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Pontsticill Reservoir – Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Pontsticill Reservoir – Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Hard

5.0

(1)

riders

Pontsticill Reservoir – Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal loop from Merthyr Tydfil

04:28

74.4km

1,000m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: March 22, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 33.3 km for 56 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.65 km

Morlais Brook

Forest

10.0 km

Pontsticill Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Built in 1927, the Pontsticill Reservoir is a large reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park that can hold 3400 million gallons (14,460 million liters) of water. The beautiful reservoir is popular with sailors, anglers, picnickers, as well as walkers and cyclists. The Taff Trail runs on the western side of the reservoir.

Tip by

11.1 km

Pentwyn Reservoir

Lake

11.7 km

Taf Fechan Forest

Forest

19.9 km

Talybont Reservoir Nature Reserve

Nature Reserve

24.6 km

Talybont-on-Usk Canal Drawbridge

Highlight • Historical Site

A wooden drawbridge carried the road over the canal and was replaced by a fixed bridge after navigation on the canal ceased in the 1930s.

Before the canal reopened to boats in 1970, a steel drawbridge with an electric operating mechanism was installed.

There are four other drawbridges along the canal to the west. They are for farmers to access fields and are less elaborate than the one at Talybont. Drawbridges saved the canal company the expense of building stone bridges over the canal at these locations.

Tip by

31.4 km

Stone Bridge Over the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Highlight • Structure

Pretty stone bridge over the canal near the River Usk.

Tip by

31.8 km

Brynich Lock (Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal)

Highlight • River

This lock was the first on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal to be restored after the canal fell into dereliction.

The lock was created when the canal was built c.1800. The section of canal which crosses the river Usk on the nearby Brynich aqueduct is lower than the final stretch of water into Brecon.

The bridge over the canal here is joined to the lock walls. The road continues across the river Usk on a five-arch stone bridge constructed in the late 18th century.

Tip by

33.2 km

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Highlight • Structure

This is the canal tunnel that goes underneath the A40 dual carriageway. It is quite a length and the footway is narrow, so if you are on a bicycle I would suggest you take it carefully as pedestrians have right of way here.

Tip by

44.1 km

Talybont Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

The largest reservoir in the Brecons, Talybont reservoir was completed in 1939. It supplies water to Newport, further south.

Seventeen dwellings (including farms) were co-opted during its construction.

Despite its man-made nature, it's a very pleasant place to spend some time.

Tip by

46.1 km

Talybont Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Talybont Reservoir is a pretty epic lake nestled amongst the Beacons. The cycling trail around the east side of the lake is pretty bumpy, so if you’re on a road bike, it’s best to stick to the road along the west side.

Tip by

60.2 km

Pontsticill Reservoir

Lake

63.5 km

Viewpoint

67.0 km

Pontsticill Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Pontsticill Reservoir is a great location for its scenic beauty and because it is the start of many hiking and biking trails. There is a nice trail that actually goes around the entire reservoir, but it does involve road walking too. When you do visit this location, beware of thefts from unattended vehicles and take valuables with you.

Tip by

74.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

37.4 km

26.3 km

4.48 km

3.08 km

1.93 km

1.01 km

236 m

Surfaces

37.5 km

17.6 km

10.7 km

6.82 km

1.87 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (440 m)

Lowest point (120 m)

Weather

Monday 18 May

13°C

9°C

87 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Pontsticill Reservoir – Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Pontsticill Reservoir

Talybont-on-Usk Canal Drawbridge

Stone Bridge Over the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Brynich Lock (Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal)

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Talybont Reservoir

Talybont Reservoir

Pontsticill Reservoir

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