Pontrhydyfen Viaduct – Afan Argoed Bridge loop from Ton Pentre

Pontrhydyfen Viaduct – Afan Argoed Bridge loop from Ton Pentre

Hard

riders

Pontrhydyfen Viaduct – Afan Argoed Bridge loop from Ton Pentre

04:49

64.5km

1,130m

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: July 10, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Afan Forest Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

13.2 km

Gravel Roads by Lluest-Wen Reservoir and Wind Farm

Highlight • Lake

Crossing the moorland from Rhigos towards Aberdare is a network of gravel forest roads.

Great in the sun, but not so good with the wind in your face, it's an ideal way to cover round fast and stay off the tarmac.

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26.4 km

Glyncorrwg Ponds

Highlight • Lake

There are lovely gravel paths linking all three ponds together.

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36.7 km

Pontrhydyfen Viaduct

Highlight • Viewpoint

Pontrhydyfen is a small former coal mining community at the confluence of the River Afan and the Afon Pelenna. It is distinguished by two large 19th-century bridges that span the valley: a railway viaduct (the red bridge) and a former aqueduct, known as Y Bont Fawr ("The Big Bridge").

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37.4 km

Afan Argoed Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

About two miles up from here is Afan Argoed Visitors Centre, great cafe, mountain bike hire and bike shop. Vegan and vegetarian options. Busy.

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39.1 km

Motorway Section, Afan Argoed Forest Cycle Path

Highlight • Trail

'Motorway' is the name given to this section of the Rookie green family trail, which actually runs along the Afan Argoed Forest Cycle Path linking the trail centre and sections of singletrack and the kid's skills area.

It's well paved and flat, a real breeze compared to most trails in this valley!

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40.1 km

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre

Highlight • Rest Area

Afan Forest is very well known for its mountain biking and well, there is a lot of it! There are trails for all abilities, but the main focus here is the red graded trails, which are great and really well maintained, very gravely but can be ridden in all weather.

There are a lot of elevation changes so some good fitness here will be required. As well as the trails there are a number of fire roads, bridleways and a bike path so great for some gravel riding too.

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre is one of two parking and start areas for the trails. From here you can ride The Rookie, Blue Scar, Penhydd and Y Wal and W2 mountain bike trails.

There is also a cafe, bike shop and bike hire, toilets and showers. Parking is paid.

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