The ultimate Welsh experience on bike. Live Wales, breathe Wales, RIDE Wales.
- Experience handbuilt singletrack voted as one of the top 10 places in the world to ride before you die, the ultimate mountain biking Mecca, and the most all weather singletrack in Wales
- Bike 140 miles of glorious open riding and cross country trails in Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Park, the Cambrian Mountains, and valleys of Cadair Idris
- Embrace Welsh culture with a visit to the cultural capital of Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Castle, an exclusive local pub crawl, and Italian Renaissance Village
- 7 nights accommodation, transportation (incl. London pick-up), 7 breakfasts, 7 packed gourmet lunches (made with local ingredients), personal qualified guide, available mountain bike hire, all entrance and attraction fees, all taxes and surcharges
ITINERARY
Day 1
An early start from London and we head north through a rough and dramatic landscape of renowned Welsh valleys and 4 separate mountain ranges. Experience a full day of forested swooping singletrack, wide open doubletrack, and a center that boasts the most all weather singletrack in Wales! Sleep in Europe's youngest capital city. Choose to drink in the cosmopolitan spirit of Wales' dynamic waterfront and notable night life or absorb a more cultural experience at Cardiff Castle, Millennium Stadium, or the National Museum.
Mountain Biking Distance: N/A
Important Times:
London Pick-Up (Ealing Station) - 8:00am
Newport Pick-Up (Trainstation) – 10:30am
Accommodation Drop-Off - 5:00pm
(Meals Provided: Lunch and Snack)
Day 2
Today, we begin an early morning conquering of a trail in the heart of Wales. Today, celebrations begin (or end depending on your preference) with a tasting in the only distillery in Wales to legally distil a whisky spirit for over 100 years. With muscles and taste buds warmed up, we spend the rest of the day climbing mountains with bike, accompanied by open forests, challenging drops, soul-pushing climbs, moorland, and countryside. A trip through some spectacular scenery brings us to the cultural capital of Wales . At the mouth of the Rheidiol and Ystwyth valleys, burn the rest of your energy in a lively University town. This resort town is packed with a cosmopolitan array of restaurants, lively bars and promenades – enjoy!
Mountain Biking Distance: 25-35 Miles
Important Times:
Accommodation Pick-Up – 8:30am
Accommodation Drop-Off – 5:00pm
(Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Snack)
Day 3
An early start after breakfast, and we're inland-bound to experience some high-level wilderness riding in the Cambrian Mountains. Today will be rugged, twisting, technical and gut-wrenchingly satisfying! We pause only to enjoy our gourmet lunch and take a moment or two to breathe in the solitary crisp air of the mountain. Your efforts are rewarded at the end of the day with a feast for the eyes at Devils Bridge Falls before spending a night in a folklore-steeped Welsh mountain town. Founded on the wool trade, this quaint location offers authentic food, drink and culture in a spectacular surrounding landscape.
Mountain Biking Distance: N/A
Important Times:
Accommodation Pick-Up – 8:30am
Accommodation Drop-Off – 5:00pm
(Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Snack)
Day 4
Wake up. Breakfast. Base arrival at Mountain Biker Paradise. Yes, that's right. It's this early in the morning and you are going to conquer the place where mountain biking began. Follow your personal guide through a network of handbuilt all weather single track and open riding surrounded by views of Cadair Idris, and the untamed Welsh forest. Offering strenuous singletrack like the Dragon's Back and The Beast of Brenin to the World-class racers who regularly train here and open flowing and less technical terrain to the more average rider, this center will make you fall in love with mountain biking all over again. Then, a bit of culture at a UNESCO World Heritage site; enjoy Wales' most famous of castles before we rest our weary legs in an authentic Welsh town. Here, choose your entertainment for the evening, whether it be a stop at the glassblowing workshop and gallery, the anvil pottery studio, or just some good food with local company.
