Penderyn Moor Climb – Beacons Reservoir loop from Pontypridd

Penderyn Moor Climb – Beacons Reservoir loop from Pontypridd

Hard

riders

Penderyn Moor Climb – Beacons Reservoir loop from Pontypridd

04:43

101km

1,120m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 42.8 km for 118 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

9.20 km

Smooth Tarmac Cycleway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Perfect for your best summer bike

Tip by

18.8 km

Bradley's Coffee Shop

Highlight • Cafe

Great coffee shop.

Always welcoming, even in the dead of winter when you’re covered in mud and soaking wet.

Great coffee and cakes.

Tip by

36.0 km

Penderyn Moor Climb

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice steady climb with a view

Tip by

40.5 km

Beacons Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

The northernmost and highest of the three reservoirs in the Taff Fawr valley.

Tip by

42.8 km

Devil's Elbow Climb from Heol Senni

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

The Devil’s Elbow epitomises the harsh beauty of hidden Wales. With its crumbling surface and neglected rusting barriers it weaves through beautifully rugged scenery presenting one of the toughest challenges of the event.

To start, leave the small village of Heol Senni, follow the river south, and begin the climb adjacent to a right-hand junction. The narrow strip of tarmac climbs and winds through twisted trees either side, easing a pinch as you cross the first of two cattle grids.

You feel like you’re in a truly isolated wilderness here as the road gradually climbs steeper up to two wicked hairpins: first sharp left and then sharp right, with a remorseless stretch in between them. Round the second hairpin and it eases to finish at the brow where the beauty of your surroundings will soon sooth any pain.

Tip by

60.8 km

Maen Llia Standing Stone

Highlight • Monument

According to legend, the stone goes down to the river, the Afon Llia to drink on occasion. This tall tale seems likely to be an allusion to the fact that its shadow is cast across the moorland as far as the river when the sun is low in the evening sky.

Tip by

101 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types