# Black Mountain Pass
A4069 · Brecon Beacons. United Kingdom (Europe).
Source: https://lotustrails.com/trails/black-mountain-pass/

- Length: 32 km (20 miles)
- High point: 493 m (1,617 ft)
- Driving time: 40 minutes
- Season: Year-round
- Toll: Free
- Coordinates: 51.858, -3.848
- Character: Moorland, Hairpins, Fast sweepers

The A4069 crosses the Black Mountain at the western end of the Brecon Beacons, running about 20 miles from Llandovery through Llangadog to Brynamman. It climbs to 493 m over open moorland and is one of the most filmed roads in Britain, a regular backdrop for television road tests.

## The drive
North to south is the better direction. After Llangadog the road climbs through trees, breaks out onto the open hill and runs through a series of well-sighted, cambered bends to the summit car park. The descent towards Brynamman includes the Tro Gwcw, or Cuckoo Turn, a tight downhill hairpin.

Link it with the A4067 past Cray reservoir and the mountain road from Trecastle to make a loop of an hour or so.

## In your Lotus
A classic Lotus road: narrow enough that a small car has room to choose a line, quick enough to feel like proper driving at legal speeds. The limit is now 40 mph over part of the mountain section, so go for the views and the rhythm.

## Watch out for
- A 40 mph limit applies on the upper section, and it is enforced.
- Sheep lie on the warm tarmac, including on the exits of blind bends.
- It is very busy with bikes and car clubs on sunny Sundays.