The Pass of the Cross better known as Bwlch y Groes is one of the highest mountain passes in County Gwynedd, Wales with an elevation of 545 metres (1,788 ft) above the sea level. It links Dinas Mawddwy, Llanuwchllyn and Lake Vyrnwy. The cross, just below the summit at the junction of the roads from Vyrnwy and from Dinas Mawddwy, commemorates the place of the pass on a pilgrim route from North Wales. The pass is also known as the Hellfire pass and was used pre and post war by the Austin Motor company and the Standard Triumph Motor company as a testing ground, as the road is asphalted but extremely narrow making it one of the steepest and toughest climbs in the UK.

How many kilometres is it / How long does it take to ride it?
Pass of the Cross starting from Dinas is a short ride, only 3 km long.

Are there any accommodation or camping options along the way?
There are plenty of motorcycle-friendly accommodations in County Gwynedd, nearest to the Pass of the Cross is located in Dinas Mawddwy, Machynlleth. Tyn Cornel Camping in Bala is an excellent campsite popular with motorcyclists.

Interesting sights on the route?
The riders will enjoy a mgnificent view of the Dyfi valley, Cadair Idris and a close view of Aran Fawddwy. The Pass of the Cross has been recommended as a great place to stargaze by the local authority, parks provider or property owner. May require payment for access or parking.

Other places of interests nearby are the Cymer Abbey, a ruined Cistercian abbey near the village of Llanelltyd and Snowdonia, a mountainous region in North Wales and is the first UK National Park named in Wales.

What is the best time of year to travel the route?
The spring and summer season are the peak time to travel South Wales. The best time to visit the Pass of the Cross is early spring, when the weather’s good and sights nearby aren’t too crowded yet.

Is the route ever closed over winter?
During the winter months (December – February)it is occasionally blocked with snow enough to make the road impassable for vehicles.

Where are people able to get fuel when they are riding the route?
The closest petrol stations can be found in the towns of Machynlleth and Dolgellau.

Photo credit: Richard Szwejkowski / CC BY

Photo credit: Sizbut / CC BY

Photo credit: Kevin Carmody / CC BY

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Pass of the Cross – Bwlch y Groes

Pass of the Cross – Bwlch y Groes

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