B4520, Brecon to Builth Wells
Plenty more to explore in the area!
"Objectively, The B4520 doesn't have the most challenging corners, or the most breathtaking scenery; neither does it allow for very high speeds. But what it lacks in these measures it more than makes up for in the breadth of the experience. The beginning and end sections, in particular, are so different that we have often struggled to find the right road when on the move. Therefore, when evaluating such a varied piece of tarmac, it is worth splitting the experience into two sections - Brecon to Upper Chapel and Upper Chapel to Builth Wells.
"The first section consists of fast, flowing country lanes cutting their way through picturesque fields. Blind corners and high hedgerows make overtaking in this section fairly difficult - this is probably the biggest downside of the whole road and it often takes us a few attempts before we get a clear run. This section is also a great test of a car's damping, allowing the speed of an A-road, but on the tarmac constitution of a more rugged B-road.
"After passing through Upper Chapel the road begins to change significantly. The surroundings become starker, the hedgerows begin to disappear, the road widens and signs of life begin to dissipate; all that is left is you, the road and the sheep. In this section, you have to be very aware of what might jump out in front of you... Here, the corners are also less blind and the elevation changes are massive. This is all a good test the car's brakes and your ability to heel and toe into corners."
Keep an eye out for those sheep...
"The road is important to me for what it represents, rather than what it is. Living in the Midlands, the route seems like a westerly gateway, through which all the driving pleasures of Wales are accessed - our driving trips in the area always seem to start or end on this road. It therefore holds many precious memories, such as following my friend's S2000 in the rain and watching his loss of traction over the cattle grids; that was both funny and scary!"
Sights, stop-offs and diversions:
"We tend to plot routes and only stop for petrol, so I know little about the best shops near the route... I do, however, know of many other decent roads in the vicinity. If you proceed to the north, you have the options of the Elan Valley (Rhayader to Devils Bridge), the Abergwesyn Pass (Llanwrtyd Wells to Tregaron), the A44 (LLangurig to Aberystwyth), Lake Bala (Llanuwchllyn to Trawsfynydd) and the evo triangle (A543 to B4501 to A5). You can also head south and do Brecon to Hirwaun (A470 then A4059) or the Black Mountain Pass (Brynamman to Llangadog). If you fancy a funny photo, head south east from Builth Wells (A470 and A479) to the sign just outside a village called 'Three Cocks' - this one never gets old."
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