The Brecon Beacons (Short Version - less days, but more
miles per day) 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 the
longer mileage on day 2 and 5, together with a challenging day across The
Gospel Pass makes this one of our most demanding routes. Total 134 miles/
216km.
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 Brecon. 41 miles/ 66km. Cycle
along the border with England and Wales, crossing the dramatic OffaÕs Dyke
at Hergest Ridge. Then cross the toll
bridge to Hay on Wye (cyclists toll is 10p). Cycle around the base of the
Black Mountains to the mystical Llangorse Lake, 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 3. 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 4. 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. Hay is internationally known as a Òbook
townÓ with 30 book shops selling over a million books.
Day 5. Hay on Wye to Petchfield Farm. 33 miles/ 53km.
Plenty of time to explore Hay and all those bookshops before you start the
easy ride through the Black and White villages of North Herefordshire.
Unique half-timbered architecture in all the villages – including
medieval dovecots at Eardisland and Luntley. Finishing any time in the
afternoon, back at Petchfield Farm.
© Wheely wonderful cycling
