Starting on Friday morning 7 of us set off from Llandeilo, cycling along tiny lanes to reach Llanddeusant where after a steep descent a long grind started off-road to get to the summit of Tyle Du at 585m.
Wales was at it’s best with sunny, warm weather and very little wind. The views stretched as far as Swansea Bay to the south. The Black Mountain is very desolate with indistinct tracks, stream crossings and a large bog area. Only one person went over their bars when their front wheel sunk deep into the bog. After this a great descent that finished at the Wales National Showcaves (Dan-yr-Ogof). Crossing over a main road and having to make a detour as a local had removed a bridge over a river that was on his property. He was not too keen on cyclists as we found out.
Another climb up to some quarries and more climbing on a disused rail route once used for the steel industry, onto forestry trails, stream crossings, fast descents and rocky climbs, touching on Sarn Helen. The day finished in Ystradfellte where there is a good Bunkhouse, campsite and pub.
Lots of food and refreshments ready for another day in the mountains.
Day two started with a road climb to Sarn Helen (this is an ancient drovers route between north and south Wales). Passing through a valley that is as true to the original state of the mountains before forestry, sheep farming and industry. Beautiful greenery, scotch pine trees, streams etc. Continuing on to the Beacons Visitor Centre for some quick refreshments before the ascent of The Gap 599m ( the pass between the peaks of Pen-y-Fan and Fan-y-Big).
Being a bank holiday weekend this was where we saw our first walkers and cyclists. Space for everyone and great to see so many people enjoying the great outdoors.
Onwards to ride on the high ground above Talybont Reservoir, using some of the Beacons Way to finish the day at Bwlch. Again a good Bunkhouse and pub. More food and refreshments and the luxury of a room each in the bunkhouse.
Day three started with a long climb on grass up Mynydd Llangorse to 508m, some fast descending then onto the climb of Y Das to eventually get to the highest point in the Black Mountains at 713m. Lots of drainage ditches and rocks then a beautiful ridge ride to descend to our final destination at Pandy (Abergavenny).
There was beautiful weather the whole 3 days making the ride very special, if it had been wet it would have been a very difficult ride. Scenery throughout was stunning, with wildlife highlights of hearing a cuckoo every day, having an angry grouse threatening us when we stopped (accidentally) by it’s nesting site, red kites etc
Approx 150km and 3500m climbing
This was a supported ride with our kit being transported, food and water supplied.
A great experience.
Author: Val Ravenhill
Date: 29 May 2023
