Introduction
This walk, cycle or horse ride, starting and finishing in Brecon, offers a stunning scenic route through the heart of the Yscir Community. It affords beautiful rural views throughout, which as height is gained, extend to fine panoramas. The route takes in two sites of significant historical and archaeological interest; the Roman Fort at Y Gaer and later the Iron Age Hill Fort of Pen y Crug.
The route for walkers, cyclists and equestrians is in the main part identical, but there are two necessary deviations where the public right of way becomes a footpath. The first deviation occurs at Y Gaer Farm and the second is the route that descends into Brecon from Pen y Crug. These deviations are described in the route directions.On the map of the route the pedestrian route is denoted by blue dots and the cyclist/equestrian deviations are denoted by red dots.
The route is described in a clockwise direction. However, if you are cycling, it is easier to travel anticlockwise and cycle up Pen y Crug first. Mountain bikes only as the terrain is rocky and muddy in places. On a good day, if you are fit and wind is behind you, it is possible to cycle all the way. Most people, though, will need to do some pushing!
Car Parking: Take the Cradoc road just to the town centre side of the Usk bridge. Follow that road up the hill until you reach a left fork at a grass triangle signposted "Promenade”. Fork left to reach pay and display car park by river on left.
Distance: 11.3 km / 7 miles
Terrain: Initially flat with sections that can be muddy under wet weather conditions. Second half of route involves gradual ascent to Battle and then from
Cradoc to Pen y Crug.
Time:
As a pedestrian allow at least a full morning or afternoon.
Maps: 1/25,000 Explorer OL12 or 1/50,000 Landranger 160
Battle
