Talybont-on-Usk

After an entertaining commute home, (where I was nearly taken out by a pheasant) bag and car were hastily packed and we were ‘on the road again’ destination, Danywenallt YHA in Talybont. The YHA offers an excellent 3 course evening meal which we took advantage of on arrival.

Saturday started with another great food offering from the hostel, then bikes were unloaded and cycle kit was adorned. As we set off the weather was clear but cold, heading up the road from the hostel we turned left onto the Taff trail passing Talynont reservoir. Following this trail we headed toward Talybont-on-Usk, then turning right on to the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal. The canal turned into country lanes and before we knew it we were climbing the rocky ascent to the Brecon Beacons and Fan y Big.

Unfortunately the hawthorn hedges had recently been cut AGAIN, so no sooner had the climb began, tyres were flat and tubes had to be repaired and changed! After this brief rest we started climbing again until we reached the summit.

What goes up must come down, via Tor Glas great fun, then extending the normal route slightly by taking a trail to the right which took us high above the Talybont reservoir. This descent was the most fun, many of the paths down were less like paths and more like small rocky streams! Very happy to be on the full suss :-)
This route is currently in Issue 53 of Singletrack mag, although they do it the WRONG way round!