Mountain Biking Distance: N/A
Important Times:
Accommodation Pick-Up – 8:30am
Accommodation Drop-Off – 5:00pm
(Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Snack)
Day 5
Today, we're head-first (or should we say bike-first) into forgotten forests, reservoirs and moors. This day is dedicated to the mountain bike souls who like a little solitude on the side of their singletrack. It's you versus forest; bike versus tree, the victor claiming a spot on The Legendary Welsh Adventure Co. Country Pub Crawl. We spend the evening in the principal village of Snowdonia National Park. With 800 square miles of beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers, and forests to explore, don't feel bad if it's an early night tonight - you certainly worked for it!
Mountain Biking Distance: 25-35 Miles
Important Times:
Accommodation Pick-Up – 8:30am
Accommodation Drop-Off – 5:00pm
(Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Snack)
Day 6
Good morning and welcome to the undisputed outdoor capital of Wales! Mountain Bike Mecca number two of the trip boasts a menu of 100kms of legendary local routes to explore with appetizers like lost river valleys, breathtaking mountain look outs, and cascading waterfalls. Satisfy your lungs following your personal guide through world renowned singletracks and open flow sections (or feel free to choose your own path of freedom!). Satisfy your stomach with your packed gourmet lunch. Satisfy your eyes and soul with spectacular views of glaciated valleys, mountain ranges, untamed rivers and coastline, Visit an Italian Renaissance Village in a private peninsula: exploring 50 Welsh architect designed buildings and 70 acres of subtropical woodland garden at your own pace. Spend the night in a small, remote market town and thriving Bohemian community saturated in Welsh authenticity.
Mountain Biking Distance: N/A
Important Times:
Accommodation Pick-Up – 8:30am
Accommodation Drop-Off – 5:00pm
(Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Snack)
Day 7
After breakfast, we find free riding and technical singletrack descents replacing childhood monkey bars and swings. Today it is Man against Mother Nature, for this area offers an absolute smorgasbord of dream mountain bike terrain. Rock slabs, flowing turns, traversing mountain singletrack, an 8-berm finale, the longest descent in Wales, and only for the brave: the 'eye of the needle'. Visit 2 picturesque seaside villages and if time allows, pop into a small pub on the beach to mingle with the locals. Spend your last evening in oldest town in Wales, home to Roman relics and Arthurian Legend.
Mountain Biking Distance: 25-35 Miles
Important Times:
Accommodation Pick-Up – 8:30am
Accommodation Drop-Off – 5:00pm
(Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Snack)
Day 8
With the Black Mountains extending to the east, and the Cambrian Mountains reaching for the north, a day in world class mountain bike playground is no surprise. Ideal for both novice and champion alike, a variety of single track or open terrain will quench your thrill seeking thirst. Finish with some highly deserved award winning fish and chips. Feeling daring? Try a Welsh delicacy: Laver Bread, or Cockles perhaps? With full bellies and happy hearts we grudgingly return to our former lives, with a head full of real adventure and real memories as we bid a fond farewell to Wales.
Mountain Biking Distance: 25-35 Miles
Important Times:
Accommodation Pick-Up – 8:30am
Newport Drop-Off: 2:00pm
London Drop-Off: 6:15pm (approximate)
(Meals Provided: Breakfast)
At A Glance
Duration
8 Days
Price
£989
Upcoming Dates
August 21 - 28, 2010
Fitness Level
AdrenalineMore Information
- BOOK NOW!
- Before you Go
- Email Us
- +01144 7861 679 205 (International)
Highlights
- Single track riding voted as one of the top 10 places in the world to ride before you die.
- A day in the mountain biking Mecca of Wales, hand built single track in the heart of a stunning welsh forest.
- Wilderness riding sitting high in the mountains at bwlch Nant yr Arian.
- Good old traditional Welsh food, pubs, hospitality and culture
Details
Accommodation
Quoted on double accommodation at mid to high range hotels, farmhouses, and lodges. Optional single rooms available for supplemental fee.
Maximum group size
10 + guide(s)
Meals
All breakfasts and 7 lunches included
Mountain Bike Hire
Available if requested starting from 16 pounds per day
