Bwlch Penbarras facts for kids
Bwlch Penbarras (say "Boolkh Pen-BA-ras") is a special mountain pass in north-east Wales. It's also known as Bwlch Pen Barras or the Old Bwlch. This pass is found in the beautiful Clwydian Range area.
A mountain pass is like a low spot or gap between mountains. Bwlch Penbarras sits between two hills called Moel Famau and Foel Fenlli. It's about 360 meters (1,180 feet) above sea level. A road runs through the pass, connecting Tafarn-y-Gelyn and Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd. The famous Offa's Dyke Path, a long walking trail, also crosses the top of Bwlch Penbarras.
The name 'Old Bwlch' tells us that this pass was once a very important route. It was a historic way to travel between the towns of Mold and Ruthin. This route went through Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd. Later, in the 1700s, a new main road was built. This new road, now called the A494 road, crosses the Clwydian Range further south. This made the Bwlch Penbarras less busy for main travel.
The eastern side of the pass is a steady climb. It doesn't have very steep parts. However, the western side is quite different. It has much steeper drops and a narrower road. The height changes a lot on this side. It drops about 260 meters (850 feet) in just 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Some parts are very steep, and there's a sharp bend in the road, like a hairpin.
Fun Things to Do at Bwlch Penbarras
Bwlch Penbarras is a popular spot for people who love the outdoors.
Walking and Hiking
Many walkers start here to climb Moel Famau. Moel Famau is a well-known hill nearby. There are two car parks run by Natural Resources Wales. One is right at the top of the pass. The other is about a mile down the eastern side, towards Tafarn-y-Gelyn. From both car parks, you can find paths that go through the forest and up to the top of Moel Famau.
Cycling Challenges
The steep climb on the western side, coming from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, makes this pass very popular with cyclists. It's a real challenge! Cycling Weekly magazine, a popular cycling publication, has even called it a 'Killer Climb'. It has also been part of the Dave Lloyd Mega Challenge, which is a big cycling event.
A famous musician named Nigel Blackwell, from the band Half Man Half Biscuit, talked about the pass in an interview in 2012. He said that for him, a big achievement was being able to wake up and decide to go cycle up Bwlch Penbarras.
