Cycling Llanguicke Road, Wales
Climb ends at historic Llangiwg Church.
Ride only six-tenths of a mile, but gain 487’ at 15.2% average grade.
The encyclopedia of UK climbs, Simon Warren (100 Greatest Cycle Climbs, UK) ranks this as the seventh hardest bike climb in Wales. With a full quarter-mile averaging 21% and the third steepest one-half mile segment in the country, there is ample foundation for his conclusion.
Our climb begins on Old Road, but we turn left within 100 yards onto Llanguicke Road.
Rising straight up out of the town of Pontardawe, Llanguicke Road wastes no time in its ascent toward the old church and cemetary at the summit of the climb. Right out of the gate you’ll contend with gradients above 20% on the one-lane, shaded road. Toward the top, which is after only 0.6 of a mile, you’ll pass a very nice looking golf course on your left side. Once you see the golf course you are home free, and the grades ease up to the cemetery at the summit. Parking down in the town is free and easy to find.
Turn left on Llanguicke Road 75 yards up the hill from the start.
For about half the climb we are surrounded by thick foliage and trees.
The other half of the climb is open views of pastureland.
A fun tree tunnel just before the finish at Llangiwg Church.
Twelfth hole of the Pontardawe Golf Club to the west of the climb finish.
Finish at Llangiwg Church, circa 1500.