Brechfa Raven trail

dot1

Hi guys,

I'm heading to Wales for a wedding next weekend and am planning on doing Cwmcarn on friday morning, and was thinking of doing the Brechfa Raven trail on sunday morning if I can sneak out. I've watched a few vids on youtube and what I've seen it doesn't look that gnarly, and it isn't as long or have as much climbing as the red route, so I'm wondering, why is it a black route? Is there bits that are mental that are missing in the videos or something? Or are the climbs crazy hard and steep?

concorde

dot1 wrote:

Hi guys,

I'm heading to Wales for a wedding next weekend and am planning on doing Cwmcarn on friday morning, and was thinking of doing the Brechfa Raven trail on sunday morning if I can sneak out. I've watched a few vids on youtube and what I've seen it doesn't look that gnarly, and it isn't as long or have as much climbing as the red route, so I'm wondering, why is it a black route? Is there bits that are mental that are missing in the videos or something? Or are the climbs crazy hard and steep?

The climb is meant to be a bit brutal, I have not done it. I have done the red, Gorlech though. People I know that have done both say the climb for the black is worse, so maybe that's why. As for Gnarl the red is not that Gnarly, but there's a fair few tables etc. Apparently the Raven is similar but with bigger tables?!

scottfitz

I would say the raven is no harder than gorlech. I did both of them in the same ride and didn't fine it any harder, both worth doing and both really good fun.