Wales End to End

Description

Conquer The Welsh Dragon

There are few 'end to ends' that can be completed in just a long weekend, encompassing the beautiful landscapes of the Brecon Beacons, Mid-Wales valleys and Snowdonia. A challenging 15,000ft of ascent awaits as you cycle for 3 days between Chepstow and Caernarfon castles including the Gospel Pass with its stunning views of the Black Mountains and great descent into Hay on Wye. 

The Welsh version of end to end has failed to adopt the same folklore status as others such as LEJOG. Might be that it's name 'Lon Las Cymru' does not trip off the tongue or could be fact it has several different starting and end points. Either way the lack of attention it receives is quite perplexing, as our version of this humble Welsh route offers some of the finest climbs, quietest lanes and most incredible views of the lot.

Tour Summary

We start in Chepstow which is easily accessible by road or rail (via Gloucester), plus with free car parking at our Hotel for the duration of the tour and a coach back to Chepstow at the end, the logistics have been made as hassle free as possible. 

Starting from the Chepstow Castle on Friday morning, we cycle along quiet lanes and wooded valleys via pretty Welsh villages such as Usk towards Abergavenny. From here the terrain changes to open moorland as we climb steadily towards the Gospel Pass. After descending into Hay on Wye we venture deeper into the Welsh countryside on to Llandrindod Wells. 

On Day 2 the stunning Elan Valley awaits with its impressive reservoirs and dams. Then we traverse alongside beautiful wooded river valleys, flanked by lush green hillsides littered with sheep as we head towards Aberdovey on the west coast. 

We journey through Snowdonia for large part on the 'Fford Brailsford Way' on route ways British cycling supremo and local lad Dave Brailsford has created. As we do the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic with a majestic Snowdon towering above us on the climb towards Llanberis pass, where the views down the valley are breathtaking, it is hard not to smile as we descend, sweeping past stunning vistas at every turn towards and onwards to Caernarfon castle. 

Overview of Route

Itinerary

Arrival Day: Thursday > Chepstow 

The tour includes an overnight Hotel on Thursday in Chepstow. However if you live locally or are short on time, you can arrive on Friday morning in Chepstow ready to go by 8.00am latest if that works better.

Prior to the trip we will be requesting an estimated time of arrival into Chepstow so that we can either arrange to meet up with you at the Hotel or if coming by train collect you from the station.

With a check-in time of 3pm should you arrive early and want to take a look around Chepstow the Hotel or Pedal Britain can look after your bike and luggage. That evening we'll have a tour briefing with the Pedal Britain team at around 7pm, then eat a meal together locally, enabling the group to bond and you to ask any questions you may have about the tour.

Day 1: Chepstow Castle to Llandrindod Wells 

79 miles | 127km | 5,988ft | 1825m 

On Friday morning breakfast will be at 7.30am before we cycle the short distance to the 'official start' point at Chepstow Castle for group photographs and aim to be on bikes cycling by 9am. We push off from the banks of River Wye outside of Chepstow castle, heading west towards the stunning AONB Wye Valley where you and the majestic Tintern Abbey. Then turning north we meander out of the valley towards the pretty town of Usk.

As we head through Usk on quiet back roads we start to follow a river of the same name as it meanders through its lush green valley.

After navigating through and beyond Abergavenny, the roads narrow further and trees are replaced with open moorland as we pass Llanthony Priory and climb steadily the Gospel Pass.

Once at the summit, stunning panoramic views over the Brecon Beacons and Wye Valley are revealed, we descend the twisting mountain road into lunch at historic Hay-on-Wye. After this we venture deeper into Wales on quiet rural back roads. Against the back drop of distant mountains we cycle on to Llandrindod Wells and the comfort of our Hotel.

Day 2: Builth Wells to Aberdovey 

78 miles | 125km | 5405ft | 1647m 

Today we are exploring Mid-Wales with its meandering rivers and valleys, as we cycle our way towards Aberdovey via the breathtaking landscape of the Elan Valley, a hidden gem in the heart of Wales. From here we head North West on quiet backroads towards the coast including a 5 mile descents into Talybont regarded one of the best in Wales.  

After continuing north, we then head West along the coastline towards our overnight stay in Aberdovey. 

Day 3: Aberdovey to Caernarfon 

68 miles | 109km | 3710ft | 1130m

From Aberdovey we skirt the coastline up towards Barmouth heading into the town via the traffic free wooden bridge at the mouth of the estuary. From here the route takes us past Harlech Castle and east again deeper into the Snowdonia National Park. 

From Beddgelert we start to follow the fantastic 'Fford Brailsford Way', created in honour of Sir Dave Brailsford who is from the local area. These cycling routes used in the 2013-14 Tour of Britain enable us to take in the splendour of Snowdonia on smooth riding surfaces all the way to Caernarfon. 

After pausing next to the river in Beddgelert, we pass Nant Gwynant and start our final bit of climbing. Firstly towards Pen-y-Gwryd, from here we get sensational views back along the valley which is flanked by the imposing foothills of Snowdon.

