Brilley Mountain and Painscastle

Venturing into Powys, after a few hundred metres turn right towards Michaelchurch-on-Arrow and continue to Newchurch and the lovely St Mary’s Church, which boasts a 10th-century font and two of the oldest bells in Wales.

Turn left up the hill on the B4594 for the climb to Painscastle, set on a historic drovers’ road, where hilltop remains of a motte and bailey castle linger – though the refreshing ales at the old Roast Ox Inn might hold more appeal for thirsty cyclists.

Veer sharply east to tackle the steady climb towards Clyro Hill, bearing right pat Crowther’s Pool and back to Brilley Mountain. From here, retrace your tyre tracks back to Kington – where a well-deserved pint awaits at the Swan Hotel in Kington.