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Dear All,
Summer is here and it is time to think of long warm days, beautiful sunshine, good company and the enjoyment of riding our Velocettes. How do you fancy joining us for a few fine days riding in Snowdonia and on Anglesey? Our plan is to repeat the format of what happened in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 when Lancashire Members and friends took part in very enjoyable visits to the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors. It will be at the same time of year to avoid major Velocette Owners' Club events. An account of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 trips can be found in Fishtails 494, 502 and 510.
Here are a few details and a tentative itinerary for 2026's trip based at Bangor.
Snowdonia and Anglesey, Monday July 13th to Thursday July 16th, 2026
We plan to base ourselves in the seaside town of Bangor, ideally placed to explore the north and west parts of Snowdonia and, as a complete contrast, the north and east of the island of Anglesey.
Snowdonia is a mountainous region and national park in North Wales, famous for its stunning scenery, and being home to the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon. It is a popular destination featuring rugged peaks, forests, and glacial valleys, as well as a rich cultural heritage.
The island of Anglesey, off the mainland's northwest coast, is known for its beaches and ancient sites. The island is accessed by the 19th-century Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge, rebuilt in the 20th century. Amongst places we will pass or visit is the medieval town of Beaumaris where the. 13th-century Castle has concentric fortifications and a moat. We will continue passing many fine sandy beaches, rocky coves and rugged headlands along lanes with hedges full of flower.
Bangor is the oldest city in Wales, and in 2025 it celebrated its 1,500th anniversary. Although not a large city compared to others you can find in the UK, it boasts a lively atmosphere thanks to its university community and a good selection of independent shops, cosy cafés, and local galleries. . There are good bus and train services to Llandudno, Conwy, Betws-y-Coed, Caernarfon and Chester, so there is plenty for non-riders to do.
Photographs of places to be visited or passed en route
Non-riders, car drivers, wives, partners and girlfriends are all welcome.
Don’t forget your bus pass (if it is valid in Wales).
Also, please bring your National Trust Card.
Those coming on the trip should book their own accommodation. Bangor has a choice of small bed and breakfast guest houses, airbnb's, historic pubs, and country hotels with a range of prices for double rooms, twin rooms, single occupancy rooms etc. Some have car parks or secure storage for bikes. There are several campsites near Bangor catering for tents and mobile homes.
Please consider joining a group of us - we have booked a location with multiple rooms together, details available on request. Single ensuite rooms are available at £35 per person per night. If eight of us book together, we are allocated adjoining rooms with a common kitchen. We would organise our own breakfast. Contact John if this appeals to you and we can all stay together.
In the evenings, the group will meet at one of the cafes/bistros/restaurants in and around Bangor for an evening meal and to discuss the next day’s activities.
The two riding days will have a led group, but route instructions will be available for those wishing a shorter, more relaxed day.
Riding Itinerary
Monday July 13th.
Travel to Bangor.
Bangor is approximately 100 miles from Manchester by motorway and fast dual carriageway, or more leisurely, along pleasant A roads.
7.30pm, evening meal together, at the "Torna Surrriento" for Italian Food.
Tuesday July 14th
After breakfast, we meet at the Service Station at the junction of the A5 and the A55 North Wales Expressway (3.8 miles from the Centre of Bangor) to fill up with petrol before we set off on our ride proper at 9.00 am.
Following attached Route 1, we climb steadily up the Nant-Francon Pass, passing dramatic mountain scenery, before descending to Betws-y-Coed for morning coffee at one of the many cafes by the main carpark/station, say 9.30am to 10.15am.
We continue past Machno Falls, traversing high moorlands, descending into the Vale of Ffestiniog before stopping at Tany-y-Bwlch Station Tea Room for lunch , say 11.00am to 12.30pm.
After lunch, we traverse the Aberglaslyn Pass to Beddgelert. Then onward past the Snowdon massif descending to explore Caenarfon and afternoon tea at one of the many cafes, say 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
Finally we ride along quiet Welsh lanes to arrive in Bangor for say 6.00pm.
Total distance 78 miles.
8.00 pm, evening meal together at Dylan's Restaurant in Menai Bridge for sea food and traditional Welsh fare.
Wednesday July 15th
After breakfast, we meet at the Service Station at the junction of the A5 and the A55 North Wales Expressway (3.8 miles from the Centre of Bangor) to fill up with petrol before we set off on our ride proper at 9.00 am. .
Following attached Route 2, we cross Telford's historic Menai Suspension Bridge and follow the coast to Penmon Point for morning coffee at the Pilot House Cafe, say 9.45am to 10.40am.
Next we continue along the delightful north coast to arrive for lunch at the "Bell-y-Gloch cafe " and explore Caemas Bay, say 12.00 noon to 3.00pm.
After lunch, we pass fine sandy beaches, views of the Skerries from Cartmel Head, before stopping for a cup of tea and a paddle at Porth Swtan, say 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
Finally we ride the short distance back to Bangor via Britannia Bridge, arriving back say for 6.00pm.
Total distance 83 miles.
7.30 pm, evening meal together at the Nomi Restaurant in Bangor for Indian Food.
Thursday, 16th July,
Set off for home after breakfast. Petrol is available at the Service Station at the junction of the A5 and the A55 North Wales Expressway (3.8 miles from the Centre of Bangor)
Riding Routes
Tuesday July 14th
Here is a link for those with a TomTom, Garmin or Smart Phone
2026 North Wales Tuesday – MyRoute-app Web
Wednesday July 15th
Here is a link for those with a TomTom, Garmin or Smart Phone
What to do next
If you are interested in coming, please contact John Booth, mobile 07827 796609, or email lancashire-centre@velocetteowners.com.
As navigating the routes may be a little tricky and some of the stops for morning coffee and afternoon tea are quaint and not very big, plus the fact this will only be the fifth time Lancashire Centre has organised anything like this, we are a bit nervous of having a very large group, so before booking any accommodation, please contact John.
Next book your accommodation or ring John about the arranged accomodation option. As we plan to have three evening meals in Bangor itself, having accommodation within walking distance of the town centre is good.
Finally, please fill in the Entry Form below. The main purpose of the Form is to give us contact details if we need to speak to your family for any reason.