, Moel Arthur, and Foel Fenlli Summit and Cairn. Additionally, historical castles like Denbigh Castle are within reach of the wider region.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about cycling in Cilcain?
The gravel biking experience around Cilcain is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.88 stars from over 16 reviews. Riders often praise the challenging climbs, the diverse landscape of open moorland and forested valleys, and the panoramic views offered by routes like The Clwyds loop from Ruthin.
Is there public transport access to the gravel cycling trails near Cilcain?
While Cilcain itself is a smaller village, many routes in the wider Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, including some mentioned in this guide, start from nearby towns like Ruthin. Public transport options to these larger hubs may be available, but direct access to trailheads in Cilcain might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules if you plan to rely on public transport.
Where can I find parking for gravel biking in Cilcain?
Specific parking information for Cilcain trailheads is not detailed in the guide. However, for routes starting from larger nearby towns like Ruthin, you can typically find public parking facilities. It's recommended to check local parking options in Cilcain village or at the start points of specific routes before your ride.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking around Cilcain?
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape offers beautiful riding conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also great, though some exposed moorland sections can be warm. Winter rides are possible but be prepared for colder, potentially wet conditions and shorter daylight hours, especially at higher elevations.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes available?
Yes, all the routes highlighted in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the challenging Ride the Clwyds: Loop de Loop and the longer Llyn Brenig – Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre loop from Ruthin.
How many gravel bike trails are available in the Cilcain area?
There are 5 gravel bike trails available in the Cilcain area, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult, primarily within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape.
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