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Am pondering a trip to ride in the Brecons, haven't been over that way for an age! Have found what looks like a nice route around Talybont Reservoir and then over and down the Gap Road (I think that's what it's called).
The thing is, a little way away from the route is the tempting peak of Pen y Fan.
Does anyone know if Pen y Fan is rideable at all, or will I me mauled to death by a thousand red socked ramblers? Can you ride on the Brecon Way?
Thanks!
There is only one Brecon that I am aware of.
Pen y Fan is a no go area for bikes. I'd love to give it a go though but my conscience is too strong.
Damn. Thanks, Huw, I fall in to the same category!
http://www.mtbbreconbeacons.co.uk/hubs/brecon/the-gap
The gap.Rode it the other weekend.Epic it was too.The downhill off the gap is great especially the lower section.
Got a few routes I'm happy to send you as GPX files or similar if you want? All around Talybont, Dolygaer area etc. Loads of riding around there, including the classic Gap route. Send me an email huwthomas77 AT btinternet DOT com if I can help.
Stunning scenery, dull riding - made slightly more interesting by asking passing lady ramblers " Excuse me, is that Fan Y Big ? "
I did it early on a weekday in June 2007 - it was OK but there's better stuff in the area, nice views though.
Lots of red socks but fairly spread out around the 11 mile route from the CP in the middle of the Taf Fechan forest.
Looking west @ PyF
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Looking south, east & north from PyF
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Email me if you want the route or bigger pics.
Pen-y-fan is do-able, but as Snaps says, early start required to avoid the red socks brigade.
From the top of the Gap Road, take the contour path west missing the summit of Cribyn. Quite a technical piece of trail - I enjoyed the challenge. The trail eventually steepens to a carry to the summit of Pen-y-fan. From there, take the obvious path toward Corn Du, but skirt around the south of the summit and then double back around the west side, past the obelisk, to take a neat little track that takes a long ridge north back toward Brecon. I don't have a map to hand, but it's fairly obvious. Avoid descending too soon towards the lake - you need to stay on the top of the ridge (singletrack) until some grassy switch take you down into the valley proper.
Drop me an email if you like - I live in Brecon