We go on towards the Pen-y-Pass which marks the start point for several walking routes to the summit, such as the Pyg Track. From here its all downhill, the descent through Llanberis pass is outstanding, try your best to take in the incredible scenery as you cruise back to sea-level. We should arrive in the square next to Caernarfon Castle by around 5pm.

After toasting the completion of our Welsh experience and taking the obligatory pictures we'll meet again for a celebration meal and no doubt a few drinks in the evening. 

Price includes overnight at a Hotel in Caernarfon on the Sunday. If you wish to depart Sunday evening then that is no problem, but you will need to make your own arrangements for this. However the Pedal Britain team will be on hand to help where possible.

Departure Day: Monday > Caernarfon

If you are driving home and you left your car at the Hotel in Chepstow a coach transfer will take you back to your car. This is included in the tour price and will leave our Caernarfon Hotel latest at 9.00am. 

For those of you using Trains the same free coach transfer service will also drop clients at either Bangor or Chepstow stations on the Monday.

Pedal Britain will load up the support van with your bikes and meet you back in Chepstow. 

What's included

     4 Nights Bed & Breakfast Accommodation

We stay in a great mix of cyclist friendly Hotels or B&B's. Where ever it is possible we all stay together in the same accommodation as a group. No need to check in Pedal Britain team will have done that for you, just collect your key and relax. Bikes are either locked in a secure area of the hotel or in your room. Breakfasts are all included with a choice of Full or Continental available.

 Fully Supported Tour 

The Pedal Britain support van is never far away to provide any assistance you need, be it access to your day bag, resolve a mechanical issue, report a first aid problem or just have a morale boosting chat. Just phone the driver or tap helmet as we pass if you need anything and we'll stop for you.  

Daily Luggage Transfer

The support vehicle moves all of your luggage between each nights accommodation. Luxury, wherever time allows we'll even put it in your room for you. Also we recommend leaving a day bag in the support van to further reduce what you need to carry on the bike.

Includes Lunch and Brew Stop Refreshments 

Lunches are a mix of rolling buffets in pubs and cafes or a picnic in a very scenic spot. The famous Pedal Britain pop up café delivers welcome brew stops at strategic points along the route to keep energy levels up providing you with water, tea, coffee, fruit, biscuits, cake, flap jacks and anything else you specifically request.

A Coach Transfer back to Chepstow  

On Morning morning after the tour for those that require, a coach will collect you from our Hotel at 9.30am and transfer you back to Chepstow so you can collect your car. The Pedal Britain support vehicle will bring your bike back to Chepstow ready for your onward journey home.

Expert Cycling and Tour Guides

Pedal Britain prides itself on having staff with a 'can-do' attitude, their entire focus is on ensuring they attend to your every need, to ensure that you have the best experience possible. They have detailed knowledge of the route, are first aid qualified and decent mechanics - but most importantly they care about you. When asked 'What makes Pedal Britain better than others?' quite simply it is our amazing staff - the one thing our competition cannot copy.

Pedal Britain Tour App & Detailed Route Notes

From here you can download the relevant file format for the daily route maps - GPX, TCX etc.. These can then easily be transferred to whatever GPS unit you are using such as a Garmin or Wahoo.

Don't have a GPS unit? No problem, just download our APP and it turns your Smart Phone into a GPS unit with turn by turn route navigation.

We also provide very detailed route notes which act as both information about the days cycling and back up to your electronic gadgets.

Live Tracking App

Pedal Britain Live Tracker app allows family and friends to see how well your progressing. The same tracker also helps us keep you safe and also ensure your following the route!!

Facebook Tour Groups

We will invite you to join a closed Facebook group for your specific tour. This enables you to get to know people before the holiday and provides a platform to share training experiences or any questions, concerns you may have before the tour.

Not Included

Evening Meals - although group bookings will be made at local restaurants attendance is optional, however payment isn’t!!

Travel Insurance - We highly recommend you take out insurance 

Cycling Jersey - Available to order £50

Transport to Start at Chepstow or home from the End in Caernarfon

Easy Bike Transfer (Available for a Fee)

Single Room Option (Limited number available for a supplement of £150pp)

Cycle Hire (Contact us to discuss options)

Travel logistics

Getting to the Start - Chepstow

By Car

Chepstow is easily accessible from the Motorway network in the UK from the South and West using the M4 and M5 then M48, alternatively from the North using M5 onto the A48.  

We have free car parking for the duration of the tour at our Hotel in Chepstow. This means you can travel by car with your bike and then return back to here after the tour using our coach transfer service (which is included in the price) 

Train

There is a mainline train station in Chepstow which is well served from around the UK. Please remember if you intend bringing your bike via this method to book it on the train well in advance, for each leg of your journey.  

