Pontrhydyfen Viaduct – Rhigos Climb Viewpoint loop from Baglan
Pontrhydyfen Viaduct – Rhigos Climb Viewpoint loop from Baglan
73
riders
Pontrhydyfen Viaduct – Rhigos Climb Viewpoint loop from Baglan
05:13
106km
1,500m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Tips
The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 9.65 km for 313 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
9.36 km
Pontrhydyfen Viaduct
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
18.9 km
Bwlch Mountain Climb from Treorchy
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
28.0 km
View of Bwlch from Bwlch Summit
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
28.0 km
Bwlch Mountain Climb from Treorchy
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
41.4 km
View of Hirwaun Common from Rhigos Climb
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
43.0 km
Rhigos Climb Viewpoint
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
It’s a solid climb although never too steep which starts in a dead straight line before bending left past the old Tower Colliery. The gradient increases as you enter the second long straight, after which the road twists right into a conifer plantation.
Ahead you’ll see the first of the two giant bends and if you look left you’ll spy the road climbing above you. As you head into a smooth, tight bend and swing back round, the slope increases slightly and the views out over the valley open up.
Easing slightly before the next turn but climbing steeper out of it, the pitch now ramps hard up the side of the mountain with a barrier on the left and a sheer rock face to the right. Sweeping round you now just have to push yourself on to finish over the brow past the car park on your right.
Tip by
54.7 km
Glynneath Hill Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Once you’ve negotiated the junctions in Glynneath the road bends right then rears up to disappear into the cover of trees where, with the last house behind you the reasonably busy road, lined with thick foliage either side, settles into its solid 6% gradient.
Heading in a direct straight line there’s no let up in the degree of the slope, nor in the amount of trees that obscure the view you are working so hard to enjoy. At roughly half distance there’s a left hand kink in the road and you enter the next long straight that will take you to the summit.
Ahead almost the entirety of the remainder of the climb is in view which gives you an idea of the work needed but could also be a hefty psychological blow.
Tip by
91.9 km
Sardis Hill
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Continuing to rise harshly past a couple of houses it’s not too long before you reach the gentle middle section. Take the chance to catch your breath here as before you know it the second ramp arrives to take you to the top.
Longer than the first hard stretch but not quite as steep it begins abruptly then fades as you approach the summit. Passing over a small bridge, the trees either side recede and the houses of Cimla begin before you arrive at the top at the small crossroads.
Tip by
106 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
62.3 km
20.6 km
20.2 km
1.73 km
488 m
178 m
115 m
Surfaces
99.4 km
5.52 km
380 m
211 m
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Elevation
Highest point (530 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 26 June
25°C
16°C
44 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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