Bwlch Bryn-Rhudd – Pontrhydyfen Viaduct loop from Pyle

Bwlch Bryn-Rhudd – Pontrhydyfen Viaduct loop from Pyle

Hard

riders

Bwlch Bryn-Rhudd – Pontrhydyfen Viaduct loop from Pyle

07:56

162km

2,210m

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: August 22, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 117 km for 128 m

After 144 km for 313 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

27.1 km

The early slopes are very shallow as you pass from one village to another all the way to Glyntawe where the scenery begins to open up and the routes merge. Passing the turn to Trescastle you continue on the A4067 to traverse the Fforest Fwar, the slope now noticeably increasing in pitch.

On the smooth wide road you inch up between the high valley sides that funnel you towards the summit and once you’re pedalling comfortably you should be able to maintain a similar speed all the way to the end. As the road sweeps round to the right you’ll notice the slight V cut in the horizon ahead, this is your goal and is reached after a couple of slight kinks in direction and an ever so slightly tougher finale

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82.3 km

Devil's Elbow Climb from Heol Senni

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

The Devil’s Elbow epitomises the harsh beauty of hidden Wales. With its crumbling surface and neglected rusting barriers it weaves through beautifully rugged scenery presenting one of the toughest challenges of the event.

To start, leave the small village of Heol Senni, follow the river south, and begin the climb adjacent to a right-hand junction. The narrow strip of tarmac climbs and winds through twisted trees either side, easing a pinch as you cross the first of two cattle grids.

You feel like you’re in a truly isolated wilderness here as the road gradually climbs steeper up to two wicked hairpins: first sharp left and then sharp right, with a remorseless stretch in between them. Round the second hairpin and it eases to finish at the brow where the beauty of your surroundings will soon sooth any pain.

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84.6 km

Maen Llia Standing Stone

Highlight • Monument

According to legend, the stone goes down to the river, the Afon Llia to drink on occasion. This tall tale seems likely to be an allusion to the fact that its shadow is cast across the moorland as far as the river when the sun is low in the evening sky.

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113 km

View of Hirwaun Common from Rhigos Climb

Highlight • Viewpoint

Really nice view after a really nice climb. Perfect reward on a summers day

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125 km

View of Bwlch from Bwlch Summit

Highlight • Summit

Great climb with a nice view and maybe some ice-cream

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128 km

Bwlch Mountain Climb from Treorchy

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Think this is my favourite way up the Bwlch. There's pretty much always a view. Road surface is good. Drivers give space. Sheep tend to stay out of the road. One of the climbs that helped me make choice to move back to the valleys to have on my doorstep. Didn't get to on the 2020 Dragon Ride, as would've need lights by the time I got there, that I'd charged, then forgot to put on the bike :-( 2022, it's going to go better :-D

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144 km

Pontrhydyfen Viaduct

Highlight • Viewpoint

Pontrhydyfen is a small former coal mining community at the confluence of the River Afan and the Afon Pelenna. It is distinguished by two large 19th-century bridges that span the valley: a railway viaduct (the red bridge) and a former aqueduct, known as Y Bont Fawr ("The Big Bridge").

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162 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types