Bannau Brycheiniog
by Cycle
by Cycle
A five-part touring adventure across the Welsh national park
- 2023 -
Introduction
Formally known as the Brecon Beacons, Bannau Brycheiniog is now recognised by it's proper Welsh name dating back to the early medieval kingdom that once dominated this mountainous region rising between Mid and South Wales.
The park is comprised of four distict mountain ranges which form a continuous massif of high ground all above 300 metres (1,000 feet) and cover nearly 520 square miles. The four areas include; the Black Mountains, the Central Beacons, Fforest Fawr and the Black Mountain (Mynydd Du).
Established in 1957 as a national park, Bannau Brycheiniog contains three of South Wales highest mountain peaks. (Pen y Fan, 2,907 ft., Corn Du, 2,864 ft., and Craig Gwaun Taf, 2,710 ft.) The park is both legendary and spectacular.
The park is comprised of four distict mountain ranges which form a continuous massif of high ground all above 300 metres (1,000 feet) and cover nearly 520 square miles. The four areas include; the Black Mountains, the Central Beacons, Fforest Fawr and the Black Mountain (Mynydd Du).
Established in 1957 as a national park, Bannau Brycheiniog contains three of South Wales highest mountain peaks. (Pen y Fan, 2,907 ft., Corn Du, 2,864 ft., and Craig Gwaun Taf, 2,710 ft.) The park is both legendary and spectacular.
In 2016, the Beacons National Park Authority along with Sustrans Cymru created a unique long-distance cycling route; Cycle Across the Beacons and from when I first heard of it, I had been wanting to cycle this route. This is my report from June of 2023 when I finally had my chance.
The original route was designed to start in Llandeilo, then travel east for approximately 60 miles to the town of Abergavenny. However, I had other plans. I wanted to cycle the route in the opposite direction. Starting from our home in Oakdale, I would first cycle north to Abergavenny where I would then join the Cycle Across the Beacons route and head west across to Llandeilo.
At Llandeilo I planned to extend my adventure further by turning south toward the village of Ammonford. From there I would join NCN Route 437 heading east to Glyneath where I would then join NCN Route 46 to Hirwaun, followed by NCN Route 478 to Abercynon, and lastly NCN Route 47 to Hengoed. This would make the overall ride into a large loop circling around most of the Bannau Brechieniog National Park.
Additionally, I wanted to visit Carreg Cennan Castle (near Trapp). I'm very interested in medieval Welsh and English history and I had been wanting to visit this famous castle for years. To tie these two adventures together became a perfect trip.
The map shown above indicates each ride by day, as well as the overall route.
Overview
This feature is divided into five smaller reports to reflect each day of riding and to better manage the large number of photographs included. You can read about each day's adventure by selecting the specific section below.
DAY ONE
Oakdale to Crumlin, then across to Pontypool on NCN Route 466 . Joining NCN Route 49 at the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and heading north to the village of Talybont-on-Usk.
DAY TWO
Began day cycling along M&B canal to the town of Brecon. where I then joined the road to to Sennybridge, Trecastle, the high plateaus of Bannau Brycheiniog, ending in the day at the village of Trapp.
DAY THREE
I explored Cerrag Cennen Castle for most of the day, hiking up & back from the campground. This was followed by a short cycle to the nearby village of Llandybie and back for supplies.
DAY FOUR
My journey home began with a steady climb, some impressive views, and an overall relaxed day ending at a wonderful lakeside campground in Glyneath.
DAY FIVE
The day started off lovely, but within an hour it diminished into steady rain that followed me for the remainder of the day and all the way home.
This was a relatively modest excursion covering five days of cycling with one day in the middle for exploring Carreg Cennan Castle on foot. I stayed in campgrounds; sleeping in my tent all four nights, self-supported — carrying most all the food I needed as well.
Overall, it was an exceptional trip.I had some rain, but it was completely manageable. My tent and assorted gear performed flawlessly — especially my lovely Dawes Galaxy. Would I make this trip again? Most certainly! However, I'd make some small changes by including an extra day to visit Llandeilo and Castell Dinfawr Next time!
Overall, it was an exceptional trip.I had some rain, but it was completely manageable. My tent and assorted gear performed flawlessly — especially my lovely Dawes Galaxy. Would I make this trip again? Most certainly! However, I'd make some small changes by including an extra day to visit Llandeilo and Castell Dinfawr Next time!
| Meanwhile... click below to get this adventure started! | ||
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Day One: Oakdale to Talybont-on-Usk | |
I wish to thank Sustrans Cymru for all the hard work they do to develop and maintain the National Cycle Network in Wales. Most all of my adventure was on traffic-free cycle paths or low-traffic country lanes as per their designations.
