Cycling is the perfect Summer activity. What better way to while away a leisurely weekend than cycling through the beautiful Brecon Beacons and stopping  with a tasty packed lunch to take in the vista? We can’t think of much!

Here at our Crickhowell hotel we have two electric bikes and a tandem for guest use as well as ample bike storage for visitor’s own bikes. We will even organise hire bikes to be ready and waiting for your arrival. Being the cycling enthusiasts that we are, we have chosen our 3 favourite local routes that we think you should try:

Touring Route: Gliffaes Hotel to Brecon

Distance: 12 miles each way

Time: 1½ – 2 hours

Terrain: The route begins by taking the back lanes to Llangynidr and then following the smooth gravel surface of the towpath of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, making it suitable for cyclists of all abilities. There are places where you may have to leave the tow path and continue on the country lanes, but they are quiet. The condition of the towpath varies substantially between seasons and is not suitable for road bikes; probably best left for summer cycles! You will find pubs in Talybont, Pencelli and Llanfranach. The ride finishes at the canal basin in Brecon, lots to see and do here. Retrace your steps back to the hotel.

Touring Route: Crickhowell to Abergavenny

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Time: approx. 1 hour

Terrain: The Canal towpath along which this delightful route runs is unfortunately not suitable for road bikes, as it is not a smooth trail. The towpath is also used by walkers, so a “Share the space – drop your pace” approach should be used. The route covers a mixture of traffic free, well surfaced greenway, highway and riverside path. Full details of the route can be found on the Brecon Beacons website.

Road Route: Gliffaes Hotel to Talybont Reservoir

Distance: 11.4 miles (18.4km)

Time: 1 – 1½ hours

Terrain: This route will take you along the pleasant country lanes of the Cwm Crawnon Road, which eventually lead you to join National Cycle Route 8, which you can learn more about over on the Sustrans website. This is a nice moderate ride with little by way of difficult hill climbs and tricky terrain, though probably not suitable for children. And the view of the reservoir when you reach the final stop is simply stunning. There are cycle paths all the way around the reservoir which are well worth exploring if you have the energy left in your legs! Otherwise, unpack your lunch, sit back, and enjoy!

All starting or finishing just a stone’s throw from our South Wales hotel, these routes are the perfect way to spend a Summer’s day. And after all that cycling, you’ll need somewhere to relax, unwind and refuel. Book your stay at Gliffaes direct, or give us a call for more information. Looking for a longer and more challenging route both on or off road? Please don’t hesitate to call James on 01874 730 371 for details.