The Devil's Elbow

The Devil’s Elbow is a beauty of a climb, a true treasure of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

It’s just 1825m in length and 188m of vertical ascent, but it averages 10% gradient.

“But if you could just see the beauty

These things I could never describe

These pleasures a wayward distraction

This is my one lucky prize”

So sang Joy Division in their classic song, Isolation. I’m pretty sure the lads in the band had not cycled up The Devil’s Elbow when they wrote these lyrics but they seem beautifully appropriate to me. 

 The Devil’s Elbow is truly isolated and conquering its slopes definitely counts as a prize.

I don’t recall ever encountering a car whilst riding the approach, the climb itself nor the wonderful descent alongside the upper reaches of Afon Llia.

 I like to warm up for the devil by going over Mynydd Illtud out of Brecon. The steady climb gets the legs ready and the big views south east from it’s plateau towards Pen y Fan get the taste buds ready for the awe inspiring experience of The Devil’s Elbow. Off the top of Mynydd Illtud you head into down into Senni valley and ride south up towards the head of this stunning valley. The climb begins after the right hand junction where you briefly lose sight of what’s ahead. Soon after crossing the obligatory cattle grid things begin to open up as the hedgerows are left behind. Take this first section as steadily as you can as things get really punchy between the two switchbacks. The rusty barriers on your left are a reminder not to lose concentration and remain focused on the only thing that matters at this point, the prize of reaching the summit. As you take second hairpin, you are almost there so soak in the majesty of the views to your right.

 Just over the top you will find Maen Llia, an ancient standing stone that was raised 4000 years ago. Its worth taking a few minutes to soak it all in and imagine what could have been the reason for marking this desolate spot. It’s now time to enjoy the fast open descent towards the waterfall country.

 Whilst it’s not a long climb, its one that lives long in the memory.