Brecon, Sennybridge, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Visitor Centre Loop

We head out of Brecon, shortly joining quiet country lanes (designated cycle route), leading to Sennybridge. From here we head into the Brecon Beacons, meandering our way up to the spectacular Mynydd Illtyd Common. We have a grassy field to cross on a bridleway, then back onto the road that leads to the visitors centre.

We will dip into the cafe for some refreshments and to use the toilet facilities if needed. Afterwards there’s is a section of broad, grassy trails that we can use to cross the common, followed by a sweeping downhill to return to Brecon.

Mynydd Illtyd Factsheet

Mynydd Illtyd Common is an area of common land which covers 256 hectares and includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest (Illtyd Pools S.S.S.I), Scheduled Ancient Monuments (S.A.M.) and a Brecknock Wildlife Trust Reserve.

The Common is located at 335m above sea level and plays an important role in the economies of the farms around the common. Generally this is through grazing sheep, although some ponies are grazed and bracken is cut for bedding in the autumn.

The Common is an important recreational facility, which is estimated to attract
25,000 visitors a year. The National Park Visitor Centre (The Mountain Centre)
attracts between 140,000 and 170,000 visitors a year.

https://www.beacons-npa.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/Mynydd-Illtyd-factsheet-compatible.pdf

A beautiful, undulating route, starting and finishing in Brecon, heading over to Sennybridge, then meandering up to the spectacular Mynydd Illtyd Common and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Visitor Centre. This ride features a couple of short, grassy off road sections, a sturdy bike will be a bonus.

We use mainly quiet country lanes, some are designated cycle routes, with a few busier roads where unavoidable. Some of the lanes can be pot holed, gravely and muddy in places but with care we always find a good route around these sections. 

Plenty of opportunity to stop on route to catch your breath, have a drink and enjoy the views. We intend to stop for refreshments and a toilet break in the visitor centre.

Please bring a well-maintained, robust bicycle, wear a helmet, gloves and appropriate clothing for the weather.  Remember to carry a drink, a spare tube, puncture repair kit, lock, lights, pump and bring some money for refreshments. Some may prefer to bring a packed lunch with them, others may buy drinks and sandwiches etc. from the visitors centre.

We laugh, we cycle and never leave anyone behind!