Goreuon Brycheiniog a sir Faesyfed

Stop at the Tea Rooms for a well earned break after you've tackled this tough climb.

This is a spectacular climb in the Brecon Beacons located to the south of the River Usk valley. The climb is gradual and fun thanks to the switchbacks – a rare find in the UK!

You reach the summit at 1,829 feet (557 m), but there are fantastic views all the way up and down.

A great road to ride - be prepared for a few hills though.

Landscaping ride with climbs and descents

One of those mountain passes that's so remote they're usually reserved for those venturing off road. A narrow single track lane means you too can enjoy it on your skinny tyres! But watch out for sheep poo, this is Wales. Mudguards recommended in winter.

The early slopes are very shallow as you pass from one village to another all the way to Glyntawe where the scenery begins to open up and the routes merge. Passing the turn to Trescastle you continue on the A4067 to traverse the Fforest Fwar, the slope now noticeably increasing in pitch.

On the smooth wide road you inch up between the high valley sides that funnel you towards the summit and once you’re pedalling comfortably you should be able to maintain a similar speed all the way to the end. As the road sweeps round to the right you’ll notice the slight V cut in the horizon ahead, this is your goal and is reached after a couple of slight kinks in direction and an ever so slightly tougher finale

Absolutely beautiful, even in the cold and wet!

An undulating area of common land. It's a gentle climb from the Brecon side perfect for shaking off any cafe legs. The road is quite exposed so it can be a struggle if the wind is against you. A great warm-up if carrying on to climb The Devil's Elbow.

Llywel to Tirabad road. Through the Sennybridge training range to amazing views, smooth tarmac and virtually no cars. Just check there isn't any military training on first!

Blaen-y-glyn climb gives beautiful views of the Brecon Beacons on a clear day! Big descent on the other side! If you're not in a rush, pull over into the car park at the top and go and explore the waterfalls on foot.

Stunning spot and worth the extra few hundred metres detour if the plan is otherwise to simply ride around the reservoir.

You'll find brilliant gravel and forestry roads on one side of the reservoir and slick, smooth black tarmac on the other, the choice is yours.

The B4560 climb or descent through the switchbacks is a great road to ride in either direction. The high point is 518 m, and you start from either Llangynidr at 127 m in the north. Or Garnlydan at about 380 m in the south.

Steep climb, you're advised to stay seated, especially because of the moss but you will be rewarded with lovely views at the top.

A great view point on one of the main elan valley dams. Accessible to road bikes.

An amazing view point and almost alpine descent. Ride over the top of the moors from the mining valleys and see the amazing green of the Brecon Beacons below. You can see the lakes and hills stretching out in front of you and then drop down into the landscape at breakneck speed! Good road surface and some switchbacks make for a fun time descending. You can climb up it of course but remember to look behind you to catch the view.

The Devil’s Elbow epitomises the harsh beauty of hidden Wales. With its crumbling surface and neglected rusting barriers it weaves through beautifully rugged scenery presenting one of the toughest challenges of the event.

To start, leave the small village of Heol Senni, follow the river south, and begin the climb adjacent to a right-hand junction. The narrow strip of tarmac climbs and winds through twisted trees either side, easing a pinch as you cross the first of two cattle grids.

You feel like you’re in a truly isolated wilderness here as the road gradually climbs steeper up to two wicked hairpins: first sharp left and then sharp right, with a remorseless stretch in between them. Round the second hairpin and it eases to finish at the brow where the beauty of your surroundings will soon sooth any pain.

A lovely quiet road along the canal, this is a scenic alternative to the A40 that avoids the big climb up to Bwlch.

Especially gorgeous in the autumn months with the tree-lined way all shades of colours!