Wales in late March?

ToGGoT · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Karma :

Hi guys!

The Beemer has been languishing in the garage over our lovely British winter, and I'm beginning to get the itch to get out again. My brother bought a KTM 640 Supermoto a few months ago, and has been riding it to work which has had a lot to do with my desire to get back out.

Anyway, work say I've got 10 days of holiday left to use before the 31st of march and I don't intend to lose any of it - so was planning doing a bit of a trip. Moneys a bit tight at the moment, so didn't want to go abroad - was wondering what the weather is likely to be like in North Wales in late march?

Would like to ride through Llanberis pass, and a friend of mine has said the Welshpool to Bala road is pretty good too, so I thought I might go up there for 4 or 5 days. As i said, money is pretty tight so was thinking or packing the tent and sleeping bag etc and 'roughing' it in some cheap camp sites.

I know North Wales traf-pol are supposed to be a bit Nazi-esc when it comes to bikers, but I reckon that out of the summer season I'm less likely to be grouped with the sportsbike riders on my 26 year old 'old man's bike'!

So yeah, any ideas what the weather is usually like in March? Or any roads/places to go to, or avoid for that matter?

Cheers!

ToGGoT
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2005 BMW R1150R

ms51ves3 · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

tatfan · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 10 May 2010 Karma :

It'll be a bit cold, and wet, but I doubt any worse than that, going by last year. If your going by Bala, take the road a bit further and pick up the A487 to Aberystwyth and go to the Devil's Bridge. It's a good ride out, and only takes a few hours. There's a couple of good campsites down there too, but I don't know if they'd be open that time of year.
I lived in Corwen for 2 years, and never had a problem with the Police, most of them even nod back!

Phoenix · Twisted Firestarter Joined: 01 Aug 2002 Karma :

Traffic police aren't that heavy in North Wales, I very rarely see them but have been stopped by them once about 5 years ago for a small numberplate, they felt necessary to engage in high risk overtaking in heavy traffic in order to catch me up. As long as you are legal then I wouldn't worry.

The road from Welshpool to Bala is good once you get past Pencraig as it passes along the top of the hills and it's really quite nice before descending to Bala. There is also a parallel route to Bala via Lake Vyrnwy which I prefer, the road eventually opens up down the side of a big valley and views are great, very small road though compared to the other one.

I personally find the route from Bala to Aberystwyth mundane not a section i'd make sure I included for the sake of it, the A5 is nice up through Snowdonia and Llanberis, as is the one to Beddgelert. If you go to Devil's bridge then the best route is via Elan Valley which brings you out in Rhayader, or again another good parallel route is Tregaron via the mountain road (well hidden) to Beulah. Depending where you're coming from the A483 from Newtown to Crossgates is a very good road, fast with endless corners and a good surface so well worth incorporating if you can, it's all getting further south though.

Jamie S · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Karma :

let us know when your thinking of doing it, I'm from north wales my self, so know most of the good routes ect, wouldn't mind a few days away camping on the bike.
Jamie

doggone · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :

My favourite N.Wales campsite is just east of Betws-y-coed just north of the A5 link. https://www.rynys-camping.co.uk/
There's a pub easy walking distance called The Silver Fountain.(not the Conway Falls place)
It's a good centre to explore the mountain passes and coast.
March can be good with dry breezy weather.
But be wary of a late snow event which could be major hassle if caught on the bike in the wrong place.

L4Isoside · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Karma :

Didn't see one traffic cop on my travels in wales. Some good roads but rains alot!

Some cheap camping out there if you wana do it on the cheap too.

ToGGoT · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Karma :

Cheers guys!

I had actually looked at going through the Elan Valley on the way - particularly wanted to stop off at the Caban Coch reservoir - the photos look pretty scenic Smile

Sounds like it could be a go-er then. Will see what it looks like the weather is going to do a bit closer to the time. Rain i can handle, but snow wouldn't be so nice.

ToGGoT
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2005 BMW R1150R