With wonderful forestry centres so nearby, it’s easy to overlook the more organic side of north Wales mtb’ing. Yet the area has always had its share of classic routes, most of them set amidst mouth-watering scenery. This is undoubtedly one of the best: short, sharp and captivating throughout. It’s basically two big climbs and two huge descents. The opening leg’s good riding on good surfaces, but after the sweet little dip to the incredibly atmospheric packhorse bridge of Pont Scethin, it becomes a push, and a tough one at that.

It’s all worth it when you first spy the narrow ribbon of trail that runs down Braich, and if the exposure doesn’t get you, the views south to Cader Idris surely will. Then it’s up again, a killer up to Bwlch y Rhiwgyr. At least this one’s rideable in places. The final descent is magnificent. A real mixed bag, it’s steep and stony at the top, wide, grassy and fast in the middle, and then root-infested forestry to finish.

With wonderful forestry centres so nearby, it’s easy to overlook the more organic side of north Wales riding. Yet the area has always had its share of classic routes, most of them set amidst mouth-watering scenery. This is undoubtedly one of the best: short, sharp and captivating throughout.