Brecon Beacons MTB

Some great MTB routes in the Brecon Beacons National Park are located in trail centres and some are out in the open reaching heights of 800M+. One of our favourite routes is the Mynydd Du Circuit. This route takes you through the Black Mountain (Mynydd Du) range, offering breathtaking views and a mix of gravel tracks and singletrack. The 40-kilometre circuit includes steep climbs, technical descents, and sections of exposed moorland. It's a challenging route suited for experienced riders looking for a more remote and rugged mountain biking experience.

Other very good trails in the park are listed below

Gap Road and Cwm Carno Loop: This is a popular circular route that starts at the Gap Road car park. It takes you through picturesque valleys, along forest tracks, and includes a challenging climb up to the highest road in Wales. The descent into Cwm Carno offers a thrilling ride, and the route provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Twrch Trail: The Twrch Trail is a purpose-built mountain bike trail located in the Cwmcarn Forest Drive. It's a 15-kilometer singletrack loop with a mix of technical climbs, fast descents, and flowing sections. The trail is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders and offers an exciting and challenging ride through the forest.

Taff Trail: Although not entirely within the Brecon Beacons, the Taff Trail is a long-distance trail that passes through the southern part of the national park. It stretches for approximately 88 kilometers from the outskirts of Cardiff to the town of Brecon. The trail follows a mix of canal towpaths, disused railways, and forest tracks, offering a varied and scenic ride through the Welsh countryside.
 

The Brecon Beacons National Park covers an area of approximately 1,344 square kilometres in South Wales. It is one of the three national parks in Wales, along with Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire Coast. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, rolling hills, valleys, waterfalls, and reservoirs. The highest peak in southern Britain, Pen y Fan, is located within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Pen y Fan is the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park and stands at an elevation of 886 meters (2,907 feet). It is a popular destination for hikers and offers stunning panoramic views from its summit. You have an awesome view of Pen y Fan on the Brecon Beacons Gap ride. Another high peak we pass under and around on our MTB rides in the park is Fan Brycheiniog (Fan Foel), also known as Fan Foel, is located in the Black Mountain range and reaches a height of 802 meters (2,631 feet). It offers scenic views and is a popular destination for hikers exploring the western portion of the Brecon Beacons.
 

If you are looking to hire a bike in the Brecon Beacons then you have many options with local shops stocking some excellent hire bikes. With bikes ranging from hardtails to full suspension e-bikes, the choice is huge and there is a bike for every type of terrain in the park. Ensure you have decent brakes and tyres, the terrain can be steep and 100% rocky. 

• Bikes and Hikes is a bike hire company based in the village of Talybont-on-Usk, near Brecon. They offer a range of mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and electric bikes for hire. They also provide guided tours and have various routes available to explore the Brecon Beacons.
   
• Drover Cycles is a bike shop located in Hay-on-Wye, which is near the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. They offer bike hire services, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and electric bikes. Drover Cycles also provides advice on local routes and trail information.
   
• Pugh's Cycle Hire is situated in the village of Brecon, the gateway to the Brecon Beacons. They offer a range of bikes for hire, including mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and children's bikes. Pugh's Cycle Hire also provides maps and advice on cycling routes in the area.
   
• Biped Cycles is a bike shop and hire service located in Builth Wells, which is in close proximity to the southern part of the Brecon Beacons. They offer a selection of mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes for hire, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
   

Make sure you have the correct tools and spare parts is you are going to do one of the larger rides in the park like the Breacon Beacons Gap of the Black Mountain Beast as they do take you a long way away from most villages and phone signal can be bad. Also, take the correct clothing and food as the weather can change quite quickly and no one wants to get hungry on the trail. A first aid kit is also a must! Fair to prepare prepare to fail! 
 

Travelling to the Brecon Beacons National Park can be done by various means of transportation, depending on your starting point and preferences. If you have access to a car, driving is a convenient way to reach the Brecon Beacons National Park. The park is well-connected by major roads, including the A40, A470, and A465. You can use GPS or online maps to navigate to your desired destination within the park. There are several parking areas available for visitors at popular starting points for hikes or attractions.

The Brecon Beacons can be accessed by public transportation, although services may be more limited. The nearest train stations to the park are Abergavenny, Merthyr Tydfil, and Neath, which have connections to major cities like Cardiff and Swansea. From these stations, you can take local buses or taxis to reach specific locations within the park. 
 

If you have any questions regarding mountain biking in the Brecon Beacons please use the contact form below and one of our friendly team will get back to you asap.