Summer in Wales -advice needed

[Bladerunner6]

Hi there,
I'll be travelling to Wales July/August. Staying near Crickhowell (Brecon Beacons), Bala and Bedgellert (Snowdonia). I heard you could go for some damn good rides over there
Thought about "Llyn Cowlyd Loop", "The Gap" or (maybe) "THE BLACK MOUNTAIN BLITZ"... e.g.

What about biking up Snowdon in summer? I know you should go after 17:00, but wouldn't it still be too crowded during summer holidays?

What would be your favorites?

Cheers
Joerg

 

[MattyB]

The problem with riding in Wales in the summer? You have to know which day it’s on this year...!

 

[Trail Doug]

Do Snowdon early morning and be down the Rangers by 10am then head off for an afternoon/early evening ride elsewhere after lunch.

I'd also seriously consider multiple batteries to get the most out of each days riding on a trip like this.

 

[RickS]

Do Snowdon early morning and be down the Rangers by 10am then head off for an afternoon/early evening ride elsewhere after lunch.

I'd also seriously consider multiple batteries to get the most out of each days riding on a trip like this.

Second that...afternoon Llyn Cowlyd Epic day out

 

[StuR]

Hi there,
I'll be travelling to Wales July/August. Staying near Crickhowell (Brecon Beacons), Bala and Bedgellert (Snowdonia). I heard you could go for some damn good rides over there
Thought about "Llyn Cowlyd Loop", "The Gap" or (maybe) "THE BLACK MOUNTAIN BLITZ"... e.g.

What about biking up Snowdon in summer? I know you should go after 17:00, but wouldn't it still be too crowded during summer holidays?

What would be your favorites?

Cheers
Joerg

The Gap is a belter
Stunning scenery and spectacular views
We do a route with 3 climbs and 3 descents
The main climb up to the vantage point is a beaut
The descent is awesome and brutal in equal measure
Starts with a rock garden for several hundred mtrs
Littered with loose rocks about the size of a babies head
Do it !!
But take some big boy pants ?

 

[Trail Doug]

The problem with riding in Wales in the summer? You have to know which day it’s on this year...!

You've missed it this year

 

[Dax]

The Gap is a belter
Stunning scenery and spectacular views
We do a route with 3 climbs and 3 descents
The main climb up to the vantage point is a beaut
The descent is awesome and brutal in equal measure
Starts with a rock garden for several hundred mtrs
Littered with loose rocks about the size of a babies head
Do it !!
But take some big boy pants ?

Any chance you can share a route?

 

[StuR]

Any chance you can share a route?

I'll try and load up a route from my Stava later
Im a bit Special with technology
Bear with .......

 

[Bladerunner6]

So an early morning Snowdon in the burning Sun will be fine. Two extra batteries for the bikes will be too expensive.
But as we'll stay for three weeks, time isn't the problem.
@StuR Is your Gap route the same as on mtbwales? And I"ll pack some extra big
??

 

[Trail Doug]

If you get Snowdon done early then you'll have time to recharge the batteries for a late afternoon ride.

 

[Kernow]

There’s a great bike shop in Brecon called biped cycles . They were great when we popped in and we joined thier Sunday shop ride over the gap and more . Great place for some local knowledge on where to start the rides , we would have been lost to know where to begin without them .
Brechfa is also a great trail centre in that area

 

[StuR]

So an early morning Snowdon in the burning Sun will be fine. Two extra batteries for the bikes will be too expensive.
But as we'll stay for three weeks, time isn't the problem.
@StuR Is your Gap route the same as on mtbwales? And I"ll pack some extra big
??

I have no idea
Id imagine there are plenty of similarities though
It's a route we've evolved over the years

 

[Bladerunner6]

I have no idea
Id imagine there are plenty of similarities though
It's a route we've evolved over the years

Would you share the gpx of your route?

 

[Doomanic]

But take some big boy pants

Sounds like nappies might be more appropriate...

 

[StuR]

Would you share the gpx of your route?

I will get it sorted.promise
I said i was crap with technology ?

 

[StuR]

Try this....
Sorry its in 2 parts but its the only Strava link i had with our preferred route
Part 1 starts literally behind the White Hart pub car park
Pick up the tram way bridle path and climb for about 4km with the reservoirs on your right
There may be a couple of kms missing before pt2 kick in . Just keep going up and you cant go wrong .
Route finishes back at the pub which is awesome BTW.

Enjoy !!

 

[StuR]

Forgot to say start point is Tal-y-bont on Usk behind White hart pub

Ive attached Stava map and elevation details
Expect about 900mtrs of climbing. 34km. About 2.5hr ride plus pit stops

 

[StuR]

@Bladerunner6 @Dax @Kernow
The Gap gpx and some info now loaded up

 

[Bladerunner6]

@Bladerunner6 @Dax @Kernow
The Gap gpx and some info now loaded up

Awesome. Thank you. Will def try the pub!

 

[Taff]

Try the Afon bike centres north of Port Talbot.
Sarn Helen loops around the Brecon Beacons.
Common above Trecastle out to Llandovery and back. Old Byeway and great route/ views.
Drop a line to MTB gorums for more local routes.
Elan Valleys near Rhayader are jam packed with routes and byeways.
Have a look at some OS maps or contact bike shops/ mtb clubs/forums in those areas.
Forrest of Dean also packed full of trails.

 

[Bladerunner6]

Try the Afon bike centres north of Port Talbot.
Sarn Helen loops around the Brecon Beacons.
Common above Trecastle out to Llandovery and back. Old Byeway and great route/ views.
Drop a line to MTB gorums for more local routes.
Elan Valleys near Rhayader are jam packed with routes and byeways.
Have a look at some OS maps or contact bike shops/ mtb clubs/forums in those areas.
Forrest of Dean also packed full of trails.

Thanks for the tips.
Which MTB forum are you talking about? EMTB here?

Will go for some Afan biking.

Any info about "Black Mountain Blitz"?

 

[Taff]

Thanks for the tips.
Which MTB forum are you talking about? EMTB here?

Will go for some Afan biking.

Any info about "Black Mountain Blitz"?

Any forum that is uk based and ask for advice around Brecon and Brecon Beacons.
Will find out some more in the week and post.
Minton Batch on the Long Mynd is a real classic.

 

[Benson]

Any chance you can share a route?

See attached ... in the interests of transparency this isn’t my own creation nor have I actually followed it. I snaffled it from an MTB magazine and planned to follow it later in the year ??