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Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales
Rhondda Cynon Taf

Aberaman North

The best road cycling routes around Aberaman North

4.1

(39)

3,049

riders

120

rides

Road cycling around Aberaman North is characterized by its varied terrain, featuring significant climbs, deep valleys, and scenic reservoir areas. The region offers routes that navigate through a landscape shaped by both natural features and historical industrial heritage. Road cyclists can expect a mix of challenging ascents and smoother sections, often with views of the surrounding Welsh countryside.

Best road cycling routes around Aberaman North

  • The most popular road cycling route is Rhigos to Bryn Du loop from Aberdare,…

Last updated: July 8, 2026

4.7

(6)

67

riders

#1.

Rhigos to Bryn Du loop from Aberdare

42.1km

02:16

790m

790m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

Paul Key
June 16, 2025, Glynneath Hill Climb

What an absolute gem of a climb. One of my favourites !!!

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An epic road bike climb that not very difficult & has stunning views as you ascend

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Friendly cafe in high street, good coffee and crumpets ☕🤪

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Starting in the outskirts of Rhigos, this climb takes you past former mining areas and up to the top of Hirwaun Common. The climb passes the fomer Tower Colliery – which used to be the oldest working deep coal mine in the UK but closed in 2008. The climb gives both a feeling of industrial heritage but later the sweeping views of the Hirwaun Common. The first few km are fairly straight but near the summit, there are two switchback hairpins which add an alpine feel to this long-steady climb.

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Nice fast descent from the stone bridge at the bottom of the Blaen y Glyn climb along the west shore of the reservoir.

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Situated in the beautiful wilderness between the Breacon Beacons and the Black Mountain overlooked by the hills of Fan Fawr and Fan Gihirych, Maen Llia is a truly massive sliver of rock. While it is over 3.5 metres tall and nearly 3 metres wide, it is only 75 centimetres thick and bears a striking resemblance to a giant Neolithic hand axe. Although it is aligned north to south, the sides of the rock become surprisingly warm to the touch on a sunny day. This must have been an important pass between the hills, both to the local prehistoric population and to the Romans who came this way some 3000 years later - they built the road 'Sarn Helen' right by the stone and the current road still follows part of its course.

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If you don't fancy the long gravel trail on the East shore, this is your tarmac option.

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If you're not equipped for the gravel track on the East shore of Pontsticill Reservoir, the road on the West shore offers a fun tarmac alternative. A nice long straight to crank out some speed, or if it's the views you're after a nice viewpoint from the lay-by.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical difficulty levels for road cycling routes in Aberaman North?

Aberaman North offers a diverse range of road cycling routes. You'll find options catering to various skill levels, including 9 easy routes for beginners, 67 moderate routes for those seeking a balanced challenge, and 45 difficult routes for experienced cyclists looking for significant climbs and demanding terrain.

Are there any challenging road cycling routes in Aberaman North?

Yes, Aberaman North is known for its challenging climbs and varied terrain. Routes like the Talybont Reservoir West Shore – Blaen-y-Glyn Climb loop from Aberdare, spanning 61.0 miles (98.3 km) with over 1,500 meters of elevation gain, offer a significant test for experienced riders. Another demanding option is the Glynneath Hill Climb – Aberdulais Stone Bridge loop from Aberdare, which covers 95.6 km with nearly 1,000 meters of ascent.

What kind of scenery can I expect on road cycling routes in Aberaman North?

Road cycling in Aberaman North offers a blend of natural beauty and historical industrial landscapes. You'll encounter deep valleys, scenic reservoir areas, and panoramic views of the surrounding Welsh countryside, often shaped by both natural features and past industrial heritage. Many routes provide vistas over significant landmarks like the Rhigos climb.

How long do road cycling routes in Aberaman North typically take to complete?

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and elevation. For example, the popular Rhigos to Bryn Du loop from Aberdare typically takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes for its 42.1 km. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Talybont Reservoir West Shore – Blaen-y-Glyn Climb loop from Aberdare, can take approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes.

Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Aberaman North?

Yes, there are 9 easy road cycling routes in Aberaman North that are suitable for beginners. While specific beginner-friendly routes are not detailed here, these options generally feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, providing a good introduction to road cycling in the region.

What are some scenic viewpoints along the road cycling routes in Aberaman North?

Many routes in Aberaman North offer stunning viewpoints. For instance, the Smooth Tarmac Cycleway – Rhigos Climb Viewpoint loop from Cwmbach specifically highlights a viewpoint over the famous Rhigos climb. Additionally, the region's varied terrain means many elevated sections will provide expansive views of the valleys and reservoirs.

What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Aberaman North?

The road cycling routes in Aberaman North are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes both challenging climbs and smoother sections, as well as the scenic views of the Welsh countryside and reservoir areas.

Are there any circular road bike loops available in Aberaman North?

Yes, many of the popular road cycling routes in Aberaman North are designed as circular loops. Examples include the Rhigos to Bryn Du loop from Aberdare and the Café Velo – Smooth Tarmac Cycleway loop from Cwmbach, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

What natural attractions can I explore near the road cycling routes in Aberaman North?

While cycling, you can find several natural attractions nearby. Highlights include the impressive Pen-Pych Waterfall, the tranquil Pwll Berw Falls, and the dramatic Taf Fechan Local Nature Reserve. These offer opportunities for a short detour or a post-ride exploration.

Are there any waterfalls to see along the road cycling routes?

Yes, the region around Aberaman North is home to several beautiful waterfalls. You might consider visiting the Pen-Pych Waterfall or Pwll Berw Falls, which are notable natural monuments in the area. Some routes may pass close to these natural features, offering a chance to enjoy them.

How many road cycling routes are available in Aberaman North?

There are over 120 road cycling routes available in Aberaman North, offering a wide variety of distances, difficulty levels, and scenic experiences for cyclists of all abilities.

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