MTB routes in/near Rhondda

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Djn2414

New Member
Hi. Just started some mountain biking and looking for some free maps so that I don't get lost. Can't seem to find any, can anyone help please?

Thanks
 

lukesdad

Guest
There used to be some small scale ones on the National parks website for the beacons. They are available at the centre but they do cost unfortunatly.

i could probably map you out some if you have a gps other than that Id have to work out if I could map you out one on one of the mapper sites. Trouble is most won t take you along R-O-Ways.
 

Cubist

Still wavin'
Location
Ovver 'thill
There used to be some small scale ones on the National parks website for the beacons. They are available at the centre but they do cost unfortunatly.

i could probably map you out some if you have a gps other than that Id have to work out if I could map you out one on one of the mapper sites. Trouble is most won t take you along R-O-Ways.
If you go on Mapometer or similar you can map out a route and save it, then copy and paste the saved file into a thread. Mapometer can follow Bridleways quite often if you use the "follow road" function, or can be drawn "freestyle".
 

lukesdad

Guest
If you go on Mapometer or similar you can map out a route and save it, then copy and paste the saved file into a thread. Mapometer can follow Bridleways quite often if you use the "follow road" function, or can be drawn "freestyle".

Thanks for that Cubist Ive only everdone them via O/S on the garmin. If your not in a hurry Djn I ll try and get some posted here.

Be aware Im not brilliant on these mapping sites but hopefully ill get it done before the end of the week. How far afield do you want to go ?
 
OP
OP
D

Djn2414

New Member
Thanks for that Cubist Ive only everdone them via O/S on the garmin. If your not in a hurry Djn I ll try and get some posted here.

Be aware Im not brilliant on these mapping sites but hopefully ill get it done before the end of the week. How far afield do you want to go ?

Hi thanks for the replies. I'm only want to be out for max of 2 hours at the moment until I build up my fitness etc. I've heard that there are routes at the top of the Rhigos but not sure where to go from there. Think one can go towards maerdy resevoir and another towards cwmparc/afan. I thought that there would be a stack of maps showing where all the forestry roads etc go but it doesn't look that easy! If you were able to do some kind of rough routes I would be very grateful. I can wait until you have time to do it so please don't put yourself out too much. Thanks.
 

Cubist

Still wavin'
Location
Ovver 'thill
DJN
Log into mapometer.com

Register, it's free, and play with the mapping tools. They are quite intuitive.

Based on what you've posted above I've mapped out a 9.5 miler on what look like forestry tracks, starting at a junction on the Rhigos road. . The way I've drawn it looks like it ends with a short descent then a road descent. Far better would be to climb on the road to warm up, then a net descent to the finish line!
Here's the saved route. It's just a taster, but if you zoom into the map in "hybrid mode" you get to see the topography and the tracks are still mapped out.
http://www.mapometer.com/mountain_biking/route_1932028.html

At the top left hand corner of the map is a "Search for other routes in this area"... give that a try. (Edit, forget it, there aren't any!)
 

Cubist

Still wavin'
Location
Ovver 'thill
Bing maps show the tracks as tracks, no mention of ROW.... but zoomed Satellite mapping seems to show the odd gate.......... use your judgement and mind out for Forestry traffic!
 

mitchibob

Über Member
Location
Treorchy, Wales
Hi thanks for the replies. I'm only want to be out for max of 2 hours at the moment until I build up my fitness etc. I've heard that there are routes at the top of the Rhigos but not sure where to go from there. Think one can go towards maerdy resevoir and another towards cwmparc/afan. I thought that there would be a stack of maps showing where all the forestry roads etc go but it doesn't look that easy! If you were able to do some kind of rough routes I would be very grateful. I can wait until you have time to do it so please don't put yourself out too much. Thanks.

I know I'm bringing an absolutely ancient thread alive again, but forestry roads/paths in the Rhondda have been dealt an terrible blow due to Cwmparc #gategate that's cut off a beautiful 8km or so of what was (until gate) a beautiful, accessible gravel climb to top of mountain via top of Treherbert basin and giving access to Bwlch and Rhigos via lovely gravel trails through the windfarm. There's active petition to bring this path open again to both walkers and cyclists that I encourage anyone potentially affected from not having access to this most accessible way up the mountain. https://chng.it/pcD9cjrhFW

PXL_20240918_121144757.jpg


To the OP, Komoot actually has some of the best ways to navigate all the paths around here, although, worry that it'll be subscription now unless you already bought World Maps earlier, but has been go-to choice for route planning for years and has navigated me well around the forestry trails in Rhondda Fawr, and when it says it's single-track, it tends to mean it (so, I'm walking gravel bike a bit on those bits). I'll also point out that some trails do still have downed trees cutting off some bits since winter storms.

Although, komoot, and other mapping services such as OS, etc., never shown where the gate blocking access to this gorgeous route as being private, and while there's application for prescribed right of way in progress, doesn't hurt to have more people sign the petition.
 
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