Route Recce: Is the Horseshoe Pass Still Worth Riding in 2025?
North Wales has always been a biker’s paradise, and few stretches of road are as iconic as the Horseshoe Pass. In this Route Recce, Moto Planet’s Liam Simm sets out to ride the pass, explore the nearby valleys, and finish at a true rider’s hangout. Expect sweeping corners, biker history, and a look at whether the Horseshoe Pass is still worth riding in 2025.
This is more than just a road test – it’s a chance to revisit legendary stops like the Ponderosa Café, discover new biker-friendly haunts, and reflect on what keeps riders coming back year after year.
Route Summary
- Llangollen
- Horseshoe Pass
- Nantglyn / Nant-y-Garth Pass
- Ruthin
- Clwyd Gate
- Old Stores Motorcycle Café
Route Overview
The ride begins in Llangollen, a lively riverside town with pubs, cafés, and even a heritage railway line that offers scenic journeys along the River Dee. From here, the route heads north up the Horseshoe Pass, one of North Wales’ most celebrated roads. The sweeping corners, changes in elevation, and panoramic views have made it a magnet for bikers from across the UK.
Llangollen
Llangollen isn’t just the gateway to the pass – it’s a great pre-ride stop. Riders can grab a coffee or fuel up before tackling the climb. The riverside setting and the sight of kayakers on the Dee add to the character of the place.
Horseshoe Pass
The highlight of the ride is the twisting ascent through the valley. The 40 mph limit has divided opinion, but the reality is this road doesn’t need speed to impress. The combination of undulating tarmac and wide mountain views is enough to make it a classic. Riders should be mindful of speed vans and gravel patches, but the road rewards smooth riding with spectacular scenery.
Remembering the Ponderosa Café
No mention of the Horseshoe Pass is complete without the Ponderosa Café. Long regarded as the go-to biker meet in North Wales, it now sits closed, leaving a noticeable gap in the local riding scene. On weekends, hundreds of bikes would fill the car park, with families and enthusiasts mingling over tea and cake. The hope remains that it reopens one day, but for now riders look elsewhere for their mid-ride brews.
Nant-y-Garth Pass
Dropping off the Horseshoe, the route winds down the Nant-y-Garth Pass. This stretch is a gem: tight bends, tree-lined sections, and a flowing rhythm that keeps the ride exciting without the need for high speeds. Road quality varies, with occasional potholes and gravel, so caution is advised, but it’s still one of the best roads in the region.
Ruthin & Clwyd Gate
After the pass, the ride continues into Ruthin and then climbs towards Clwyd Gate. Expect a mix of A-roads and twistier backroads, with less dramatic views than the Horseshoe but a chance to keep the ride varied. Local pubs such as The Feathers are popular with both locals and bikers.
The Old Stores Motorcycle Café
The ride concludes at the Old Stores Motorcycle Café, near Pontblyddyn. This biker-run spot has quickly earned its reputation as a new community hub, packed with memorabilia, classic bike displays, and plenty of parking. Wooden kickstand blocks are scattered around, though riders can upgrade with a kickstand extension for a tidier solution. Even midweek, the car park is full of bikes – proof it’s fast becoming the new Ponderosa.
Final Thoughts: Is the Horseshoe Pass Still Worth It?
Despite the closure of the Ponderosa, the Horseshoe Pass remains a must-ride for UK bikers in 2025. The road itself still delivers stunning views and rewarding bends, while the surrounding network of passes ensures there’s no shortage of riding thrills. With new biker cafés like the Old Stores stepping up, the social side of the route is alive and well.
- The Horseshoe Pass remains one of North Wales’ iconic rides.
- Expect 40 mph limits and occasional speed checks, but views make up for it.
- The Ponderosa Café is sadly closed, but alternatives like the Old Stores thrive.
- Nant-y-Garth Pass adds technical fun with tight bends and tree cover.
- Still absolutely worth riding in 2025 – whether solo or with a group.
Horseshoe Pass Route Recce 2025 – UK FAQ
Yes, the Horseshoe Pass remains open to all vehicles, including motorbikes. Riders should note the 40 mph limit and occasional safety checks.
The current speed limit is 40 mph. While slower than some riders prefer, the views and flowing corners make it enjoyable without high speeds.
No, the Ponderosa Café is closed. Many riders now head to the Old Stores Motorcycle Café, which has become a new biker hub in the area.
Popular stops include Llangollen for fuel and food, the Horseshoe summit for views, and the Old Stores Motorcycle Café for a proper biker meet-up.
Absolutely. The Nant-y-Garth Pass offers tight bends, wooded scenery, and a technical challenge. Just be mindful of gravel and potholes.
The combination of sweeping mountain roads, panoramic views, and a long-standing biking culture make it one of the UK’s most iconic rides.
Yes, but winter can bring ice and poor conditions at the summit. Spring to autumn offers the best riding experience.