The Perfect Week of Riding in South Wales: An Action-Packed Getaway

Welcome to Merthyr Tydfil, your gateway to an exhilarating week of riding adventures and stunning landscapes. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or a casual rider, this schedule is tailored to make the most of your visit to South Wales. Get ready for a week filled with scenic routes, charming villages, adrenaline-pumping trails and even a little history and surprise.

Day 1: Explore Merthyr Tydfil

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Happy Fox Cafe – a local café run by local people in the Merthyr community. There is a great atmosphere, and everything is made fresh.
  • Mid-morning: Discover the rich history of Merthyr Tydfil with a visit to Cyfarthfa Castle and its beautiful park – Built in the 18th century it established itself as the Iron Capital of the world, it truly is one of South Wales most impressive monuments.
  • Afternoon: Take a tour or master class at Penderyn – The home of award-winning Welsh whisky, with the dream of creating a whisky as pure and precious as Welsh gold, represented today by Penderyn’s ‘gold seam’.
  • Evening: Grab some of the best Fish and Chips Wales has to offer at Georgetown Fish Bar and make your way back to Brecon House to tuck in and rest up for tomorrows adventure to the UK’s biggest Bike Park.

Day 2: Bike Park Wales

  • Morning: Gear up for an adrenaline-fueled day at Bike Park Wales - One of the best mountain bike parks in the UK offering services such as bike rentals, professional coaching sessions, and convenient uplifts, BikePark Wales ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for riders. Just be sure to book in advance, as uplift tickets are limited and sell fast, especially during the summer months.
  • Mid-morning-Afternoon: Tackle the trails suited to your skill level, from flowy descents to technical routes. From easiest to hardest the trails are ranked: Green, Blue, Red, Black & Diamond.
  • Evening: Replace those lost calories with a local Chinese from Grawen Chinese Takeaway, a favourite of the guests that stay at Brecon House. Once you’re refuelled, pop down the road to the Grawen Arms for a relaxed evening of drinks in a local pub with a vibrant atmosphere.

Day 3: Brecon Beacons National Park

  • Morning: Hire a bike from Bikes + Hikes and explore the wonders of the Brecon Beacon’s – A National Park covering an area of 520 square miles on the border between Mid Wales and South Wales. The area includes Fforest Fawr, UNESCO Global Geopark, is recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve, and the perfect place to take in nature on two wheels.
  • Mid-morning-Afternoon: Choose from a variety of trails such as the Gap Road, offering breathtaking views. Don’t forget to pick-up some artisan cheesecake in a jar from The Cheesecake Guy.
  • Evening: Relax and unwind at The New Crown while indulging in some Portuguese themed cuisine with a twist – Family run and located in one of the oldest pubs in Wales, the timeless décor goes great with the locally sources ingredients.

Day 4: Rhondda Valleys

  • Morning-Afternoon: Why not do something a little different by visiting Zip World Tower - Home to Phoenix zip line, the world’s fastest seated zip line, with 4 parallel lines in 2 separate zip zones. This zip line will see you flying across the Welsh countryside.
  • Evening: It’s time to crack out those master chief skills and prepare a home cooked meal in Brecon House’s fully stocked Kitchen and catch-up on the latest Netflix and Disney films, all provided as part of your stay.

Day 5: Dirt Farm Adventure Park

  • Morning: Embark on a day of excitement at Dirt Farm Bike Park, aka ‘Black Mountain’ – Situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, Dirt Farm offers exciting downhill trails for intermediate to professional riders, and offers either push-up or uplift passes.
  • Mid-morning-Afternoon: With over 15 different trails ranging from Blue to Black skill levels, there is plenty to keep you busy and testing your limits.
  • Evening: Feeling naughty, make things easy and grab a Mc Donald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC or even a cheeky Nando’s on the way home, all a stones throw away from Brecon House.

Day 6: Afan Forest Park

  • Morning-Afternoon: With the week drawing to a close, it time to finish on a high by heading to Afan Forest Park – Discover their famous mountain bike trails, waymarked walks and family friendly cycle routes set in the backdrop of the stunning Afan Valley.
  • Lunch: Grab the picnic set from Brecon House and take a break and recharge while surrounded by the picturesque views of Afan Forest Park.
  • Evening: Time for another great evening meal, and what could be better then one of the locals favourites, Cochin Spice Garden – An Indian restaurant known for it’s traditional cooking techniques, aromatic curries and succulent tandoori kebabs.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect

  • Morning: Take a leisurely morning stroll or bike ride into Merthyr Tydfil’s City Centre – with a street market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, it’s the perfect place to partake in some retail therapy.
  • Afternoon: Spend your last day enjoying the local attractions or simply relaxing at Brecon house and making the most of the retro gaming station.
  • Evening: Wrap up your perfect week of riding by spending the evening playing some Cards Against Humanity while simultaneously saving yourself from trudging back home all that dirty gear by making the most of the two washer-dryers at Brecon house, you’ll thank yourself later!

As you reflect on a week filled with thrilling rides, breath-taking landscapes, and warm Welsh hospitality, we hope this guide inspires you to make the most of your stay at Brecon House in Merthyr Tydfil. Whether you're an avid cyclist or just discovering the joy of biking, South Wales has something for everyone.

Book your stay with us at Brecon House, designed specifically to cater to mountain bikers and outdoor adventurers. Our property features hardwood flooring throughout the ground floor, two washer-dryers for quick cleaning of dirty clothing, a dedicated bike wash area, a secure bike/equipment storage shed, hooks above the radiators to help dry clothing, and a fully equipped bike repair room with all the necessary tools. These thoughtful design elements ensure that your stay is not only comfortable but also tailored to the needs of those who love the great outdoors.

We look forward to hosting you and being an integral part of your unforgettable riding experience.