Got a family weekend coming up in the Brecon Beacons, i've got a few hours window to get out for a solo ride on the Saturday so looking at doing the Gap Loop. It looks just my cup of tea with a nice long mountain climb to get me teeth into, a few rocky descents and some epic views. Avoiding super techy stuff suits me on this occasion as i'll be riding solo.
I'm wondering if an OS Map will be needed or is it well signposted? I don't have a GPS apart from Strava etc on my smartphone.
Any advice/tips would be appreciated.
[url] http://www.mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Bases/Brecon_Beacons/The_Gap/The_Gap.aspx [/url]
A map would be useful, yes. It's not a trail centre, nothings sign posted other than a few bridleway signs.
Thanks Horatio, i'll buy an OS map when we get there. I've done all the trails centres round there so want something different this time, a natural loop sounds good 😀
the OS mapfinder APP is worth trying
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/brecon-beacons-6
mtbguiding - Member
I could be cheeky and suggest http://www.walking-books.com/Wales-Mountain-Biking.html Esp, as I used to live in the Beacons.
The Gap's wonderful for the big mountain feel, the big Grwyne Fechan Black Mountain Loop - as featured in Singletrack magazine a few issues back - is a much better outing but it's pretty big. Email me if you want GPXs/more info - email on profile.
cant recomend tom's book enough. are you on that strava, i've done it twice in the last 2 months so can send you the routes and you can choose. there are a couple of which way should i go points but it was good for a mountain newbie like me 😳
I never need an excuse to do the gap again. Drop me an email, if I'm free when you up I'd be happy to guide you around.
Its out doors, in Wales.
Get an OS map (one made of paper that doesn't rely on batteries or a signal)
From experience, the weather at the start/bottom can be very different from the top. There are no easy short cuts if you get out of your depth.