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Bike touring routes & trails

Pontsarn Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Bike touring routes & trails

Pontsarn Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Hard

5.0

(2)

45

riders

Pontsarn Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

04:02

58.8km

970m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Tips

Includes a movable bridge

Check opening times.

After 27.2 km for 9 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

6.22 km

Pontsarn Viaduct

Highlight • Historical Site

Good ride

Tip by

2

9.31 km

Pontsticill Reservoir Dam and Tower

Highlight • Structure

This reservoir is located in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons of Wales. It is part of a series of reservoirs within the Taff Fechan Valley and was constructed between 1923 and 1927 to supply water to the South Wales Valleys and Cardiff. It's a gorgeous location to enjoy some time out in nature and features walking trails, woodland and lovely surrounding views.

Tip by

3

12.6 km

Pontsticill Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Built in 1927, the Pontsticill Reservoir is a large reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park that can hold 3400 million gallons (14,460 million liters) of water. The beautiful reservoir is popular with sailors, anglers, picnickers, as well as walkers and cyclists. The Taff Trail runs on the western side of the reservoir.

Tip by

14.3 km

Taf Fechan Forest

Forest

5

15.4 km

Taf Fechan Forest gravel track

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

A fantastic climb on a very good surface... I can imagine the descent being epic!

Tip by

6

16.8 km

View of the Peaks in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

22.4 km

Talybont Reservoir Nature Reserve

Nature Reserve

8

23.0 km

Talybont Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

The largest still water reservoir in the Brecon Beacons, Talybont Reservoir is a beautiful spot just downstream from Talybont-on-Usk. The reservoir has been supplying water to Newport since 1939.

Tip by

9

27.1 km

Talybont-on-Usk Lifting Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Beautiful little draw bridge on the canal.

Tip by

31.5 km

Glaw-coed Wood

Forest

11

51.3 km

Simnai Dirdro (Twisted Chimney)

Highlight • Structure

‘Simnai Dirdro’ (twisted chimney) by Brian Tolle. Made of polycarbonate.

Tip by

B

58.8 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

40.2 km

15.6 km

1.37 km

998 m

299 m

192 m

144 m

Surfaces

50.3 km

6.82 km

1.07 km

632 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (510 m)

Lowest point (110 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Thursday 2 July

20°C

9°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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