How to Cycle in the Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons National Park is a delight for all cycling enthusiasts.

The Brecon Beacons are a mountain range in South Wales and comprise the southern boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Roman remnants dating back to A.D. 43 are found throughout the Brecon Beacons, including a Roman wall marking the route from the lowlands to the ancient village of Brecon. The beauty of the Brecon Beacons is enjoyed by cyclists throughout the year. Mountain-bike enthusiasts and touring cyclists all enjoy a wide panorama of breathtaking vistas and challenging routes, from day trips to 300-mile journeys.

Instructions

1. Study maps of the Brecon Beacons to determine your route. Traffic-free paths, towpath cycling, mountain-terrain routes and forest trails are only some of choices for a cycling adventure.

2. Determine the length of your journey. If you are cycling for the day your provisioning will be considerably different than if you choose the 240-mile Lon Los Cymru path.

3. Hire a guide and a bicycle for a day if you are a cyclist and just wish to tour the Welsh mountains. Tours from six to twenty miles are offered for day trippers.

4. Tackle one of the 14 mountain-bike trails in the Brecon Beacons. All are single track and offer challenges from easy to difficult and trips lasting a day or several days.

5. Know your terrain. The Brecon Beacons offer winding lanes below and treacherous mountainside cliffs above. Cycling maps give specific routes for differing abilities.

6. Choose your season. Winter can be especially difficult and tricky, with a fast fog, mist or snowfall descending onto the mountains without warning.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a bicycle helmet.

• Carry some money and a compass.

• A mobile phone may not work everywhere in the Brecon Beacons.

• Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return if you are cycling without a guide.

• A small first-aid kit is suggested.

• Stay away from posted areas. The Royal Regiment of Wales is based near Brecon and use the Brecon Beacons as a training ground, including small-arms practice firing. The S.A.S. (Special Air Assessment) train in the Brecon Beacons and the Ghurkha Rifles are based near Brecon. For your safety, do not cross into these areas.

References

• Brecon Beacons National Park

Resources

• Brecon Beacons: Cycling
• National Cycle Network: Book of Maps: South Wales
• Wales Cycle Breaks: Downloadable maps
• Mountain Biking: Brecon Beacons