Rhigos Climb Viewpoint – Caerphilly Castle loop from Energlyn & Churchill Park

Penyrheol Trecenydd & Energlyn

Rhigos Climb Viewpoint – Caerphilly Castle loop from Energlyn & Churchill Park

Hard

5.0

(1)

riders

Rhigos Climb Viewpoint – Caerphilly Castle loop from Energlyn & Churchill Park

04:51

102km

1,220m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.68 km

Coed Caedyrys

Forest

36.0 km

View of Hirwaun Common from Rhigos Climb

Highlight • Viewpoint

Really nice view after a really nice climb. Perfect reward on a summers day

Tip by

37.8 km

Rhigos Mountain Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

From Rhigos Pass Summit at 1,597 feet (487 metres) you can see the two highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons, 'Pen y Fan' and 'Corn Du' and the Mumbles in Swansea. Take a break!

Tip by

37.9 km

This is the ‘classic’ way to climb Rhigos, riding north to south as it treats you to two fantastic hairpin bends that could have been plucked direct from the Alps.

It’s a solid climb although never too steep which starts in a dead straight line before bending left past the old Tower Colliery. The gradient increases as you enter the second long straight, after which the road twists right into a conifer plantation.

Ahead you’ll see the first of the two giant bends and if you look left you’ll spy the road climbing above you. As you head into a smooth, tight bend and swing back round, the slope increases slightly and the views out over the valley open up.

Easing slightly before the next turn but climbing steeper out of it, the pitch now ramps hard up the side of the mountain with a barrier on the left and a sheer rock face to the right. Sweeping round you now just have to push yourself on to finish over the brow past the car park on your right.

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50.6 km

Bradley's Coffee Shop

Highlight • Cafe

Great coffee shop.

Always welcoming, even in the dead of winter when you’re covered in mud and soaking wet.

Great coffee and cakes.

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51.0 km

Bryn Du Climb from Aberdare

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

An enjoyable(-ish) climb up from Aberdare to the top of Maerdy mountain. Equally enjoyable descent, with the switchbacks making it interesting as opposed to most straight line descents. Really good road surface all the way up and over. A definite climb to add to anyones list.

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87.0 km

Penallta Park Bike Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The bike path through Penallta Park is a great alternative to the busy road. It’s also pretty peaceful as you come past the lakes.

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90.4 km

Hengoed Viaduct

Highlight • Monument

The coal mining industry transformed the landscape of South Wales and one of the ways it did that was bringing about the construction of railways and, to span valleys, their accompanying viaducts. Hengoed's viaduct is vast and incredibly impressive. Thankfully, after 35 years of being completely closed, it's now a foot and cycle path, and part of the National Cycle Route 47.

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99.8 km

Caerphilly Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest castles still standing in the country and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re passing. Check ahead to see opening times.

Tip by

102 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types