A techy two-dayer over the Brecon Beacons Gap trail

Mountain Biking Collection by Jamie

Tours

16:53 h

93.1 mi

8,225 ft

A two-dayer starting in Risca and heading north towards the Brecon Beacons, then back along the canal and over some big South Wales climbs.

This one isn't for the faint-hearted and involves two big days of ridng, lots of climbing and some proper technical descending.

You'll want a bike that can handle loose rocks and cover long distances and you'll want to make sure you're kitted out for big, cold, exposed windy mountains. There are times when you'll be pretty far away from a road and riding some challenging stuff so pack anything you might need to sort yourself out or get rescued :-)

The route includes lots of traffic-free and off-road and generally steers away from busy roads as much as possible.

The Gap descent is long, rough, windy, rocky and far better suited to a full-suspension mountain bike than a gravel bike, but plenty rideable on the drops if you're up for a challenge. It could well be pretty tough in hard weather so please do a bit of research before you go!

You'll end day one at the YHA Danywenallt, next to Talybont Reservoir with options to relax at the hostel (they do food and drinks) or head down to the village.

Enjoy!

> yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-brecon-beacons-danywenallt
> m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063607869352&_rdr
> talybontstores.co.uk
> facebook.com/thestartalybont
> facebook.com/thewalnuttreecafebar
> baffleculture.com

On The Map

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The Brecon Beacons Gap trail loop

92.0 mi

7,450 ft

Last updated: March 11, 2022

Tours & Highlights

Day 1: Risca to Talybont and over The Gap
08:40
46.0 mi
5.3 mph
4,825 ft
4,425 ft
Day 1 is a real mix of that classic South Wales urban-meets-rural and some proper out-there Brecon Beacons middle of nowhere stuff. It heads up into the hills above the Sirhowy valley, over Trefyl Quarry, down a very fun, rocky descent to Pontsticill Reservoir then up and over the mighty Gap.

The Gap…
by Jamie
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Day 2: Talybont, down the canal, up some big hills and back to Risca
08:13
47.1 mi
5.7 mph
3,400 ft
3,750 ft
Day 2 starts with a big gravel climb straight from the hostel with some epic views of Talybont Reservoir, followed by some old school MTB descending down to the other side.

You'll then spin your legs out for 40km down the pancake-flat Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal before the climbing really starts…
by Jamie
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