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Pontsarn Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Pontsarn Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

Hard

4.7

(7)

125

riders

Pontsarn Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

02:51

39.1km

510m

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 28, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 24.4 km for 59 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.95 km

EC Cycles

Highlight • Rest Area

Independent bike shop in Merthyr Tydfil, great service and got us out of a spot of bike related bother! 🙏🏼

Tip by

7.10 km

Pontsarn Viaduct

Highlight • Historical Site

Good ride

Tip by

11.0 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

12.5 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

16.3 km

Pontsticill Reservoir

Lake

24.4 km

The Old Barn Tearoom

Highlight • Cafe

The Half and Half is a great idea.

Cash Only!

Tip by

24.9 km

Taf Fechan Forest

Forest

25.5 km

Pentwyn Reservoir

Lake

26.6 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

27.9 km

Pontsticill Lake Canoe Launch

Highlight • Rest Area

This jetty on Pintsticill’s west side is used as a launching point for kayakers and canoers.

Tip by

30.9 km

Merthyr Tydfil Cycle Path

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A beautiful cycle path between Merthyr and Pontsticill Reservoir. The very start of the track at the Merthyr end is narrow and steep (you need to watch out for pedestrians), but it is very short and no indicator as to what the rest of the track is like... which is superb!

Tip by

39.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.1 km

7.18 km

1.43 km

1.06 km

1.05 km

200 m

Surfaces

28.5 km

8.33 km

1.67 km

584 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (440 m)

Lowest point (170 m)

Weather

Friday 10 July

29°C

16°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

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Comments

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Pontsarn Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Merthyr Tydfil

EC Cycles

Pontsarn Viaduct

Pontsticill Reservoir Dam and Tower

West Shore Road, Pontsticill Reservoir

The Old Barn Tearoom

Pontsticill Reservoir

Pontsticill Lake Canoe Launch

Merthyr Tydfil Cycle Path

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