Section 8 - Llwyn y Celyn
Section 8: Llwyn y Celyn to Upper Chapel Viewpoint
Distance 7 km
Walk 2.5 hours
Ride 1.75 - 3 hours
Summary
Steep climbs and varied terrain crossing two rivers.
Section 8 runs between the access road from Merthyr Cynog to the viewpoint on the B4519, Upper Chapel to Garth road. After a steep climb up from the Yscir Fechan, the path crosses high ground before dipping to cross the Yscir Fawr. Another climb to more high ground leads eventually to the Afon Honddu crossing and the home stretch.
Route Description
From point A9, the receptor site at Llwyn y Celyn, ( SN 964 385), head along the road to the boundary and start east up the hill. The steep climb beside the farm is rewarded by a series of unusual views south across to the Central Brecon Beacons. After reaching the high point B9 (SN 975 385) opposite the red flag, pass west of a plantation then follow the boundary fence gently downhill. As you reach the corner of the fence line at point C9 (SN 978391), the busy military road known as “Route 61” will come into view far below. This road marks the boundary of the live firing area. It must never be crossed. Continue downhill, leaving the fence to follow a stream down to another internal fence corner at point D9 (SN 979392). Turn right here to head down across fields, crossing a small stream through a hedge line to reach a gate beside the Yscir Fawr at point E9 (SN 982391).
This is where the path briefly leaves MOD land to avoid a live firing range. Make your way along the hedge line to reach a tarmac roadway, and then turn left to cross the river via Tyr Bach Bridge. Continue along the roadway for approximately 150 m then move up the field, through a bridle gate in the hedge line. Re-enter the training area behind the range warden’s premises, via a further bridle gate across another stream at point F9 (SN 982395). Once inside the boundary, follow the hedge line up through two more bridle gates to ford the stream again.
Further up the hill a bridleway junction will be encountered. Continue to climb up to cross a hard track leading left to flag 28 and a trig point at point G9 (SN 991404).
From here the path stays on high ground around 400 m, eventually following an old wall before reaching a group of thorn trees where the descent begins to a bridle gate at point H9 (SN 991 416). Turn left to cross a steep field diagonally then pass through a field gate and skirt round a troop shelter on the site of Sychnant farm at I9 (SN 991418). Descend via another farm gate then cross a small stream and through another bridle gate. You are now on the bank of the Afon Honddu and will soon reach the bridle bridge.
The path climbs gently up to cross a minor public road, which is the recommended access point from Upper Chapel and the long distance Radnor Forest Ride - J9 (SN 994422). The permissive bridleway itself follows an old track along a contour to reach the lay by on the B4519 road at point K9 (SN 996429). This marks the end of this phase and of the Southern Arc of the Epynt Way.
