Known in Welsh as Bwlch yr Oernant, Horseshoe Pass climbs from Llangollen to a windswept summit in the Clwydian Range, a classic of Welsh cycling regularly used by the Tour of Britain.
A steady climb through Wales
From Llangollen, it’s 7 km for 365 m of elevation gain, averaging 5.2%, with occasional sections around 11%. The well-maintained A-road climbs through open, wind-exposed moorland.
A pass with sporting history
The pass hosted the British National Hill Climb Championship in 1971 and 1981, and remains a regular feature of the Tour of Britain, both men’s and women’s editions — the latter having used it in 2024.
Getting the ride right
The steady gradient doesn’t call for any special gearing, but exposure to wind at altitude can make the ride harder than expected on this often-breezy Welsh plateau.
When to go
April to October — the pass is rideable year-round but can ice over in winter on this exposed plateau.
Good to know
The Ponderosa Café at the summit is a traditional stop for local cyclists, while Llangollen, at the foot of the climb, makes a good base with its railway and canal heritage.
