FIGYN MOUNTAIN

ABERGORLECH, CARMARTHEN

Leave Abergorlech, squeeze over the small stone bridge that crosses the River Cothi, and head into the woods. The gradient is a test at first but not too challenging, although it does spike round a left-hand bend. Before long, you’re sandwiched between towering hedgerows, riding at the base of a canyon of tangled greenery with any views completely obscured. Twisting upwards through the claustrophobic shrubbery, the slope levels out after a junction where you must keep to the right to remain on course. Up to your left the land rises and you can see there’s more climbing to come, so enjoy this level while it lasts. When the slope kicks up this time it’s a lot tougher, still barricaded between the giant hedges, and it hits around 15% at its maximum. Round a sharp corner you’re almost at the top, but must pick your way past a few houses to finally cross the brow.