Motorcycle ride in Wales

Bannau Brycheiniog: Black Mountain Pass and Pen y Fan

51 miles (83 km), 1 hr 55 min, intermediate

This crossing of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly the Brecon Beacons) links two classic Welsh walks: the Black Mountain, whose Carmarthen Fans overlook the Llyn y Fan Fach valley, and Pen y Fan, the highest point in southern Britain at 886 m. From Llandeilo, the A4069 climbs from Llangadog towards Brynaman through a series of bends and the Tro Gwcw hairpin, made famous by Top Gear filming, with a wide view over the Tywi valley. The route then reaches the Tawe valley via Craig-y-nos Country Park and runs past Crai Reservoir. It then climbs the A470 to the Pont ar Daf car park, the start of the easiest route up Pen y Fan, where the ride ends. Sheep on the road over the Black Mountain, weather that changes fast on the high ground, and the Pont ar Daf car park is paid and often full.