24th July 2014: Pistyll Rhaeadr (mod)

The moderate group consisting of Dave and Liz on tandem, Dave H, Steve and Trevor set off to repeat Mike Morley’s route of 2010 to Pistyll Rhaeadr: a splendid route over the Berwyn mountains down to the Rhaeadr Valley and up to its start at the magnificent waterfall (Pistyll Rhaeadr) with its quaint tearooms at its foot.

Photograph by Steve Haywood

The return route descended further down the Rhaeadr Valley to turn north at Abercynllaith to take a lower but still very hilly return route over the Berwyn’s back to Chirk.

A little bit of walking on the 1 in 6 sections but the views and sense of achievement of cycling in the high mountains makes for a splendid day out at a pace suited to all of the party.  Distance 43 miles. A steady ride averaging just over 10 miles an hour including the walking. 

Pistyll Rhaeadr Café rating:  good selection of food at moderate price.  Open all year. No beer.  Seats outside but beautifully cool inside on a scorching day.

Getting to Chirk: several riders took the train from Chester to Chirk, we took the tandem in the car as usual (25 minutes from South Chester). Steve cycled from Kelsall to the start and back making a round trip of about 110 miles.

Route as per 2nd September 2010 ride.

DP