Tag Archives: brecon

Back to The Gap

March 31, 2019 Steffan James Leave a comment

Graham Burgess will be leading us again in Welsh Wales on Sunday 31st March starting from Talybont-on-Usk and taking in the iconic Brecon Gap Loop.

This ride is approximately 23 miles with around 2600ft of climbing and basically consists of two VERY LONG climbs and two equally long and brilliant descents…

The ride goes straight into the first climb, which is several miles long at a reasonably steady gradient, up ‘The Tramway’ with spectacular views back across Talybont Reservoir. We will probably be climbing for upwards of an hour!

The route then goes across open land before the first descent which is fast, rocky and lots of fun. We will then call into The Old Barn Tea Rooms.

Fully refreshed, we will take on the long-but-steady slog up to the top of The Gap (there is a bit of a “gem” en-route 🙂 ). After a breather and time to take in the views, we will smash out on the final descent – awesomeness at it’s very best!

Due to the technical nature and elevation, this ride is not suitable for novice riders, but anyone with reasonable skills and fitness is very welcome to join.

Bear in mind that this is ‘in the mountains’ – so bring suitable clothing, food/drink, spares and a fully working bike!

We will set off at 10:00am from Talybont-on-Usk. There is plenty of parking in The Village Hall carpark which also has hot showers and a superb bike wash facility.

PLEASE SEND GRAHAM A PM IN ADVANCE SO HE KNOWS WHO TO EXPECT AND ENSURE WE DONT SET OFF WITHOUT YOU!

Postcode for carpark LD3 7YQ

NOTE: several of us are doing the Evans Cycles Event the day before and will be staying over at the Star Bunkhouse in Bwlch (where we stayed for last Summer’s Brecon Weekend) on the Saturday night – price per person is £19.00 – you can book yourself a place by contacting them directly. There is a great pub directly opposite for evening meal and we will be self sufficient for breakfast.

Events, MBSwindon Event, Multiday

Brecon Trip 2018

July 13, 2018 Rafe Leave a comment

We are off to Brecon to sample the delights of the local riding. We have booked a bunk barn that sleeps up to twenty. Folks not staying at the bunk barn are welcome to join on the rides. The rough plan is:-

Friday meet up at Cwmcarn about 11 ride both trails. Get to the bunk barn for 4.30. Go to the pub for refreshments.

Saturday local led ride with some hills, 3 hour loop, lunch, kip, then a pub ride down the canal and round the reservoir in the afternoon / evening, social like.

Sunday Brecon gap from the door with extra loop for those who want it, possible “mile” (5,280 feet or 1,609m) of climbing involved.

Monday – load the vehicles, local bimble, lunch then go home.

For more info please contact Tom Scott

Ride Report

Ride report: Brecon gap 12th Aug 2012

August 12, 2012 Rafe 1 Comment

This was a mid week ride organised by Tony Holmes. There was a fair amount of rain falling when we gathered in the Pencelli camp site and it turned that I was not alone in looking for excuses not to turn up.

Once we were moving then the trip started to seem like a very good idea. From Talybont we followed the Brinore tram road to the top of the hill. The general levels of dampness increased and a chill set in as we huddled under some trees after crossing the top of the hill.

Tony had a cunning plan that would cut a bit of boring road out. A fast descent along a fire road took us onto the reservoir tramway.

Keen train spotters will be interested to hear that the Brecon Valley railway uses the line of the old Brecon and Merthyr Junction railway.

After a river crossing the route then worked its way up to the gap. This section seemed a lot shorter and less steep than I remembered it being from years ago. The weather had positively improved by this stage.

Sadly, the main gap descent was tidied up recently, so the rocky steps are less steep. All the same the top section is still a fun descent with great views.

There’s a lot of down to do before the route reaches the roads on the north side of the Brecons. The obvious track at Bailea was missed out due to it being overgrown. The bridleway to Llanfrynach gave a final bit of entertainment before the final leg along the canal back to the camp site.

We called in at the Royal Oak in Pencelli for an evening meal.

Thanks to Tony for leading the ride.

Brecon gap route map OS Map, GPX, Mapmyride.