Leave Brecon at the roundabout by the Leisure Centre, take route 8 to T junction, then right into Groesfford, turn left towards Llangorse on the B road, but at the top of the hill turn right to Talyllyn - lovely views to R of the Beacons, and soon Llangorse lake is seen on the left.  At T junction turn R to Pennorth, and at the end left to Llangasty.  More views here and lovely downhill past Treberfydd.  Turn L at sign to Cathedine, and pass pretty cottages until you climb steeply to the road coming from Bwlch.  Turn left here and swoop along the undulations, into Llangorse (choice of 2 pubs if you are thirsty) then after the pubs take the left to Llanfihangel, and a gentle climb back to the top of the hill you first climbed.  Flat out down the hill to Groesfford and left at the bottom, then turn right just after the underpass to return to town along the canal.

Leave Brecon through Llanfaes towards Cardiff, and at the roundabout take the 3rd exit past the Homebase store and Livestock market.  Climb gently for 5 km to cattle grid (Strava segment) then as you crest the top enjoy fantastic mountain views to your left. Enjoy the rolling narrow road for 9 or 10 km now until you reach a t-junction with the A4215.  Turn left and make the fast and easy descent to the main A470 just south of Libanus.  Cross the A road (slightly right/left) and take the small lane by the National Trust sign.  After a row of white cottages turn left and head back towards Brecon on tiny lanes with hedges thick with birds and wildflowers. There are several options here, best to keep R at the first junction, and then just follow your nose.  You will end up back in Llanfaes where you turn R back into town.

This time take the Cradoc road, climbing out of town for about 3km and turn left at Cradoc dropping down to Aberyscir and carry on towards Aberbran.  Just before Aberbran turn R signposted to Soar and start the first of 5 short climbs on this circuit. Pass some lovely woodland then drop down to Soar and turn right after you have passed all the houses. Start the next climb then as it flattens off and goes round to the left, turn right and climb again.  More nice woodland here, then drop into a stream valley and steeply up the other side. It feels quite remote now, as you climb again on seldom used lanes with grass growing up the middle. Eventually the road swings R and flattens momentarily.  There is still a bit more climbing after you pass a farm with sheepdogs on the left, but soon you emerge on to Aberyscir common, with massive views and a lovely descent back down to the village of Aberyscir where you turn left and rejoin the road from Cradoc. A few metres of easy climbing and then downhill all the way back to town.

Start the same as route 1, this time follow route 8 all the way to Talgarth.  This is a hilly one with a few steep climbs, but lovely narrow lanes and very little traffic.

Lovely views when you top out at Penyrallt before the descent to Llanfilo.  When you reach Talgarth just head into the centre and you will find the mill near the Bridge Inn.  The Bakers Table cafe does brilliant light lunches and cakes.

The return journey has a few options, none as hilly as the outbound route.  The shortest return is back the same way to the turn off from the B4560, but turn left almost immediately after this turn, and follow the very tiny lane via Tredwstan and Glyndwr, back to Llanfihangel.  From here it is a gentle climb back towards Brecon, and a fast descent to Groessford, where you can turn left and return via the canal tow path, or right back to route 8 where it ducks under the A470.

For a longer ride, stay on the B4560 to Llangorse and continue to Bwlch.  Turn left through Bwlch and right to Llangynidr on the bend coming down the hill.  (Take care as cars come fast round this bend) Down the hill to cross the Usk at Llangynidr on a lovely old bridge, then right to Talybont on Usk, and tea and cake at the Post Office if it is open.  Return to Brecon on the B road, or along the canal path.