Bwlch y Groes facts for kids
Bwlch y Groes is a famous mountain pass in Wales. Its name means "pass of the cross" in Welsh. It is the second highest public road pass in Wales. The highest is Gospel Pass in the south.
Bwlch y Groes reaches a height of about 545 meters (1,788 feet). It connects small roads between places like Dinas Mawddwy, Llanuwchllyn, and Lake Vyrnwy. From the pass, you can see amazing views. These include the Dyfi valley, Cadair Idris, and Aran Fawddwy. A special cross near the top marks its place on an old pilgrim route. This route was used by people traveling from North Wales.
Contents
What is Bwlch y Groes?
Bwlch y Groes is a mountain pass. It is a road that goes through a gap between mountains. This makes it a challenging but beautiful route. It is known for its steep climbs and winding roads.
Why is it Called Hellfire Pass?
Bwlch y Groes is also called the Hellfire Pass. This nickname came from its tough conditions. After the World Wars, car companies like Austin and Triumph used it. They tested their new cars here. They wanted to see how well the cars could climb steep hills. British motorcycle companies also used the pass for testing. They were very successful before the wars.
Famous Tests and Races
In 1926, a company called BSA tested their motorcycles. They rode up the pass 60 times! For this amazing effort, they won the Maudes Trophy. BSA won this award again in 1938.
From 1933 to 1954, a big motorcycle race called the International Six Days Trial used Bwlch y Groes. It was part of a long course.
A Challenge for Cyclists
The southern side of Bwlch y Groes is very steep. It is about 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) long. Some parts are as steep as 1 in 4, which is very hard to climb. In the 1970s and 80s, this climb was famous. It was the toughest part of the Milk Race. This was a big cycling race around Britain.
Today, this climb is still a huge challenge. It is listed as one of the top 100 cycling climbs in Britain. Cyclists have to climb about 350 meters (1,150 feet) over 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles). It is a relentless and demanding climb.
Other Places with the Same Name
There are other places in Wales called Bwlch y Groes. One is a village in Pembrokeshire. It is located near a place called Boncath.
