The Brecons Bash, South Wales

In some ways, the Brecons Bash is an ode to the Roughstuff Fellowship, because there’s going to be a fair share of pushing involved, especially with a bikepacking setup. It doesn’t strive to be direct in any way, or shirk lofty cairns and the views they promise. But it also connects two classic Brecon Beacons National Park mountain bike rides, popularised by MBR’s Killer Loop magazine features, so there’s no shortage of white-knuckled descents too.

The ride starts in Merthyr Tydfil, whose fiery skies – back in its coal mining heydey, at least – were the inspiration for JRR Tolkien’s Mordor… Sustrans’ Taff Trail provides an easy, traffic-free conduit to the very foot of the Brecon Beacons National Park, from where the route works its way over the famous Gap Road between Cribyn and Fan y Big – backed with fine views of Pen y Fan, the highest point in southern Britain. Once you’ve enjoyed the fruits of your labour and descended once more, it’s then a case of running the nettle-lined bridleway gauntlet to Pennorth.

From there, the Brecon Bash hurdles (yet) another minor Welsh ridge with panoramic views from the trig point at Myndd LLangorse. Pick your way down the bridleway that descends from the ridge, hop across the precarious A479, then settle in for some committing ups and downs in a somewhat stoic, off-road loop around and over the Black Mountains – by way of stout hike-a-bike towards Grwyne Fawr Reservoir.

Despite the hard graft that’s often required, the Brecons Bash rewards its riders with a genuine feel for the Brecons Beacons from a ‘classic mountain biking’ perspective; it’s worth remembering that these mountains have drawn hardy riders long before the advent of nearby man-made trail centres. In fact, backed by wide and sweeping panoramas, it finishes with a fast, rock-strewn singletrack descent into Llanbedr, complete with moss-covered old bridges, that embodies Welsh natural mountain biking at its best. To round off the Bash, spin your way along country lanes to connect with the train in Abergavenny.

With strong legs, the right gearing, and a light setup, the Brecons Bash is mostly rideable. But the reality is that once fatigue sets in, you’ll probably find pushing up the route’s long, steep pitches a better strategy for reaching the cairns and trig points that mark its hilltops and ridges. In the height of summer, expect unkept alleyways of nettles, brambles, and forests of fern forests (check for ticks). After rain, slippery rocks, Welsh mud, and tyre-sucking grassland will likely become your foes.

But these challenges are very much part of the appeal (ticks aside). Because, despite its proximity to Bristol, Cardiff, Newport, and the Valleys – the mining settlements that fell into such decline when the coal pits began closing in the 1980s – this is a ride that’s surprisingly backcountry in feel. It’s perhaps best to think of it as a short but satisfyingly sharp weekend escape into a truly beautiful mountainscape. What’s more, you’ll likely be surprised by quickly complete peace (bar bleating sheep) prevail within so few miles of South Wales’ cities and towns.

Note that this route follows only bridleways and backroads. When the Welsh land reforms are enacted, as proposed in April 2019, many footpaths will become legal for cyclists to use. We’ll update the Brecons Bash when that happens… as new options will doubtlessly be created!

Difficulty: We’ve awarded this route a solid 7. Given the high population density in the area, you’re never too far from a village. Nor is the riding especially challenging. But because the steep-sided nature of the land, there’s rarely a flat mile to be enjoyed. There are a number of steep hike-a-bikes, most of which involve intermittent riding, depending on the individual. Plus, some micro-navigation will be required in places where bridleways are overgrown or rarely used, which will slow you down. Over the course of a couple of days – and with a bikepacking load – these will add to the effort required. The route is also best suited to a confident off road rider, as the ancient drovers’ roads can be very rough in places, and some of the singletrack is rocky and rutted. With the style of climbs typical to the Brecons, packing light will pay dividends.

From our sponsor; more content below...

From our sponsor; more content below...

From our sponsor; more content below...

From our sponsor; more content below...

From our sponsor; more content below...

Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route.

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.