Bettws Mountain & Penlle’r Castell from Railway Inn, Killay

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Bettws Mountain & Penlle’r Castell
Initially flat route on cycle path to Gowerton, then road to Fforestfach and a 2 mile/3.5km climb with gradient between 1 and 9% to Mynyddbach. Undulating through country lanes Llangyfelach, and on to Rhydypandy Road, climbing all the way to summit of Bettws Mountain for a possible stop to visit ruins of Penlle’r Castell. 8km climb averages 5-6%, with a very short stretch reaching 10%.
2km downhill before another, shorter climb of 2km averaging 6%, then downhill to Rhy-y-fro and Pontardawe. Onto cycle path following the canal to Clydach for a coffee stop.
On NCR43 along the Tawe back into Swansea, then Seafront and up Clyne Valley to the Railway.

Surface Type: Good mix of tarmac & gravel cycle paths, main roads and quiet country lanes.

Hazards: Busy going through Fforestfach and Crossing the Carmarthen Road. Steep descents from Bettws Mountain and into Rhyd-y-fro and Pontardawe.
Highlights: Spectacular views from our highpoint and lots and lots of windmills; lovely stretch of cycle path running between the canal and the river.

Distance: 36 miles
Ascent: 2854 feet

GPX File: Bettws-Mountain-Penller-Castell.gpx