Brecon Beacons & Southeast Wales - Wales - page 216

Bike hire is available in Brecon at Biped Cycles. The cycle route proper starts near Theatr Brycheiniog
with its cluster of canal boats. You leave town past a dwindling number of houses, and the scene grows increas-
ingly rural.
At the first lock at Groesffordd , ignore cycle-route signs and continue on the canal towpath - note that
the signed Taf Trail follows a similar route, but that it's nicer to stick to the canal . For the next few miles
you simply follow the left-hand bank of the tranquil tree-lined waterway, which at points offers a view of the
sinuous and rushing River Usk. You pass the small settlements of Llanfrynach, Pencelli and Cross Oak, but these
are barely perceptible from the path.
Eventually you come to Talybont-on-Usk ; opposite the village shop you should leave the path and join
the lane over the drawbridge. There are a number of eating and drinking options at Talybont, from the handy little
Talybont Stores with its cafe to a cluster of pubs: the best is the Star Inn.
Follow the country road through Aber, beyond which is the Talybont Reservoir . Follow the signs left off
the road towards Danywenallt YHA; once you have crossed the water take the lane to the right, which makes a
loop right round the reservoir. At the furthest point you're on the fringes of the Taf Fechan Forest - a very steep
incline takes you back to the west bank of the reservoir.
The return route - back along the canal the way you came - is easy. Nearing home, at the bridge numbered
162, just remember to cross the canal, following the signs to Brecon.

Festivals & Events

Brecon Jazz Festival
( www.breconjazz.co.uk ; Aug) Organised by the team behind the Hay Festival, one of Europe's
leading jazz events is held in Brecon in the second weekend in August. Emerging British
talent and big-name internationals, such as 2010 headliners the Buena Vista Social Club,
perform.

MUSIC

Brecon Beast
( www.breconbeast.co.uk ; Sep) A gruelling mountain-bike challenge over 44 or 68 miles, held
in mid-September. The entry fee (£35) covers camping, refreshments on the route, a 'pasta
party' and a T-shirt.

CYCLING

Sleeping

Priory Mill Farm
( www.priorymillfarm.co.uk ; The Struet; sites per person £7.50; Easter-Oct) With a cobbled courtyard, an-
cient mill building, free-range chickens and a lush camping meadow, this small eco-
friendly campground is pretty much camping heaven, and it's just a five-minute riverside

CAMPGROUND £