TOGUK Brecon Rally Route - 12 Sept 2021
Meet/Departure Point - eastbound M4 Sarn Services (8x V2 SuC available)
Departure time - aiming for 1100
Overview of route below…
At the time of writing, the number of drivers is still to be confirmed but it is possible that we will have 15+ cars given the early 'Event' poll. Therefore, local drivers are asked to arrive at Sarn with as much charge as possible to reduce congestion on the SuC’s for those that have travelled long distances and/or need a full charge.
For supercharging prior to getting here, Cardiff V3 SUC (CCS only) is available just off the M4 or if travelling down the M5 you have Michaelwood Services, if travelling up from the South West you have Gordano, and Cribbs, and from the East there is Membury on the M4.
There are GridServe/Ecotricity chargers at most of the motorway services on the M4, but as with all public charging it’ll be hit and miss as to whether they are in use or not.
If you haven’t been to Wales before or for a while, there is no longer a toll bridge on the M4 to cross the River Severn - it's now free to get in.
The stages of the route are detailed below; it’s a pretty loooong PDF but should be available on your Tesla screen via a web link (to be provided) - don’t worry, you don’t need to digest all of it (the sheep part is pretty important though) as it’s just here if you somehow get mislaid along the way 
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Lunch.
Sarn departure
Depending on final numbers, we will aim to depart Sarn as a convoy. There is a Facebook Messenger Group setup for the event (contact me if you want to be added) and a Zello Walkie Talkie channel https://zello.me/k/hQUXH (TOGUK Brecon Run password - Breckon2021) for use on the day. Many thanks to Joe Bourton for setting that up.
Gary H will take 'point' for the rally with myself as 'tail end Charlie' and we will be in contact with each other.
There is likely to be an option for those that want to take in the route/scenery at a more sedate pace. We will explore this in greater detail in the morning at Sarn.
We would ask that you please respect the speed limit at all times - there are a couple of fixed cameras en-route, one within the first mile or so and South Wales police have an active team of mobile cameras.
Stage 1. Sarn - Treorchy (A4061)
A mixture of fast cross-country roads and a bit of twisty stuff as we approach Treorchy…
Dropping down into the valley, Treorchy will be on our left. There is a sharp left as we approach the bottom of the valley and enter the town.
Probably a good time to mention sheep.
They ‘own’ these roads and they are pretty thick. Granted, we have loads of them, but when you see one, treat them with the utmost ‘respect’, in that if you don’t, they will likely just jump straight out into the road and trash the front of your car - when kebab meets car - kebab always wins in this case!!
Stage 2. Treorchy - Hirwaun (A4061)
Continue along A4061 through Treorchy and Treherbert; this may be a pain and take a few minutes, but did attract a lot of gobsmacked attention from the locals last year. Then we climb back into the countryside. Fun fact whilst cruising through Treorchy - Max Boyce released the album that made his name from here “Max Boyce - Live at Treorchy”.
Possible Spotify moment ;)
This route is similar to the previous one with fast sections followed by a few slow bends…
At the end of the A4061 there is a mini roundabout at Rhigos. Take the 1st exit (Rhigos Road) west bound towards Glynneath (road will turn into the Merthyr Road - B4242).
At Glynneath, take the A4109 towards Abercraf and then the A4067 towards The National Show Caves of Wales. Pass the Showcaves on your left whilst keeping a sharp eye out for pieces of Andy Reid's Tesla ;)
From here on it's a nice straight-ish cruise towards Sennybridge along the A4067 passing the Cray Reservoir on your left.
Running into Sennybridge there will be a sharp left and then a junction. Turn right onto the A40 towards Brecon.
The route through Brecon...
As we approach Brecon there will be a roundabout - take the first left onto the B4601 keeping the Golf Club on your left.
Follow the B4601 (feel free to hum songs from Les Mis ) crossing the River Usk and then bearing right. Look out for the Cotswold Outdoor centre at a set of traffic lights (pic below). Turn left at the lights.
Then turn left again at the lights by the salubrious looking Bulls Head Hotel below (towards Lower Chapel and Upper Chapel B4520 - signposted). Brecon Cathedral walls will be on your right.
Stage 4. Upper Chapel - Garth (and here we go ;) )
After Upper Chapel follow the B4520 but watch for the left turn towards Garth - B4519. Miss it, and you're doing the 2018 run 
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This is a lovely run (through an artillery range with lots of bends/dips and straights).
Stage 5. Garth -> Builth Wells
At the end of the B4519, turn right towards Builth Wells (A483). This is a staging route with nice scenery but little challenging in the way of driving.
Follow the A483 into Builth Wells - blue route below (the short cut has a one way stretch and can't be used).
The south bound right turn, back towards Upper Chapel and Brecon, is shown below. Follow signs to Brecon and onto the B4520, Brecon Road.
Stage 6. Builth Wells -> Upper Chapel (B4520), here we go again 
Not a lot to say - enjoy.
Stage 7. Upper Chapel -> Brecon Visitor Centre (B4520, B4607, A470).
Initial reverse of outbound route towards Brecon along the B4520 and B4067 but with a small change at the Brecon end - see below.
At the roundabout with the Brecon Golf Club on your right, take the second exit onto the A470 towards Cardiff
Follow the A470 towards Libanus, the Visitor Centre will be a right turn on entering Libanus (red 50mph road markings should be the final alert).
Right turn shown below...
Ok, I’ll not lie, this road is not built for a convoy of Tesla’s. We may need to dispatch a ‘runner’ ahead to authorize vehicles up. Will assess on the day and react accordingly - all part of the fun (he says hopefully).
We will hopefully be able to park up in the overflow area as there’s a nice bit of well kept grass which makes a good photo opportunity.
4 Pod Points (untethered 7kW) are available - I'll need a slurp methinks.
The cafe provides a buffet style food so head on in and grab yourself some sustenance and then we’ll have a chance for a chat and then it's back towards Sarn via Penderyn Distillery and Treorchy.
Stage 8. Visitor Centre -> Penderyn Distillery
Back down the track and a right turn onto the A470. Stay on A470 keeping an eye out for a reservoir on your right. At the end of the reservoir, turn right onto the A4059
Next right after this image
Good sweeping road this - with great views of the Brecons.
We will end up at Penderyn distillery, the shop there is open seven days a week so if anybody fancies picking up a bottle of Brecon Gin or Penderyn Whisky then this will be your chance.
I’ve messaged them to see if we can stop there briefly as they have a decent car-park area which might be good opportunity for a group photo and to collect any stragglers we may have created by then. (I also always like to support business that support us with charging support - 2 DC’s available).
Stage 9. Penderyn -> Sarn
From here it's back to Sarn via Treorchy, just punch Sarn into the Nav and you'll be good. No point dragging this out anymore so hope you enjoy the day, looking forward to seeing you all and..
