I have a weekend away this coming weekend, and I have two nights booked in Hay. I've ridden in the Black Mountains a few times, and have generally started from the south/Crickhowell end. I've got a nice route planned based on this route, with tweaks (Sorry STW link..https://singletrackworld.com/2019/06/si ... ay-on-wye/) as it takes in stuff i've not ridden, and ends in Hay. Be good to know from anybody else what is worthwhile including/visiting/riding. I've done the 'killer loop' from the south a couple of times, and Crug Mawr, so don't feel I need to venture further south unless i'm missing something. Worth going over to the Begwns for some extra riding? I've been to and enjoyed LLangorse area before, and that's probably heading a bit too far out for a day ride in October if i'm honest! And should I stop looking at the ORPA between Great Turnant and Oldcastle? It looks like it might be 'interesting' or hellish...

Any tips would be useful, even if it's minor tweaks and local trails taken in a different direction. Ta!

Black Mountains rides are great but also a bit formulaic; up and down, along a ridge, along a valley (over the years I've probably ridden every track and trail there severaltimes!).
As an interesting alternative from Hay look to the North West, above Painscastle. There is some good riding on Llandeilo Hill, Red Hill, Glascwm Hill, Gwaunceste Hill. On the OS a lot of tracks are old highways shown as black dashes as well as the usual byways and bridleways.

faustus wrote: ↑Tue Oct 08, 2024 12:29 pm And should I stop looking at the ORPA between Great Turnant and Oldcastle? It looks like it might be 'interesting' or hellish...

I believe that one featured in the 2022 BB200 - enough said!

psling wrote: ↑Tue Oct 08, 2024 1:18 pm

faustus wrote: ↑Tue Oct 08, 2024 12:29 pm And should I stop looking at the ORPA between Great Turnant and Oldcastle? It looks like it might be 'interesting' or hellish...

I believe that one featured in the 2022 BB200 - enough said!

Ha! I was going to say, '..or is it a bit too BB200!' So yes, enough said. Thanks for the other suggestions, I did do a Bivvy ride in that area a few years ago, so perhaps I could keep that in mind

Begwns are nice, from what little I've ridden/walked up there.

Hope weather will be good for you, enjoy