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Talybont Reservoir – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Talybont Reservoir – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Hard

5.0

(1)

riders

Talybont Reservoir – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

03:18

52.4km

850m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel 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: March 27, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.65 km

Morlais Brook

Forest

13.5 km

Pontsticill Reservoir

Lake

27.6 km

Talybont Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Talybont Reservoir is a pretty epic lake nestled amongst the Beacons. The cycling trail around the east side of the lake is pretty bumpy, so if you’re on a road bike, it’s best to stick to the road along the west side.

Tip by

27.7 km

View of the Talybont-on-Usk Reservoir

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

29.6 km

Talybont Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

The largest reservoir in the Brecons, Talybont reservoir was completed in 1939. It supplies water to Newport, further south.

Seventeen dwellings (including farms) were co-opted during its construction.

Despite its man-made nature, it's a very pleasant place to spend some time.

Tip by

31.7 km

Talybont Reservoir Nature Reserve

Nature Reserve

37.0 km

Blaen-y-Glyn Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Blaen-y-glyn climb gives beautiful views of the Brecon Beacons on a clear day! Big descent on the other side! If you're not in a rush, pull over into the car park at the top and go and explore the waterfalls on foot.

Tip by

39.9 km

Taf Fechan Forest

Forest

40.5 km

Pentwyn Reservoir

Lake

41.6 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

42.5 km

West Shore Road, Pontsticill Reservoir

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

If you're not equipped for the gravel track on the East shore of Pontsticill Reservoir, the road on the West shore offers a fun tarmac alternative. A nice long straight to crank out some speed, or if it's the views you're after a nice viewpoint from the lay-by.

Tip by

44.8 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

45.0 km

Pontsticill Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Pontsticill Reservoir is a great location for its scenic beauty and because it is the start of many hiking and biking trails. There is a nice trail that actually goes around the entire reservoir, but it does involve road walking too. When you do visit this location, beware of thefts from unattended vehicles and take valuables with you.

Tip by

52.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

24.5 km

19.3 km

4.50 km

2.18 km

1.63 km

236 m

Surfaces

23.7 km

17.0 km

9.85 km

1.75 km

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Saturday 16 May

11°C

4°C

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Talybont Reservoir – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Talybont Reservoir

View of the Talybont-on-Usk Reservoir

Talybont Reservoir

Blaen-y-Glyn Climb

Pontsticill Reservoir

West Shore Road, Pontsticill Reservoir

Pontsticill Reservoir Dam and Tower

Pontsticill Reservoir

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