The 10 Highest Roads in Wales
Wales When the Weather Turns
A Two-Day Adventure Bike Tour Through the Roof of Wales
This tour is designed specifically for riders who love big adventure motorcycles. If you own a BMW GS, Triumph Tiger, KTM Adventure, Honda Africa Twin, Ducati Multistrada, Yamaha Ténéré or similar, this is your chance to experience Wales from a completely different perspective.
Rather than chasing speed, this tour is about reaching the highest roads in the country, discovering remote mountain landscapes and enjoying the kind of riding that adventure bikes were built for. Expect dramatic climbs, sweeping mountain passes, quiet roads and spectacular viewpoints as we ride across the Cambrian Mountains, the Berwyn Range and the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia).
Approximate Distance: 420–450 miles over two days
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Road Surface: 100% Tarmac (suitable for all adventure bikes)
Limited to a maximum of 6 riders.
Day One – Into the Cambrian Mountains
Approx. 210 miles
Meet – Shrewsbury (08:30)
After a rider briefing we'll head west into Wales.
1. Gospel Pass (Highest road in Wales – approx. 549m / 1,801ft)
Nestled in the Black Mountains between Hay-on-Wye and Abergavenny, Gospel Pass is the highest paved mountain pass in Wales. Narrow, remote and spectacular, it offers breathtaking views across the Brecon Beacons and into England.
2. Elan Valley Mountain Road
Although not among the very highest, this is one of Britain's greatest riding roads. A stunning ride between Victorian dams and reservoirs deep in the Cambrian Mountains.
3. Abergwesyn Mountain Road
A favourite among experienced riders, this remote route includes the famous Devil's Staircase—a steep, twisting climb through some of the wildest scenery in Wales.
4. Bwlch-y-Sarnau
A quiet, elevated route through the Cambrian Mountains with sweeping views and almost no traffic.
Overnight – Rhayader
A classic motorcycling stop with welcoming pubs, comfortable accommodation and plenty of stories shared over dinner.
Day Two – Across the Roof of Eryri
Approx. 220 miles
5. Bwlch y Groes (Hellfire Pass – approx. 545m / 1,788ft)
The second-highest public road in Wales and one of the most famous. Steep gradients, tight bends and incredible scenery make this a bucket-list road for every rider.
6. Hirnant Pass
A glorious mountain road climbing through the Berwyn Mountains with sweeping bends and wonderful visibility.
7. Crimea Pass (A470)
A high, open pass crossing between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Dolwyddelan. Fast, flowing and dramatic.
8. Pen-y-Pass (A4086)
Arguably the most famous mountain road in Wales, climbing beneath the peaks of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). This road combines stunning scenery with beautifully engineered bends.
9. Bwlch Oerddrws
A hidden gem near Dinas Mawddwy. A challenging climb through open mountain country that few riders ever discover.
10. Horseshoe Pass
The perfect finale. Although lower than some of the others, its sweeping bends and panoramic views over Llangollen make it one of the UK's most iconic motorcycle roads.
What Makes This Tour Special?
Unlike many guided tours, this isn't simply about covering miles.
Throughout the two days you'll receive discreet, one-to-one coaching designed to help you become smoother, safer and more confident on a large adventure bike.
We'll cover:
Reading mountain roads
Cornering on changing gradients
Advanced observation
Positioning for maximum visibility
Braking downhill
Slow-speed machine control
Riding in remote areas
Managing fatigue on long days
Riding smoothly with luggage
You'll finish not only having ridden some of the highest roads in Wales, but with new skills and confidence that you'll take home with you.
SmoothRider Principle
"Adventure isn't measured by how high you climb, but by the confidence and skill you gain along the way."
Included in Your Experience
✔ Two full days of guided motorcycle touring
✔ Professional SmoothRider mentoring throughout
✔ Rider briefing and preparation assessment
✔ Weather and route planning discussion
✔ Coaching on riding in changing conditions
✔ Individual riding feedback
✔ Daily rider debriefs
✔ Carefully planned Four Seasons route
✔ Expert knowledge of Welsh roads
✔ GPX route files
✔ Scenic refreshment stops
✔ Digital photographs
✔ SmoothRider Adventure completion certificate
Not Included
Accommodation
Breakfast, lunch and evening meals
Fuel
Personal expenses
Motorcycle insurance
Riding Level
Intermediate Riders and Above
You should be comfortable with:
✔ Full days in the saddle
✔ Country and mountain roads
✔ Variable weather conditions
✔ Riding unfamiliar routes
The emphasis is on developing confidence and enjoying the experience.
Group Size
Maximum 6 riders
The small group format ensures:
✔ Individual rider attention
✔ Personal coaching throughout the tour
✔ Better group flow
✔ More opportunities for feedback
✔ Flexibility to adapt to conditions
