Brecon / Black Mountains / South Wales day out

[paul1087]

Hi All,

If the weather holds out for this Saturday I am hoping to make a trip over to South Wales for a good drive out.

I would like to make a bit circuit from Bristol and aim to make a a few stops, including a good lunch along the way!

Can anyone advise as to a good route to take?
I am familiar with the crickhowell road and some of the passes up near Brecon, but have never been over to the black mountain pass.


Your advice on roads, routes and lunch much appreciated!

[paul1087]

I have started putting a route together, any advice on how to finish off this loop back to the bridge?

[Red Devil]

Some suggestions

A40 to Sennybridge
A4067/A4421/A4109 to Glynneath
A465/A4061 to M4 J36
or
A465/A4061/A4093/A4119 to M4 J34

A40 to Sennybridge
A4067/A4215/A470/A4059/then A4061/as above.

A40/A470/A438 to Glasbury
B4350 to Hay-on-Wye
Turn right here and follow all signs for Capel-y-ffin"
Then via Llanthony to LLanvihangel Crucorney
A465 to Abergavenny
B4233 to Monmouth
Turn right at the Shell station by the mini roundabout
B4293/A466 to M48 J2

 * This route takes you over the highest mountain pass in Wales: the Bwlch yr Efengyl (aka Gospel Pass).

[Allyc85]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFdVuNrzJX0

The Gospel Pass is a nice bit of road, with one hell of a view from the top

[paul1087]

Thanks all for suggestions.

I've got my plan sorted now.
If anyone else is over that way tomorrow then give me a wave! I'll beout in My 2zz converted MK3 MR2.
Plan is to head north after crossing the Chepstow bridge towards Usk.
Up towards llangynidr, the on to Brecon. Then up to Llandovery and down the black mountain pass.
From there on towards Hirwaun and down to Treorchy then eventually winding back down towards bryncethin and home along the M4.

Hope the suns out!

[Mr Taxpayer]

Red Devil said:

Some suggestions

 * This route takes you over the highest mountain pass in Wales: the Bwlch yr Efengyl (aka Gospel Pass).

I didn't know about the Gospel Pass. And to think I can see Hay Bluff from my house in Hereford.

The OP should have found reason to visit Lock's at Allensmore (on A465 btween Hereford and Abergavenny); a Shell garage and SOOOOO much more! http://www.locksgarage.co.uk/

[Mr Taxpayer]

Sun was out when I went over Gospel Pass yesterday. I packed the sledge and praised the Scooby's winter tyres. The local off-road club were dragging out all the stuck and strandeds.

The view is fantastic but I wouldn't recommend the road as a driving destination. On the Capel-y-ffin/Llanthony side, there's an awful lot of 1st/2nd gear narrow road/high hedge stuff.