Brecon Beacons Devil short loop from Hay on Wye — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

Brecon Beacons Devil short loop from Hay on Wye — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

Hard

5.0

(4)

riders

Brecon Beacons Devil short loop from Hay on Wye — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

04:09

83.8km

1,120m

Road cycling

Embark on a challenging road cycling adventure with the Brecon Beacons Devil short loop, starting from the charming market town of Hay-on-Wye. This difficult 52.0 miles (83.8 km) route demands very good fitness, featuring a significant 3675 feet (1120 metres) of elevation gain over twisting mountain roads. You will experience panoramic views of the Wye Valley and expansive vistas over the Black Mountains, especially as you climb towards Gospel Pass, Wales' highest paved road. The route typically takes around 4 hours and 9 minutes to complete, offering a rewarding experience for seasoned cyclists.

To begin your ride, head to Hay-on-Wye, a well-known starting point for many local routes. The terrain is mostly well-paved, but be ready for some narrow and rougher sections, particularly on descents like the one through the Vale of Ewyas. While the research does not specify parking or public transport details, Hay-on-Wye is a popular destination, so you should find amenities there. This loop is best enjoyed when conditions are dry, allowing for safer navigation of the mountain roads and descents.

This route is a highlight for road cyclists in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, largely due to the iconic ascent of Gospel Pass. It is also part of the

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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144 m

Hay-on-Wye

Highlight • Historical Site

Hay-on-Wye is an attractive, traditional and vibrant small town set in a delightful location on the Wales-England border. It has narrow sloping streets, a notable 13th-century castle and a world reputation for books! With over 20 bookshops for a population of just 2,000, Hay-on-Wye is often described as the ‘town of books’.

The town makes a fine stopping point on any long-distance walk or hike. Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk pass through Hay-on-Wye, and the town is overlooked by the glorious Black Mountains to the south and by the green rolling hills of Powys to the north.

As it is easy to spend time browsing and purchasing items from the Hay-on-Wye bookshops, please remember that if you are on a long-distance hike you may have to carry the books that you buy!

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838 m

Bikers Café

Highlight • Rest Area

Bike shop with cafe and bike hire available. Open 7 days a week.

Phone: 01497 822419

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1.92 km

Gospel Pass (Bwlch yr Efengyl)

Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass

Amazing road climb, highest road pass in Wales so cracking views on a clear day!

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37.7 km

Latte-Da Coffee & Kitchen

Highlight • Cafe

Fantastic coffee stop, cakes, sandwiches etc are amazing. Owner and staff are great and will let you take your bike out to the back so no need to leave on the street.

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