Mountain biking routes

The Brecon Beacons has some of the very best terrain in Wales for mountain biking. Whatever type of riding you're looking for – fast descents, skills sessions or gentle off-road trails – you'll find a location to suit. Just don’t forget to take in the breathtaking scenery.

For mountain bike training, instruction or to join a group ride or event, get in touch with the activity companies listed below.

Where to go mountain biking

In the Brecon Beacons, we have several biking hotspots which make the perfect base for a mountain biking break.

Brecon Beacons mountain bike route maps are available from our visitor information centres and our online shop.

The towns and villages of Brecon, Crickhowell, Sennybridge, Talgarth and Talybont-on-Usk are all mountain biking, walking and adventure activity hubs.

Brecon, Sennybridge and Talybont-on-Usk are all good choices for newcomers to the sport, while Crickhowell and Talgarth have access to mountain bike trails which are gnarly enough to appeal to expert riders.

Top routes

In the West of the National Park:

Crychan Forest, nr Llandovery

Crychan Forest has always been popular and it has a number of cycling routes all suitable for families looking for off-road riding in a stunning location.

Choose from five varied routes which you can join from either of the four forest car parks:

Grade: Ungraded but if it was graded it would be Green – Easy

Distance: 4km – 14km

•Brynffo - Esgair Fwyog - 7.1km
•Golygfa Epynt - 13.5km
•Cwm Coed Oeron - 12.8km
•Allt Troedrhiwfer - 4km
•Allt Troedrhiwfer - Golygfa Epynt link - 4.9km

Find out more here

In the Central Beacons:

The Gap. This is one of the all time classics of the Beacons taking in the Brecon Canal, the Taff Trail, the Brinore Tramway and the very popular Gap Road.

Grade: Red

Distance: 30+km

Find out more about here route here

In the South of the National Park

Pontsticill Crossover

This figure of 8 shaped route is tougher than it looks on the map. The initial climb takes you up nearly 400m!

Grade: Red

Distance: 34km

Find out more about here route here

East of the National Park:

The Black Mountain Blitz

This route starts in Talgarth car park (or start this route from Crickhowell) 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.

Grade: Black

Distance: 55 km with nearly 2000m of ascent and descent.

Find out more about the route here.

Bike Park Wales

Bike Park Wales can offer you an incredible experience unlike anything else in the UK. With over 40 trails to choose from even the best riders will spend several blissfully adrenaline filled days exploring our hugely diverse trail network. Find out more here.

Bike guides and bike hire companies

Our bike guides and hire companies can set up anything from a simple day's bike hire to a complete package with equipment, accommodation, routes and guides all included, see our local businesses below.

Mountain biking routes