Ten of the best mountain bike trails in the Brecon Beacons & surrounds
cambrianescapes • 23 October 2019
Legendary black route mountain bike trails in the Brecon Beacons
The Black Mountains Blitz
This route starts in Talgarth car park (or start this route from Crickhowell at CP8) and is for advanced riders who are used to spending a whole day in the saddle.
It includes some epic climbs, white-knuckle descents and some great single-track sections. Taking in the heart of the Black Mountains range this route offers spectacular views of the National Park from several vantage points.
55 km with nearly 2000m of ascent and descent.
A Brecon Beacons classic route in the heart of the National Park taking in two mountains passes, Bwlch y Glasgwn (Blue Valley Pass) high above the Talybont Reservoir and the famous Bwlch ar y Fan, better known as the Gap Road. This is a full day out, with big views to match.
41 km climbing to a maximum height of 600m.
There is also a red route shorter version - just known as The Gap
This route is 24.4miles with 2,150 ft of ascending and takes about 3.5 hours.
Ungraded, but legendary. The Doethie Valley
gets continual accolades for being one of the best natural single tracks with the most stunning views in the UK.
This route is around 23km with a total climbing of 1130 meters. It takes on average around 3 - 4 hours
Grwyne Fawr Reservoir
This is a 51km route which reaches heights of around 700m. It is very open and takes you out of Talgarth to the top of Y Dâs. At the top you descend past Grwyne Fawr Reservoir and down to Mynydd Du Forest. You then make your way through the forest and along country lanes. There is a very steep descent past the church at Ffynon Ishow then a climb back up to the “cairn” at the ridge top at Pen Trumau. The descent to Talgarth takes you along lanes and tracks with one last climb to the base of Castell Dinas. It can also be ridden in revers
If you prefer camping to cottages check out our chilled out eco campsite with campfires and starry skies Dark Skies Camping
Best mountain bike red routes Brecon Beacons
Sarn Helen, Sennybridge
Starting in the village of Sennybridge a few miles east of us here in Llandovery. This is a challenging route and incorporates Sarn Helen, the roman road which runs the length of Wales. It is technical in places and can be exposed in bad weather. Tough but with great views in every direction and a real sense of achievement when you reach the finish!
28 km with a total ascent of nearly 800m
Pontsticill CrossoverThe Pontsticill trail is a figure of eight loop that starts with a 400m climb before descending to the half-way point of Pontsticill village. After the village you can choose between the Taff Trail forest route or the road alongside Pontsticill Reservoir, before going off-road and up to the figure of eight crossing and down to the Usk Valley just a few kilometres down the road from Talybont.
33.8km nearly 2600ft of ascent
Cwm Rhaeadr
packs a punch. Super views, waterfalls, twists and turns, it's a local favourite. Just a mile away from us here at Cambrian Escapes, it's red and meaty
6.7km of unadulterated fun
Best mountain bike green and blue routes Brecon Beacons & Carmarthenshire - Good for views, families and leisure riders
The trails in Brechfa Forest
offer something for novice riders but also cater for those who crave a more demanding venture. Located on the brink of the brooding Cambrian Mountains with views of the green Towy Valley, this huge forest in Carmarthenshire has all weather surfaces and is perfect all year round. The Derwen trail consists of two routes; a green route for novice riders and a blue route that can be used to improve your technical skill. Plus the fabulous Black Lion Abergorlech is nearby and they do the best cake.
Unlike other green trails Brechfa’s Derwen Trail isn’t all on forest roads, there are singletrack sections sculpted into the Oak forest, the steady climbs, fun descents and twists and turns will give you a real introduction to the challenges of mountain biking without being too challenging! There are also great spots to stop and take in the view and even a picnic table or two. Bring the family, start on the green route and progress to the blue.
The green Derwen Trail is 9.2 km long while the blue is 4.7km long, a total of 13.9km if you ride both.
Talybont on Usk
– Both the Taff Trail and the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal pass through Talybont-on-Usk and three routes go from this point. Car Parking is available at Henderson Hall, Penpentre, and it’s great if you intend to leave your car all day. There are also pubs, cafés and a range of accommodation in the town.
Tramway – Green – 8.9km – This trail follows the Taff Trail climbing up on a forest road before returning to the Brinore Tramway then descending to Talybont.
Talybont Forest
– Blue – 17.7km – Again this trail takes you on the Taff Trail up from Talybont. The Brinore Tramway then takes you a short way up into the forest before a descent to the Talybont Reservoir. You then cross to the other side of the valley for some hilly riding in Talybont forest. A rewarding trail with some fun descents.
Mynydd Illtud
A Brecon Beacons easy triangular route starting from the National Park Visitors Centre. A straightforward route on common land, flat farm tracks and undulating roads, with stunning views across to Corn Du, Pen y Fan and the Central Beacons throughout .T
7.5 km with less than 100m of ascent.
Usk Reservoir
The route starts at the Usk Reservoir dam near the source of the River Usk and offers spectacular views up onto the buttresses of Bannau Sir Gaer (the Carmarthen Fans) to the south. This is an easily navigated route on forest tracks and tarmac roads, it includes a small number of short sharp(ish) climbs may make it a little challenging for complete beginners.
11.5 km Total Ascent c.240m
If you want to stay in the area but prefer the freedom of camping to staying in a cottage, check out our small eco campsite Dark Skies
with campfires and starry skies.
Bike Park Wales
Just an hour away is Bike Park Wales with 40 single track options to suit beginner through to pro.
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