| Physical | Technical | Fun | Scenery | Singletrack | Rideability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **** | **** | ***** | ***** | ***** | **** |
Photo courtesy of Carl Ryan
There is a fair amount of confusion about the difference between the 'Black Mountains' and 'Yr Mynydd Ddu' or 'Black Mountain'. Both lie in the Brecon Beacons National Park, but at opposite ends. The Black Mountain, or Mynydd Ddu, is a vast empty area of high moorland and mountain, rising to over 800 metres. It is crossed by a series of paths, some passable; others less so, some traceable, whilst others leave a lot to the imagination and the ability to use a map and compass. This is a seriously empty, fantastic place.
I have attempted to translate some of the place names, they can be quite telling.
Probably the best place to start is the Cross Inn, Llanddeusant, near Llandovery. Tel 01550 740617. (Grid Ref 773 259) See this website for details and views of the general area of the ride. The pub is just what is needed for the weekend.
So, to the meat of the route.
Cross the road from the pub, heading south down an increasingly steep lane, perhaps cutting off the corner under the bushes at Cwmllechach, (Rocky valley, 774 273) Nice and steep on loose red rock. Go for it. Continue up past the stream to the Youth Hostel at Llanddeusant (The church of two saints, 777 246), an alternative place to stay, but it has no beer and no warm up for the ride. The choice is yours.
Down (South) once again, losing all that hard won height to the Afon Sawdde. There are a good few tales about this river, further up it's the 'Lady in the Lake', whilst downstream it makes for some whitewater canoeing epics. Once over the bridge the tarmac abruptly ends at Gellygron (778 237) and you have to climb, climb, climb. Up as far as the fridd wall (the intake or mountain wall, boundary) it is really steep and obvious. I find it seriously hard work, so enjoy… once at the fridd (781 232) the route becomes less distinct, but just keep on heading up and south all the time. Rhiw Fer (Short platform, or perhaps a levelling in the slope) doesn't live up to its name and is horribly steep. After this you will meet plenty more hills, but nothing as bad. At the top is some excellent barren singletrack leading to the quarries, now little more than rocky outcrops.
Photo courtesy of Carl Ryan
At the old quarries at Carreg yr Ogof (The cliff of the cave, 781 215) stop, park up and wander over to the summit at 585 m. A good view.
From here to Pen Rhiw Goch ('The top of the red hillside' 782 211) is more excellent narrow singletrack as far as the indistinct junction at Cwterydd Blaen Twrch Fechan (something to do with the head of the valley of the Little Twrch river 786 209).
The navigation begins to get a bit tricky here, if in doubt, try to stay high on the hillslope but don't over exert yourself, as you do finally need to lose height. You are heading for the river crossing at 'Ford', 802 197, where a track is marked on the map. And the rest. The track finally picks up at Twll Tal Ddraenen (807 190, 'Hole in the end of the thorns')
There is now six kilometres of singletrack bliss. The 'Trailbreak Iron Lemming' did this bit uphill, but I far prefer it this way- you decide). Head southeast down through the rocky outcrops. Just follow your nose until it looks like it is really going to drop down to the valley, big time. This should be near some more old quarries, again little more than grassy rockfaces near the junction at 837 164. Take a hard left, heading steeply down, northeast to the Afon Haffes river crossing. And then down past the farm to the main road at the Gwynn Arms Pub. Time to stoke up on carbohydrates, although I prefer the Tafarn y Garreg about one kilometre up the valley.
Road work now, sorry. Show those gutterbunnies what you are made of on the lane leading up over the moor from Pont Tywynni (850 172) towards Trecastle. It is a 230m climb; enjoy it over the six or so kilometres it takes. It is worse on the ground than it looks on the map.
Then down, down through Bwlch Cerrig Dduon (the pass of the black rocks) to Glasfynydd Forest (Blue Mountain Forest). The tracks and route finding here is a nightmare after the trees felled during the storms of November 2000 so carry on down the road to the road junction at 861 248. Turn left, northwest. Left again at Meity Fawr (851 257) and left/straight on-ish at Caerllwyn (846 258). By the time you have climbed the kilometre or so to Blaenau Uchaf (Upper Valley Head)(839 257) the hardtop has run out. Another kilometre to the head of the valley (829 257) and then turn right, north, towards the forest. Go past the sheep pens and into the forest. Beware of any gingerbread houses you might come across, and don't talk to strangers. Head down and left at each junction. If in doubt, just head downhill. You will eventually arrive at the river Usk bridge at Pont'ar Wysg (819 272).
Wash your bikes here. Then cycle in a leisurely but 'I definitely deserve that pint' type way back to the pub, five or so kilometres west along the road. The road goes west across the moor, with spectacular views southwards to the mountain scarp that you rode up at the start of the ride. Once the cattle grid is crossed the land of fields and hedges is regained, and the Cross Inn soon after.
Photo courtesy of Carl Ryan
All in all, an excellent day out.
Editors Note: Although this route is not far from civilisation it is recommended you go well prepared, as the Black Mountain is a barren, desolate and lonely place. You should ensure you have a proper map (Not just a printed one from this site!) and a compass and be prepared to test your navigation skills. This route follows a track, which may not be visible on the ground for kilometres at a time and should only be undertaken if you are confident you are able to navigate using map and compass. It is also recommended that you ride this route only in good weather conditions and not alone. Happy riding - James.
Photo courtesy of Carl Ryan
Last Updated 24-06-2007
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