LS42 / South Wales Mountains

135km Abergavenny Mountain Loop

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The market town of Abergavenny, in the shadow of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, hosts an annual cycling festival and has more than once been the finish of the British National Road Race Championships. This can only mean one thing, good riding.

To the west of town the Tumble (known to locals as Keepers) is the first climb of the ride. An average of 10% for 6km is a tough leg warmer, but sets the standard for the ride, hard hills and phenomenal views.

A fast twisting descent reaches the edge of the village before the route climbs out towards the Brecon Beacons. The road drops steeply into Brynmawr, through the village, the outskirts of Beaufort and into the National Park and the hills.

Climbing to the top of the escarpment is a winding climb which hides the view until the very last moment . The drop is fast and bumpy.

At the foot of the Brecons rolling hills, including Bwylch Y Groes, lead to Talgarth and eventually Hay on Wye.

The second big climb of the day is Hay Bluff which starts unassumingly at the entrance to the town and becomes a spectacular journey over the open upper reaches of the Gospel Pass.

Off the top the lane winds southwards through the villages cutting back through Longtown, over to Ewyas Harold and Pontrillas.

Grosmont is the final sting in the tail before the coffee stop at Oriental Splendour.

Through the spiky lanes and over the deceptively hard climb to Abergavenny completes the loop.

Ride Highlight Photo
Ride Highlight Photo
Ride Highlight Photo