Am after some route suggestions (gpx would be lovely) for a ‘Gap-esque’ route in the black mountains. Looking for lovely views over hard climbs/techy descent, i enjoy those but can do them at home!

Currently looking at Mynydd Troed and Llangorse
drover cycles link

or
Crug MawrMBR

thanks

Both the ones you suggest are good, although Crug Mawr is fairly short if you want a longer day. Not sure how long you have or where you are planning to start from though?

The black route on the drover cycles link is brilliant, but it is long and tiring. I think WMB had a route that went from Hay on Wye (or nearby) up Y Das, down to Grwyne Fawr reservoir, over the ridge on a bridleway near Chwarel Y Fan, down to the Vale of Ewyas, then up a bridleway to near Lord Hereford’s Knob and down and back to Hay. Have a look on Bing Maps OS layer. From what I remember reading the descent into vale of Ewyas was great, and I enjoyed the ride from Y Das to the reservoir. Still a proper day out.

Not a helpful link but as a picture: http://www.mbr.co.uk/publication/mountain-bike-rider/mbr-may-2016

EDIT: I was walking nearby last week and it is very dry at the moment so ideal conditions.

Thank you faustus, i remember that article (and giggling at lord hereford’s knob) ill have a dig around and see what i can find.

Im Gloucester based and have done the gap a couple of times and enjoy it, just looking at alternatives but yes a day out is ideal.

Nice – well go for the WMB route or longer black route – proper mountain day out!

v666ern – That MBR route is pretty tough if I’m honest, no easy ups and one of the techiest descents I’ve ever done. Let me know if you want a gpx.

I did it last year: https://www.strava.com/activities/592079654

Fathomer, distance wise looks spot on. Could i have the gpx please, am planning on just taking my time on it, have no time constraints for once so going to make the most of it.
Im far from against taking my ‘bike for a walk’ when you have scenery like that!

Drop me an pm and I can sort you out any number of options

Welsh farmer will sort you out, but all routes should start from Llanthony Priory – FACT!

Marko

We’ve done the Drover Cycles one a few times – except starting from Crickhowell (excellent breakfast at the cafe just off the high st). I’ve got a GPX somewhere if you change your mind. Two options – either the trudge up Y Das or – if you’re feeling adventurous – go straight up and over the top to get you up to the ridge way earlier.

Climb up

[url=https://flic.kr/p/ABhJKr]Brecon Beacons – above the clouds ride[/url] by Alex Leigh, on Flickr

Above the clouds
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ABjJLK]Brecon Beacons – above the clouds ride[/url] by Alex Leigh, on Flickr

Stil waters
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ABgU1T]Brecon Beacons – above the clouds ride[/url] by Alex Leigh, on Flickr

Makes me want to go back now! Not done that route this year yet.

Sam – thanks for that going to use your route!

Alex – that’ll be next on the list then – cheers!