Devil's Elbow Climb from Heol Senni

The Devil’s Elbow epitomises the harsh beauty of hidden Wales. With its crumbling surface and neglected rusting barriers it weaves through beautifully rugged scenery presenting one of the toughest challenges of the event.

To start, leave the small village of Heol Senni, follow the river south, and begin the climb adjacent to a right-hand junction. The narrow strip of tarmac climbs and winds through twisted trees either side, easing a pinch as you cross the first of two cattle grids.

You feel like you’re in a truly isolated wilderness here as the road gradually climbs steeper up to two wicked hairpins: first sharp left and then sharp right, with a remorseless stretch in between them. Round the second hairpin and it eases to finish at the brow where the beauty of your surroundings will soon sooth any pain.

Some climbs load up hairpin after hairpin, but when a hairpin has a gradient of 25%, you only need one.

Steadily ramps up towards the first hairpin - take the outside line if there's no oncoming traffic - ramps up to double digits after the first hairpin, with the gradient easing after the second. Generally a good road surface, albeit narrow in places - fortunately drivers are usually courteous and allow you to slowly grind your way up.