The best traffic-free bike rides in Brecon Beacons

Embark on a challenging touring bicycle adventure through the Brecon Beacons National Park with the 3 Reservoirs loop. This difficult 48.6-mile (78.1 km) route, designed to take around 5 hours and 26 minutes, features a significant 3578 feet (1091 metres) of elevation gain. You will cycle past the beautiful Talybont, Pontsticill, and Llwyn-onn reservoirs, enjoying expansive views of the water features and surrounding hills. Be prepared for a mix of paved surfaces and some unpaved or gravelly sections, including a notable gravelly climb near Talybont Reservoir.

This loop is best suited for touring cyclists with very good fitness due to its considerable climbs, especially the notorious Devil's Elbow. While the route is primarily paved, some segments, like the Devil's Elbow itself, have a crumbling surface and neglected barriers, so suitable tires are recommended. You might also encounter cattle grids along the way. Planning your visit for good weather will enhance your experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the rugged scenery and isolated wilderness.

The Devil's Elbow is the defining feature of this trail, a legendary and brutal ascent known for its steep gradients, averaging 10% with sections reaching 14% and even over 30% on its vicious switchbacks. Conquering this climb is a significant achievement for cyclists, often featured in events like the Dragon Ride sportive. Beyond the challenge, you will discover ancient landmarks like the Maen Llia Standing Stone near the summit, adding a unique historical layer to the diverse landscapes of rolling moorlands and river valleys.

Embark on a difficult touring cycling loop from Torpantau, exploring the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. This challenging 15.2-mile (24.4 km) route features a mix of paved roads and substantial unpaved sections, including gravel climbs like the one near Talybont Reservoir. You will gain about 1498 feet (457 metres) in elevation, making this a ride for those with very good fitness, taking around 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete.

As you cycle, you will encounter varied terrain, from smooth asphalt to gravel and even some rougher unpaved paths. The trail offers wonderful views across the water at Talybont Reservoir and along the scenic Usk Valley. You can also enjoy tranquil sections along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal's traffic-free towpaths, though be ready to dismount for low bridges.

This loop is notable for its diverse landscape, combining natural beauty with historical elements. Talybont-on-Usk serves as a convenient hub, offering amenities like pubs and cafes. The route integrates parts of the popular Taff Trail and the historic Brinore Tramway, providing connections to a wider network of cycling routes in an area known for its wildlife and dark skies.

This touring bicycle loop from Crickhowell offers a difficult yet rewarding ride through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. You will cover 40.7 miles (65.4 km) with a significant 3616 feet (1102 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 4 hours and 38 minutes. The route is known for its challenging climbs, especially the ascent of Gospel Pass, Wales's highest paved road, which features steep sections and an average gradient of 5.5% over 8.5 km. As you cycle, you will experience wide views of the Black Mountains, the Usk Valley, and expansive vistas across the Brecon Beacons, including Llangors Lake. The roads are mostly paved but can be narrow, remote, and occasionally have poor surfaces or gravelly sections. You will also pass by landmarks like Sugar Loaf and Table Mountain.

To tackle this difficult route, you should have very good fitness, as it involves substantial and challenging climbs. While the route is predominantly on paved surfaces, be prepared for some segments that might be unpaved or difficult to ride, potentially requiring you to push your bike. The roads can also feature water run-off, so consider your tire choice. This loop is suitable for road bikes, and if you are using an e-bike, careful battery management is advised due to the extensive climbing involved.

This loop is recognized as the most popular touring cycling route originating from Crickhowell, drawing cyclists to its challenging terrain and scenic beauty. A notable stop along the way is Llanthony Priory, a partly ruined Augustinian priory set against a striking backdrop. This offers a perfect opportunity for a break, with a hotel and pub on-site providing refreshments. After the demanding climb to Gospel Pass, you can enjoy a rewarding 12-mile descent into the Vale of Ewyas, considered one of Wales's most beautiful valleys.

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle loop through the dramatic landscapes of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. This challenging 33.1-mile (53.3 km) route, which takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete, features significant climbs and a total elevation gain of 2844 feet (867 metres). You will cycle through wild Welsh scenery, including the Bwlch Cerrig Duon Pass, offering quiet views of the Western Brecon Beacons and glimpses of Llyn Y Fan Fawr and Llyn Y Fan Fach. While mostly paved, be prepared for some unpaved sections where you might need to push your bike.

This demanding ride requires a very good level of fitness. The route includes notable features like the Devil's Elbow, a steep descent with two sharp switchbacks, and the Bwlch Cerrig Duon Pass, known for its unexpectedly smooth tarmac in places despite the challenging ascent. Plan your gear carefully for the mixed terrain, especially the unpaved sections, to ensure a smooth journey through this rugged region.

A major highlight of the loop is Henrhyd Falls, the highest waterfall in South Wales, plunging 90 feet (27 metres) into a wooded gorge. You can even walk behind the cascading water, though caution is advised due to slippery rocks. This impressive natural landmark also famously served as a filming location for *The Dark Knight Rises*. The surrounding Graig Llech Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to diverse wildlife including woodpeckers, warblers, and various mosses.