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The Rhiwr Road cycle climb is arguably the toughest cycle climb in Monmouthshire, and one of the toughest in the UK. Averaging 13% gradient (21% in the middle section) you can find this climb in north-west Monmouthshire, about 40 minutes cycle ride from Abergavenny.

Starting near Clydach Ironworks, you ascend up from Clydach Gorge via Station Road, then join the Rhiwr Road at Nazareth Chapel.

Here is what Jack Thurston, author of the Lost Lanes Wales cycling guidebook, has to say about it :

"Simon Warren described this 1.6km climb as an "utter beast," and he wasn't exaggerating. At an average 13%, it's already a brute, but the middle section ramps up to a leg-shredding 21% that'll have you questioning your life choices. Starting at the bridge over the River Clydach, just off the A465, you'll pass the remains of the Clydach Ironworks before grinding through Clydach village to Waunllapria. If you somehow have energy left, you can continue to the B4248 towards Blaenavon and tackle the southern side of the Blorenge."

Jack Thurston is the author of Lost Lanes Wales, part of the Lost Lanes series of cycling guidebooks.

Thanks to Andrew O'Connor for the photos.