The earlier calendar date for Wales Rally GB, which has moved from November to October this year, has enabled the route finders for the event to be more adventurous.
The view from the top of the Bwlch-y-Croes pass, which Wales Rally GB will use this year.
The road section from stage 14 (Gartheiniog 2) to stage 15 (Aberhirnant) will run over the Bwlch-y-Croes pass, said to be the highest public road mountain pass in Wales, but which is weather sensitive in deep winter.
This road is famous in cycle racing, considered to be the most challenging climb in the round Britain Milk Race. Also historically known as the Hellfire Pass, the pass was formerly used by British car manufacurers to test the hillclimbing performance.
The southern ascent of the Bwlch y Groes is approximately 2.7 km long with severe gradients throughout (steepest part is 1 in 4) and is part of a climb of about 350 m (1,150 ft) over a distance of about 3.5 km.
There is no record that this road has been used in the World Rally Championship, though it was certainly used by predecessors of WRGB in the 50s, sometimes as non-stop sections. In 1959 it was used downhill.
In medieval times the route was used by pilgrims travelling from north to south Wales. They erected a cross just below its highest point, which gave its name to the venue.
- Martin Holmes
Read the October 2016 issue of RallySport Magazine for free HERE.
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