Start/Finish Cwmtillery Lakes, Abertillery SO217061 Total distance 6.8km (4.2 miles) Total ascent 355m (1164ft) Time 0.5-1.5 hours Maps OS Landranger 1:50000 sheet 161: The Black Mountains Route summary Short but sometimes steep and technical loop taking you up to, across and down from moorland above Abertillery. From the car park at Cwmtillery Lakes, turn left and follow the narrow lane up through the houses. Take the sharp hairpin left to climb more steeply, reaching cattle grid and open hillsides. Opposite small farm buildings take the steep, loose track switching back right (224070). Climb steeply, pushing if (when) necessary to trail crossroads at the top. Take the right turn, climbing with the fence to your left over ground that’s either hard and fast or soft and slow depending on the season. Descend as the trail swings left through a loose, sandy corner. Watch out for a narrower trail turning back on yourself to the right. Follow the trail to the right, heading west down the slope towards Abertillery with a small patch of woodland to your left. Look for the stone wall running across the hillside – you’re aiming for the singletrack running just upslope of this, heading right. Descend on occasionally tricky singletrack, watching out for concealed steps, ruts and tightening turns. The trail steepens as it descends, heading into a fold in the hillside with a small drop towards the bottom. Continue on the trail, climbing briefly on grass before joining final section of singletrack. Descend to rejoin vehicle track above Abertillery, turn left and descend back to Cwmtillery Lakes and car park. Watch out in winter, as this track can be icy. by Matt_Skinner
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