The unconventional route pattern starts in Bala to the north of the lake of the same name. Continue along its eastern shore to the start of the climb up to Bwlch y Groes. Return along the same route to Llanuvchlln. The path up to Bwlch Pan-y-Feidiog begins there on the left-hand side. Return the same way to return to the starting point on the western side of Bala Lake.

The first Bwlch is quite easy to crank up with a steady gradient, while the second pass is characterised by extremely unpleasant peaks with short losses in altitude.

An early morning start on the main road from Bala

The route initially follows the eastern side of Bala Lake for around 9 kilometres in the early morning mist on a leisurely path.

At the end of the lake near the small village of Llanuvchlln, the route then turns left uphill to the first destination of today's tour - Bwlch y Groes.

The road (left) is single-track and closed to buses and motorhomes.

But even without this ban, it is very quiet here.

The weather isn't really playing ball yet, but it gives you an idea of how lovely it is up here.

Looking back at the wonderful route. A dream for a racing bike.

A car park can be seen at the back on the right. This is the top of the pass.

The wet and cold summit with its 550m altitude has been reached - the highest road in the Snowdonia National Park and therefore probably in the whole of Wales.

Back at the bottom, the route leads to the next pass in the direction of Trawsfynydd (1 vowel, 10 consonants)

The first few kilometres are leisurely up to this caravan park. Behind it, the road suddenly becomes extremely steep up a short wall.

Rarely seen...

Then the route continues in an undulating up and down towards the plateau.

Smooth tarmac. Only for whom? I don't meet anyone up here...

...but friendly sheep along the way.

Wonderful road bike route

After 10 kilometres of very scenic route, the highest point of the route is reached at this pasture gate (the fifth on the way).