Cycling adventures in the Brecon Beacons
Get active in the Brecon Beacons National Park. This three-day cycling itinerary gives you the best ways to enjoy bike activities in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Day One – Merthyr Tydfil to Brecon (following Sustrans Route 8) – Railway station Merthyr Tydfil.
23 miles – 2 ½ hours cycling
Heading north out of Merthyr, you soon cross into the National Park and rise steadily towards the Torpentau Pass, following the route of the old railway line. The route goes along the Taff Trail over the Brecon Beacons below Pen y Fan and drops down to the charming canalside town of Talybont-on-Usk. Follow the tow path for gentle cycling on to Brecon.
Cafés on the way –
Brecon Mountain Railway cafés at Pant and Pontsticill https://www.bmr.wales/
Canalside Café, Talybont
The Royal Oak, Pencelli
Waterfront Café, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
Stay at one of the many comfortable rooms in Brecon. Gremlin Lodge has modern cottages on a B&B basis and eat fantastic pies at The Brecon Tap or travel on another few miles to the Felin Fach Griffin to stay and or eat in their award-winning restaurant.
Bike hire & spares
https://www.bikeparkwales.com/bike-shop
Day Two – Brecon to Glasbury (following Sustrans Route 8 then 42) cycling time 3 ½ hours 35 miles
Head North from Brecon taking in small country lanes until you reach the River Wye at Glasbury and head towards the Black Mountains. Rising steadily towards spectacular views at Lord Hereford’s Knob (a hill!) you will then cycle along Wales’s highest road at The Gospel Pass before heading down the Vale of Ewyas. This hidden valley has places of note including the skewed little church at Cwmyoy, and the romantic ruined priory at Llanthony. Finish your ride at Abergavenny and treat yourself to a High Tea at The Angel.
Cafés on the way –
Talgarth Mill Café & Bakery, Talgarth
Honey Café, Bronllys
Llanthony Priory Hote
Angel Hotel Abergavenn
Kings Head Hotel Abergavenny
Stay at either The Angel or The Kings Head Hotels, both with great restaurants.
Bike hire & spares
http://www.drovercycles.co.uk/
tation, or return to Merthyr Tydfil for day 3
Day 3 – Abergavenny to Merthyr Tydfil (Sustrans Route 46) 21 miles cycling time 2 ½ hours
This last day takes in the Heads of the Valleys with the Brecon Beacons to the north and the south Wales industrial heritage never far away. In the first section, take time to visit this section of the canal, with a wharf at Govilon that is popular with walkers, and Cyfartha Castle when you reach the end of the route.