The Brecon Beacons, South Wales

A route in the Brec's sent in by Ambrose 5/11/00:

Comments: Try this out, Its in the Brecon Beacons.

There are plenty of good rides available in the Ystradfellte area, based on Sarn Helen. Further west there is a cracking ride around Fan Gyhirych, but not to be recommended in awful weather, as it climbs to almost 700m above sea level. It culminates with an awesome descent, long, fast and rocky. None of it is right of way, but it does not seem to be problematic.

BE WARNED, NONE OF THIS IS ON A RIGHT OF WAY.

Start at Penwyllt quarries [856 155]; use the old railway to head north to the top of the valley [870 195] and then north on the main road (A 4067) to the first right turn [889 216] onto a minor road. After about 1 km take first track on right through old metal gates [896 222] and grind your way up almost to the top of the mountain. The track forks in a couple of places, just head uphill each time, telling yourself that what goes up must come down. There is a total of almost 1000 feet of climbing on this section, but it is long and gradual, and totally rideable.

Eventually you reach a high point of 680m, and begin to drop back to the valley. Go through the gate, and at the bottom, by the forest, turn left. (Turning right drops you down through the forest back to the old railway). Follow track for 200m; then take the faint path that leads south-west to join another old tramway at [873 168]. Continue SW along track, and enter Nature reserve, passing a collapsed brick building. Fork right here [863 161]. Drop down through the rock cutting, heading for the row of cottages (South Wales Caving Club) at the bottom. Turn right, back to the start.

BE WARNED, NONE OF THIS IS ON A RIGHT OF WAY.

Write back with any thoughts.

Email: hearne_ogwen52@hotmail.com

NH 2000

Open moorland, this area has it all

Riding above Llanwrtyd Wells, the Brecon Beacons are in the background

No matter which way you look at it, Wales has some big views.

On top of the Black Mountains, it's pretty flat, but watch out for bogs!