I love bikes and with the sun shining for the first time in weeks it was time to seize the moment and ride one of my favorite loops from Gliffaes. This 22 mile loop takes in Llangorse Lake and then a very undulating 10 miles or so into the small village of Talgarth which sits at the bottom of the wonderful climb up to Pengenford, the high point of the ride and the pass through the Black Mountains, it is then about 5 miles of fast downhill riding before the final run in back to Gliffaes.
Leaving the hotel on the back lane then up the short sharp hill to Bwlch on the A40, slowly down the other side of the hill as you make a hard right on to the road signed Llangorse. It being February and with no leaves on the trees or the hedges there were stunning views of the Lake and across to a snow capped Pen y Fan. Through and out the other side of the village of Llangorse and carry on towards Talgarth on a real roller coaster of a road, I entered Talgarth just as Sunday morning rugby matches were kicking off. Avoid the bypass and go through the village and out on the old road to Abergavenny.
A steady but not painful climb leads you to Pengenford all the while you are rewarded with a great vista of the Black Mountains in front of you. Zip up your jacket as you pass the old chapel on the left as you are about to crest the hill and begin a really fun, twisty descent. I think I hit 37 mph coming down here and once off the hill the road still tilts down for a fast ride home through Cwmdu (small café on the right) and Tretower. Cross the A40 and then one sharp pull up the lane back to the hotel.
Distance 22 miles
Time An hour and a half
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