This epic loop starting from Hereford will take you way up the Golden Valley to the literary town of Hay-on-Wye before circling around the outskirts of the Black Mountains towards Abergavenny. The ride then heads northwards through the heart of the Black Mountains, passing through the Vale of Ewyas and up over Gospel Pass. An epic descent will bring you back down into the town of Hay-on-Wye and a scenic stroll through the countryside leads back to Hereford.

Head out of town towards Abergavenny passing over the river. As you start to climb out of Hereford you will pass Belmont Abbey as you continue towards Clehonger and head down into Hay-on-Wye. After you’ve had a mooch around here and picked up a few second-hand books, cycle on towards Llanigon and Talgarth before arriving in Trefecca from where you can start to navigate your way around the Black Mountains and past Langors Lake.

Take the B4558 which runs parallel to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal all the way to Ffawyddog and then start your climb up the edge of the Black Mountains towards Stanton and over Gospel Pass. You can then enjoy a descent back into Hay-on-Wye and retrace your steps to Hereford.

Start point: Hereford railway station
Grid reference: SO51524 40522
Postcode: HR1 1BB
Total distance: 146km
Total elevation: 1733m
Max elevation: 564m

To see a rough map of this route, click here.