The Devil's Staircase from Brecon loop — Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park
The Devil's Staircase from Brecon loop — Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park
21
riders
The Devil's Staircase from Brecon loop — Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park
06:28
116km
1,930m
Road cycling
Embark on a truly difficult road cycling adventure with The Devil's Staircase from Brecon loop, a challenging 72.1-mile (116.0 km) route through the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park. You will gain a significant 6344 feet (1934 metres) of elevation, with the infamous Devil's Staircase itself featuring gradients up to 30%. This demanding ride, typically taking around 6 hours and 27 minutes, rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Tywi Valley, vibrant green fields, and serene forest canopies as you navigate narrow, twisty paved roads.
Planning your visit requires good fitness and preparation for extreme gradients. The route winds through remote wilderness with minimal traffic, enhancing your sense of being deep in the Welsh landscape. Be aware that while the roads are paved, you might encounter debris or moss, especially on descents. This loop is best attempted when you are ready for a serious physical test, as many cyclists find themselves needing to dismount and push their bikes on the steepest sections.
The Devil's Staircase is widely recognized as one of the most difficult and iconic cycling climbs in the UK, often featured in lists like Simon Warren's
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
23.3 km
Epynt Viewpoint
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Tip by
43.7 km
Abergwesyn Pass
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
44.5 km
Devil's Staircase Climb (Abergwesyn)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Leaving Abergwesyn, rising gently through the isolation you reach a couple of bridges in the rocky valley then ahead the road disappears into the trees past a weathered sign warning of the upcoming perils.
Straight away the narrow surface pitches up to 25% as you grind your way into the eerie conifers to reach a left hand bend. The road levels a little here, allowing you to catch your breath, but then it’s straight into the next incredibly tough stretch, which ends with a sharp almost unrideable 30% right-hand bend.
After this it backs off a bit, but there’s still a good distance of very tough climbing before you can finally relax.
Tip by
55.4 km
Carreg Clochdy Viewpoint Over Llyn Brianne
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
59.2 km
View of Llyn Brianne
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
61.5 km
Llyn Brianne Dam
Highlight • Viewpoint
You'll find brilliant gravel and forestry roads on one side of the reservoir and slick, smooth black tarmac on the other, the choice is yours.
Tip by
115 km
Brecon Tap
Highlight • Pub
116 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
103 km
12.5 km
629 m
157 m
Surfaces
69.3 km
46.7 km
107 m
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Elevation
Highest point (490 m)
Lowest point (70 m)
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Weather
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Monday 10 August
26°C
8°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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