Hiraethog mountain bike trails

Mynydd Hiraethog, also known as the Denbigh Moors, is a remote upland plateau in Conwy and Denbighshire in North-East Wales. Its name translates as "The Mountain of Great Longing" - a reference to the vast, open views across forests, reservoirs and moorland that define the area. The riding here ranges from a leisurely family loop around Llyn Brenig to long-distance stamina rides of 40km or more across the moors. The best base is the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, which has a car park, cafe, toilets and bike hire. Full route guides and GPX files for all routes are available at Ride North Wales.

The Trails

• Tough at the Top (red, 57km): The longest and most demanding route in the area, with significant climbing across the open moors. A full day's riding for fit and experienced riders.
• The Two Lake Tour (red, 40km): A minimum four-hour route from Llanfihangel through Clocaenog Forest to the Alwen Reservoir, crossing the dam and continuing to Llyn Brenig. Around 1,000 feet of climbing.
• Up to the Lake (blue, 42km): A long but non-technical blue route starting from Cyffylliog village (grid reference SJ060578 - no car park, please park in the village). The route passes through Clocaenog Forest and around Llyn Brenig. Allow around four hours. Blue-graded for character rather than distance, so fitness and endurance are required.
• The Lake and a Bit (blue, 32km): A moderate route taking in Llyn Brenig, the surrounding forest and moorland. Allow around three hours.
• Brenig (green, 15.2km): A flat, family-friendly loop around Llyn Brenig starting from the visitor centre. Around one hour. Ideal for beginners and younger riders.
• Bod Petryal (green, 3.5km): A very short green forest trail taking around one hour to complete. Good for families with young children.
• All routes are waymarked. Facilities vary by route and are generally limited away from the visitor centre, so come prepared with food, water and navigation.

Getting Here

• Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, Cerrigydrudion, LL16 4NJ. The visitor centre has free car parking, toilets, a cafe and bike hire. It is the recommended starting point for most routes. From the A5 at Cerrigydrudion, follow signs for Llyn Brenig — the reservoir and visitor centre are around 3 miles south on minor roads.
• The nearest towns are Ruthin (around 8 miles east) and Corwen (around 7 miles west). The area is around 30 minutes from Wrexham and around 45 minutes from Llandudno.

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