Routes near Merthyr Tydfil

Staying in Merthyr Tydfil next week and looking for a couple of days riding near by.

What’s local other than BPW ?

How close? Merthyr Vale and Aberdare within riding distance. Deri over the hill one way. Barry sidings and loads of stuff in the Rhondda the other way. Go north and plenty of loops in the Beacons. What are you after? Steep natural tech, big mountain all day riding, or easier trail centre flow stuff. All available within 30 minutes drive

Brecon Gap ride starting from Pontsticill or Neuadd Reservoir, just to the north of MT. 

We’re planning one day riding up to Grwyne Fawr, near the dam (what I know as a “killer loop” from a mtb magazine years ago ?) then staying at Merthyr.

My lads on his hardtail and I’ve only got my rigid singlespeed available so nothing too heavy. I’m not sure my bike would do at BPW.

Open minded really, something close to Merthyr, keen to get up some hills as usually ride swinley.

We’re staying at the Merthyr Tydfil travellodge, also looking for somewhere reasonable for beers and grub near by….

Id also welcome any opinions on whether BPW is doable/worth it on a rigid singlespeed?

There’s plenty in the Brecon Beacons as others have mentioned. Search this link https://www.breconbeacons.org/things-to-do/activities/cycling-mountain-biking/mountain-biking

There’s everything from family friendly trundles to big days out.

You could also do worse than spend £8.50 on this https://shop.beacons-npa.gov.uk/product/mtb-in-the-brecon-beacons/

Id also welcome any opinions on whether BPW is doable/worth it on a rigid singlespeed?

Yes . . .But NO. Given the cost it would be a waste of money.

Agreed. Banging your head against a brick wall for the day would be cheaper and a lot more fun.

Some great routes on the mountains between the valleys. I’ll dig out some highlights later.

Thanks molegrips

Had a bloody ace ride today, up at grwyne fawr and beyond.

How’s Barry Sidings fair in the rain ? Very wet at the moment ?

Barry sidings rides well in the wet. It is always wet when we seem to end up there. You will get wet from puddles but grip levels are great on all but the steepest bits. Great cafe too

EDIT. PS I am only a few miles from Grwyne Fawr so realise you will know what wet riding is if you were there today. We were out yesterday and it was a shit fest! I guess the track past the reservoir is at least hardcore based for much of the route.

You could rent a bike at BPW, it would be a shame not to visit.