MONMOUTHSHIRE AND BRECON CANAL
Taly Rese
B4520
100 | Cycling World
SUSTRANS '
TRAFFIC-FREE CYCLE RIDE
MONMOUTHSHIRE AND BRECON CANAL
( ABERGAVENNY TO BRECON )
A470
A40
BRECON
THEATR BRYCHEINIOG
BRECON CASTLE & CATHEDRAL
B4601
8
8
8
LLANFRYNACH
A470
LLECHFA
A40
49
PENCELL
B R E C O N B E A C O N S www . sustrans . org . uk / CyclingWorld
TEXT BY WENDY JOHNSON
Distance : 22 miles Start : Llanfoist Village Hall , near Abergavenny
Finish : Theatr Brycheiniog , Brecon
Pentwyn Reservoir
NCN route number : 46 at the start only
Train stations : Abergavenny . No train station at Brecon but a Bike Bus with capacity for around 20 bikes operates between Brecon and Cardiff on Sundays and Bank Holidays from May to September
A470
8
Pontsticill Reservoir
PONT STICILL
4Cycling World
34
TERRAIN , GRADIENTS AND ACCESS
Mostly flat with a climb up to the towpath at the start and gentle climbing in the route ’ s second half . Tarmac path and stony trail , narrow and rugged in parts . Some gates and small road crossings with a short , quiet on-road section around Ashford Tunnel . Take care passing under low bridges running close to the water ’ s edge .
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
This long and meandering ride follows one of Britain ’ s prettiest towpath routes through the rural Vale of Usk , with remarkable mountainous scenery across the Brecon Beacons National Park . Start at the little wooded nature reserve at Llanfoist on the edge of Abergavenny before zig-zagging sharply upwards to join the banks of the canal . The dramatic scenery across The Black Mountains in the opening miles is impressive , with the giants of Skirrid and Sugar Loaf visible on the distant horizon . Within a few miles you ’ ll be near the little villages of Llangattock and Crickhowell , where the limestone cliffs of Llangattock Escarpment dominate the hillside to the left and the distinctive flat top of Crug Hywel ‘ Table Mountain ’ can be seen to the right . Thick woodland covers the slopes of the valley in parts so look out for red kites soaring over the treetops and for the impressive red country house of Gliffaes and its
Grade : Moderate
B4276
A4054
A4102
A470
A465
Italian-inspired bell tower poking out from between the trees at Myarth Hill . Locks are in noticeably short supply throughout this ride , which makes the five Llangynidr Locks a bit of a rare treat . They appear at around the halfway point and make a pretty spot for a mid-ride picnic while taking in the views . Alternatively , The Coach and Horses pub near the bottom lock has a scenic waterside beer garden .
After the Llangynidr Locks , watch boats disappearing into the long , dark Ashford Tunnel , before climbing up to join the short and quiet road that will take you around it . Back on the towpath , the pretty village of Talybont-on-Usk in the Central Beacons appears , where there are lovely traditional pubs in the village , or Talybont Stores and Canal Side Café for supplies and snacks . There ’ s also an opportunity here to leave the canal behind and head for the attractive Talybont Reservoir along a section of the renowned Taff Trail . In the final miles , cross the gushing River Usk on Brynich Aqueduct . Brecon is close now and the towpath is often busier with walkers and cyclists around here . End at Theatr Brycheiniog at Brecon Basin or follow the short road into the narrow streets of Brecon centre . The cathedral and the ruins of Brecon Castle overlooking the Rivers Usk and Honddu are both worth a visit .
A4054
A4060