Section 1 - Upper Chapel Road
Section 1: Upper Chapel Viewpoint to Garth Road Viewpoint
Distance 14 km
Walk 4.5 hours
Ride 2-4.5 hours
Summary
High moorland. Links to Visitor Centre
Section 1 traverses high moorland around the north-east corner of the Sennybridge Army Training Area (SENTA) between the Upper Chapel and the Garth Road viewpoints, both located on the B4519 Upper Chapel to Garth Road. Parking is available at both ends.
There is an easy link with the Disgwylfa Visitor Centre ( SN 993 437), also on the B4519. The Visitor Centre has toilet facilities, an established easy access short walk and another longer circular walk. There are some challenging sections for horse riders. Alternative routes for riders are indicated.
Route Description
From the lay-by (SN 996 428), cross the road ignoring the obvious track and follow the hedge line to reach the viewpoint (SN 999 437). This is the access point from the Visitor Centre 0.8 km away via the easy access path (red markers). Go up a rough track north-east for 0.2 km (SO 001 438) before turning east across open moorland for 1.5 km. There are a few boggy patches here and minor streams to step over. At SO 103 434 join a hard track (the Llyn Login track) continuing 1.0 km east over a hill adorned with a red flag and a triangulation point. Drop down to the junction of the main range road “The Concrete Road” and the B4520 Builth Road (SO 021 435).
Turn sharp north-west here following the boundary fence downhill to meet an access track coming in from the B4520 above the former Griffin Inn, (now a private house) at SO 021 440. Cross a flat area and a track before climbing slightly to approach the edge of the training area near to a large new chicken shed.
Veer west here and follow the boundary fence for 0.6 km before coming through some woodland via 2 bridle gates.
After 0.3 km you will join a hard track. Continue north for 1 km to reach a junction with the public footpath from Cefn Perfydd Isaf (SO 013 463). The path now turns broadly west keeping near the boundary fence for 3.5 km, at first across boggy land then through two bridle gates and dipping steeply down through a scenic dingle , (riders are advised to dismount and lead at this point). This section can sometimes be affected by intensive military activity as it is close to Defensive Positions. The path crosses the brow of a hill before dropping to Blaen Duhonw. A diversion has been put in place for riders at this point. Walkers may wish to save 0.5 km by turning north (SN 983 465) down a slope, stepping across the stream to regain the bridleway via a steep sheep track (SN 982 467). Riders should proceed by the longer route here to cross the stream at the ford (SN 981 465) then turning north-east.
The path soon turns north, following a contour for 0.5 km to reach a pair of deep ravines (SN 981 472). Riders should circumvent these upstream whilst walkers can enjoy the scramble before turning north-east following close to the boundary for 0.5 km to join the hard Warren track (SN 983 474). After 0.5 km as the track bends west. Continue to follow it for a further 1.5 km. Just past a junction on the left (SN 975 475), bear right off the track to follow the contour for 2 km to reach the Garth Road viewpoint (SN 963 466).
It is possible to make this a circular route by returning south-east for 5 km along the B 4519 public road.
