Over the last few years I've become quite a fan of Iola Williams the 'Springwatch' presenter on the BBC who through his enthusiasm for nature and his recent series on the Brecon Beacons formed a desire in me to get back to the Brecons and take a ride around and explore this amazing place some more, visiting at least some of Iola's recommended locations. I haven't been out this way properly since I took part in the GS Challenge a few years ago, and remember saying back then I must come back and visit.
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| The amended ABR Route - ridden from left to right in a figure of eight. |
Recently, I found a great looking ride published in an issue of Adventure Bike Rider capturing some of the highlights by traversing across the mountains via narrow lanes (not green lanes) to get to the highlighted stops. Unfortunately, I had to edit the ABR route and reduce the ride time but did keep some of the best bits in e.g. Gospel Pass - the highest road in Wales across the Black Mountains made famous for the opening scenes of the film 'American Werewolf in London'. I do like that film, and as I continued up to level out at the top I could almost hear that werewolf howl and moan as if not too far behind me. Funny how your imagination runs riot in these situations.
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| Black Mountain on the Gospel Pass. |
The views on top of the Gospel Pass were amazing and I did feel envious of the people climbing further along the ridge of Black Mountain. Today was a bit blustery and cool up there but of no real issue ideal on a Motorcycle. After a quick sip of my hot tea in the flask I continued. The road the other side of the pass was a bit gnarly, with some standing water where the recent rains had washed a few bits of gravel and muck onto the road, but nothing worth moaning about or too arduous for your average motorcyclist with a good sense of adventure I thought. Anyway, as it turned out it wasn't too bad since there were quite a few cyclists tackling the road on 'road' tyres - not on mountain bikes either so really just a mere 'pootle' on my GS with imaginary yet very realistic moans, groans and howls coming from behind. I did feel like speeding up a bit to try and lose any assailant, it was very tempting but then I thought maybe I could take shelter at the LLanthony Priory instead? Unfortunately, I had to abandon the ride down to the Priory due to a huge flock of sheep blocking the access road. Also I felt the description in ABR of the access road might mean a longish unacceptable walk to the priory with helmet and other 'baggage' in tow, so I will have to visit there on another day with more time allowing.
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| A 20 minute stop by the Glasfynydd Forest entrance for a cuppa |
After a lunch stop at Llangorse Lake - stopping for a Sausage 'Sarni' at a Horse riding centre continued on to to Brecon town then out to ride the old Roman Road along 'Sarn Helen' the Brecon to Neath section to include the 'Devil's Elbow' as it winds it's way up the other side of the mountain toward Ystradfellte then on to Ystradgynlais. Fantastic road, not too challenging I thought, maybe for some but good fun rounding the tight bends to get another viewpoint. My amended route intended to stop at the Touratech headquarters but unfortunately they were shut (open second Saturday of the month) so turning off at Brynamen on the other side of Black Mountain I tackled the sublime A4069 as far as LLandeusant before turning off onto a mildly rough road cut-through to bring me on to the road to Trecastle passing the Glasfynydd forest entrance and the Usk Reservoir. My imagination still getting the better of me, sure I could still hear the moans and howls somewhere behind. A fun little road that avoids that boring run along the A40 from LLandovery, very scenic with some good views on top I managed to shake off the spooks with a twist of the throttle in the end, I suspect any werewolves with any sense would head for the densely populated town instead and not consider heading up this way. I did notice a few forest trails up here worth taking a look at in the future but I shudder to think what might have happened if I took that trail today since I really wasn't all that sure I was alone.
Another 20 minute stop in Brecon and a fuel up, I continued on with the familiar 'slog' back home sat behind a string of traffic in front all the way to Leominster and beyond.Now it was me growling and moaning, but at least I had one of my favourite roads down to Tenbury Wells to enjoy, passing through St Michaels and on to home. I must note I did ride the speed limit the other side of Clows Top for the first time ever in my life, such a joy to discover what have I been missing all these years. Why ride a roller coaster so fast eh? Just wish I'd had some candy floss and a toffee apple in my mouth to help me enjoy the view even more.
Due to the change in the route and my imposed time constraints I've decided this will be a two part visit to the Brecons and really looking forward to returning again either this Autumn or in the Spring to spend a bit more time exploring and pick up some of the locations I missed. Hopefully by then any Werewolves (imaginary or real) will have moved on to spend their time in the Cotswolds stalking grandma in 'Ye Olde Tea Shoppe' on a much more suitable terrain instead. Not a bad day at all with really great mix of roads to ride and still back in time for my tea covering almost the exact mileage as I planned.
