The Brecon Beacons dominate the landscape of the Welsh
borders - wherever you go you can see the spectacular mountain of Pen y Fan
looming in the distance. But around the base of the mountains is the River
Usk - and this provides the perfect cycling route into the Beacons. This
tour leads you down to the River Wye and on to the Cathedral town of
Brecon, Crickhowell & past the stunning ruins of Llanthony Abbey, over
Gospel Pass (and the Black Mountains) and back up the Wye valley.
The cycling is easy to moderate in the valleys - but one
challenging day across The Gospel Pass! Total 134 miles/ 216km.
Opportunities for longer rides each day.
Day 1. Petchfield Farm to Presteigne. 15 miles/ 24km.
Cycle on idyllic country lanes and cross the River Lugg to cycle into
Wales. Presteigne is home to the unique Judges Lodging museum & to many
arts events
Day 2. Presteigne to Hay on Wye. 21 miles/34km. Cycle
along the border with England and Wales, crossing the dramatic OffaÕs Dyke
at Hergest Ridge. Over Brilley Mountain, visit the National TrustÕs Cwmmau
farmhouse. Finish the day by crossing the toll bridge to Hay on Wye.
Dominated by its castle, Hay is internationally known as a Òbook townÓ with
30 book shops selling over a million books.
Day 3. Hay on Wye to Brecon. 20 miles/ 32km. Cycle
around the base of the Black Mountains to the mystical Llangorse Lake (with
its ancient ÒCrannogÓ), and on into the Cathedral town of Brecon. Brecon is
a lively town, with a canal & waterside theatre, & local museums
celebrating Brecons' military links.
Day 4. Brecon to Crickhowell. 16 miles/ 26km. Plenty
of time to explore Brecon, then take a leisurely cycle ride along the
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal - one of the most beautiful sections of
canal in the country. Detour to explore the Talybont Reservoir. The ride
ends at Crickhowell's superb bridge (WalesÕ longest bridge). Crickhowell
is a grand Georgian coaching town with a reputation for good eating places
Day 5. Crickhowell to Hay on Wye. 29 miles/ 47km. A
challenging day. Cycle up the Vale of Ewyas to the picturesque ruins of
Llanthony Abbey (the Abbey Hotel is a great place for lunch). Then
continue over Gospel Pass for fantastic views from Hay Bluff and a great
downhill ride into Hay on Wye.
Day 6. Hay on Wye to Black and White Villages. 16-25
miles (26-40km). Plenty of time to explore Hay and all those bookshops
before you start the easy ride through the Black & White villages of
North Herefordshire, with their half timbered architecture. Visit
WeobleyÕs tearooms, Dunkerton's cider farm, the New Inn (only 600 years
old) and unique church bell tower in Pembridge.
Day 7. Black & White Villages to Petchfield Farm.
12-21 miles (19-34km). On your last cycling make a short detour to treat
yourself to a Grand National Trust tea at Berrington Hall, then return to
Petchfield Farm along the edge of the Mortimer Forest. Finishing any time
in the afternoon, back at Petchfield Farm.
© Wheely wonderful cycling
