Brecon, Merthyr Tydfil & Black Mountain loop from Llandovery — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
Brecon, Merthyr Tydfil & Black Mountain loop from Llandovery — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
2
riders
Brecon, Merthyr Tydfil & Black Mountain loop from Llandovery — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
07:21
142km
2,250m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 8, 2024
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
52.6 km
Talybont Reservoir West Shore
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
61.7 km
West Shore Road, Pontsticill Reservoir
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
87.0 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
110 km
Brynaman Bike Path
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
117 km
Black Mountain Climb from Pont Aber
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
It’s a kilometre into the slope before you escape Brynamman and enter the open land but from then on it is pure bliss. After two kilometres the road bends left as it rises above the valley below on your right. Meandering across the featureless landscape, exposed to whatever mother nature has in store the majestic strip of tarmac gradually makes its way towards the summit.
With no markers on the horizon, no sharp bends or features to focus on the ascent is a test for the mind and body. Grind out whatever gear you can on the consistent 6-7% slope all the way to the exposed plateau then get ready for the exhilarating descent.
Tip by
142 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
83.6 km
43.6 km
12.6 km
2.14 km
406 m
Surfaces
122 km
20.5 km
233 m
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Elevation
Highest point (490 m)
Lowest point (60 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 16 July
26°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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