Llyn Brianne & The Devil's Staircase loop from Llandovery
Llyn Brianne & The Devil's Staircase loop from Llandovery
3
riders
Llyn Brianne & The Devil's Staircase loop from Llandovery
07:05
80.2km
1,450m
Gravel riding
Embark on a difficult gravel biking adventure with the Llyn Brianne & The Devil's Staircase loop from Llandovery. This challenging route spans 49.9 miles (80.2 km) and features a substantial 4747 feet (1447 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 7 hours and 5 minutes to complete. You will traverse the wild and remote landscapes of West Wales, enjoying fantastic scenery that includes pine-clad forests, open moorland, and the stunning Llyn Brianne reservoir. The terrain varies from mostly paved surfaces to wide gravel roads and rougher unpaved sections, offering amazing views as the road twists and turns around the water. Prepare for the infamous Devil's Staircase, a climb known for its savage steepness, pitching up to 25% and even an almost unrideable 30% in places. You might need to push your bike on this section, which also features rough patches and cattle grids.
This hard gravel ride demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills, especially for the Devil's Staircase. The route is extremely remote, so be prepared for minimal traffic and limited mobile signal throughout your journey. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, planning for a full day's ride is essential given its duration and difficulty. Ensure you carry all necessary supplies, as services will be scarce in this wilderness area. The best time to tackle this loop would likely be during drier months to mitigate the challenges of the rougher sections and steep climbs.
The Llyn Brianne & The Devil's Staircase loop is notable for its legendary climb and the spectacular Llyn Brianne Dam and Reservoir, which is Britain's highest dam. The route showcases the jaw-dropping roads through the Cambrian Mountains and Brecon Beacons, including the Abergwesyn Valley, considered one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Wales. The integration of open military roads adds a unique character to this wilderness adventure, setting it apart as a truly challenging and rewarding experience in West Wales.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
25.0 km
Llyn Brianne Gravel Road
Highlight • Cycleway
It's gently undulating with no sharp climbs and can be pretty fast — enjoy!
Tip by
42.2 km
Devil's Staircase Climb (Abergwesyn)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Leaving Abergwesyn, rising gently through the isolation you reach a couple of bridges in the rocky valley then ahead the road disappears into the trees past a weathered sign warning of the upcoming perils.
Straight away the narrow surface pitches up to 25% as you grind your way into the eerie conifers to reach a left hand bend. The road levels a little here, allowing you to catch your breath, but then it’s straight into the next incredibly tough stretch, which ends with a sharp almost unrideable 30% right-hand bend.
After this it backs off a bit, but there’s still a good distance of very tough climbing before you can finally relax.
Tip by
44.1 km
Abergwesyn Valley
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
The area is looked after by the National Trust.
Tip by
48.2 km
Irfon Valley Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
This is a quiet valley, often with its own microclimate.
On a good day in the summer you'll have to fight the temptation for a quick dip in the clear waters. Or not!
Tip by
80.2 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
39.6 km
29.8 km
7.46 km
3.49 km
Surfaces
33.2 km
28.5 km
18.3 km
333 m
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Elevation
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 8 July
28°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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