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Big Dipper – Penhydd Trail – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Pontyclun

Big Dipper – Penhydd Trail – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Pontyclun

Hard

riders

Big Dipper – Penhydd Trail – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Pontyclun

07:39

105km

1,820m

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: March 27, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 95.5 km for 57 m

After 95.7 km for 140 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

9.13 km

Gravel Path Through Countryside

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

As at January 2024 be aware that the rain run off has created 2 gullies across 2/3rds of the track on the eastern half of the track, still passable, but the the perfect gravel pictured is not so new now.

Tip by

13.7 km

Blackmill Path (National Cycle Route 4)

Highlight • Cycleway

The Blackmill Path is a fantastic section of National Cycle Route 4 that runs alongside Ogwr Fach, linking Blackmill to the west to Hendreforgan and Tonyrefail. It also features on …

Tip by

23.9 km

Fountain Parkland

Forest

25.2 km

Parc Slip Nature Reserve

Nature Reserve

33.3 km

Hafodheulog Wood

Forest

48.0 km

Big Dipper – Penhydd Trail

Highlight • Trail

Part of the red-rated Penhydd trail from Afan Forest Centre, Big Dipper is a great reward for the big fireroad climb.

This section of the singletrack takes its name from …

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48.6 km

Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail)

Highlight • Trail

A brilliant, flowing descent, you've earned this one with the big fireroad climb! Rated blue or moderate, it's not the most challenging singletrack trail, but one that everyone will no …

Tip by

52.2 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 …

Tip by

79.6 km

View of Bwlch from Bwlch Summit

Highlight • Summit

Great climb with a nice view and maybe some ice-cream

Tip by

80.4 km

Bwlch Panoramic Viewpoint

Highlight • Mountain Pass

A great spot to ease the legs half way down the descent.... a fantastic vantage point, above the Bwlch road climb, offering riders an almost Alpine col like experience. From …

Tip by

80.5 km

View of Ogmore Valley

Highlight • Viewpoint

Mynydd Ton is the 4970th highest peak in the British Isles and the 390th tallest in Wales

At Elevation of 539.0 m (1768 ft)

Tip by

105 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

49.8 km

21.8 km

19.0 km

5.78 km

4.59 km

4.27 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

52.5 km

41.4 km

10.3 km

1.03 km

104 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (540 m)

Lowest point (40 m)

Weather

Wednesday 20 May

20°C

11°C

17 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Big Dipper – Penhydd Trail – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Pontyclun

Gravel Path Through Countryside

Blackmill Path (National Cycle Route 4)

Big Dipper – Penhydd Trail

Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail)

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre

View of Bwlch from Bwlch Summit

Bwlch Panoramic Viewpoint

View of Ogmore Valley

Nearby routes

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