If you need to drive to the start, parking directly outside or around the side of Ride Bikes Wales, CF72 9FG is fine during the week and weekends.

At the bottom of the hill turn right at the roundabout and head through undulating singletrack lanes behind Brynna and Heol Y Cyw that take you to Bryncethin and onto Tondu. Follow the cycle route to Parc Slip Nature Reserve, and enjoy traffic free paths and old railway lines.

Craig Yr Aber woods is where the good gravel riding begins. There are many routes to be explored in this area and multiple trips are needed to find them all. The climbs here are not too steep however they do feel long.

Ride over to Maesteg golf course and pick up a section of Afan Argoed trail centre. (30/01/25. There are other routes from the top of Afan that head straight down to afan trail centre but due to the high winds and fallen trees this winter it was not possible to get past). Once through this gravel section you pick up a flat cycle track for recovery that links Afan to Glyncorrwg trail centre.

Both centres have shops for supplies and toilets. Glyncorrwg centre has an excellent cafe called Corrwg Cwtch that serves hot food and drinks. From Glyncorrwg you head up a long climb that takes you through the wind farms and onto the Rhigos mountain, then to the Bwlch.

Briefly onto the road for a few minutes to pick up the final switchback climb with good views of the Ogmore valley and the Bristol Channel into the distance. You are on the home stretch with a long decent through Gilfach forestry which can get a little rough in places so please take your time. The ride finishes mostly on cycle track back to Ride Bikes Wales.

If you ride during the week please call in for a cuppa and chat.