Getting Home

By Car: 

If you are driving home and you left your car at the Hotel in Chepstow then you can take advantage of the Pedal Britain coach transfer back to your car. This is included in the tour price and will leave our Caernarfon Hotel at 9.00am. Pedal Britain will load up the support van with your bikes and meet you back in Chepstow.

Car Hire Rental - One Way

There is a Europcar hire depot a couple of miles outside of town, many customers take advantage of their 'one way' drop off option which allows you to hire in Caernarfon but drive home and drop car off at your nearest local depot. 

By Rail 

Caernarfon does not have its own railway station, therefore if planning to travel by train Pedal Britain can drop you at Bangor station on Monday morning before 10am. However if you want to leave earlier or later we can organise a taxi to take you the 15 minutes to Bangor.

Alternatively if you wanted to get the train from Chepstow, then you can take advantage of the Pedal Britain coach included in the tour.

Bike transfer

Getting Your Bike to Chepstow and Home Again

Option 1: Customer Drop Off / Collection

FREE of Charge

If you can bring your bike to our offices in Northamptonshire then we will take your bike Free of Charge. No need to dismantle we'll take it fully assembled and safely secure it in the support vehicle for transporting to Chepstow.

Pedal Britain will then transfer the bike at the end of the tour back to our offices to await arrangements for your collection. 

We can also take helmets strapped to bikes and day bags labelled with your name.

Option 2: Drive to Chepstow / Coach Transfer back

FREE of Charge

If you are planning to drive to Chepstow then another option is to bring your bike to the Hotel we are staying at in Chepstow. Pedal Britain has negotiated FREE car parking at the Hotel for the duration of the tour.

Then on Monday morning in Caernarfon Pedal Britain will transfer your bike back to the Chepstow Hotel and your car, whilst you can take advantage of the coach transfer back to Chepstow which is included in the tour price.

Option 3: Bike Collection or Delivery - Pedal Britain Support Van

Cost for this service is £75.00 per bike - One Way to Start or From the End

On the Monday and Tuesday before a tour starts based on geographical location of clients that have signed up for this service, Pedal Britain's support van will come to an address of your choosing, which could be work, home or cycle shop to collect your bike. Then once the tour ends we'll take your bike from you and deliver it back in the week following.

No need to dismantle we'll take it fully assembled and safely secure in the support vehicle. We can also take helmets strapped to bikes and day bags labelled with your name.

Option 4: Bike Collection or Delivery - Transport Partner

Cost for this service is £75.00 per bike - One Way to Start or From the End

If you happen to fall outside the geographical area being covered by the support van prior to the tour then do not despair we have an alternative solution.

On the Monday before a tour starts we'll arrange for our trusted transport partner to collect your bike from an address of your choosing, which could be work, home or cycle shop and deliver your bike to Pedal Britain.

Clients will need to securely package up their own bike in a Medium size (150 x 22 x 90 cm) cardboard bike box. A local bike shop will for free or small fee provide a suitable box and much of the packing material you will need for this. Pedal Britain will return your bike to you the same way in the week after a tour ends.

Once we arrive in Chepstow on Thursday, the Pedal Britain team will help you re-assemble your bike ready for push off on Friday morning.

We cannot via this service accept helmets or any day bags packed inside the boxes.

Bike Transfer Service: Both Ways

Total Cost is £150.00 per bike 

Terms & Conditions of Bike Transfer Service

• Pedal Britain cannot be held responsible for any damage that occurs in transit - although we will obviously take great care of bikes in transit
• Where a third party is being used Pedal Britain cannot be held responsible for any damage in transit
• We recommend that you have insurance in place to cover you for any accidental damage or theft during transit

Bike hire

Pedal Britain has always strongly recommended that clients use their own cycles wherever possible for our tours, as there is no substitute for using a bike that you are familiar with and are comfortable riding. 

However we fully understand that sometimes circumstances mean this is just not possible.

Need to Hire a Bike?

We do not run our own fleet of hire bikes therefore have to source them from our trusted range of suppliers. At peak times of the year stock can be limited therefore please do let us know well in advance if you intend to hire a bike. 

First step is to please email us with your measurements and preferences:

• Frame size
• Shimano group set
• Disc or Caliper brakes
• Carbon or Non carbon

PLEASE NOTE: Most road bikes run 11-28 compact gearing as they are generally set up for sportive hire. However we'll do our best to find a bike that works for you. 

Once you hire the bike it will be available to use from Thursday Lunchtime in Chepstow giving us time to make any adjustments that you may want.

Road Bike Hire:

Branded High Spec Carbon Road Bike = £350-£375 each for 2 weeks.  (Trek Madone SLR 6 or equivalent)

Non Branded UK Built Bikes = £250-£300 for 2 weeks 

Hybrid Bike Hire:

Branded High Spec Carbon Hybrid Bike = £250-£300 each for 2 weeks.

Want to Bring Your Own Bike But Need Help With Logistics? 

If you currently live outside UK but are unsure about bringing your own cycle, please call or e-mail for advice. We can discuss a variety of solutions that might help you to bring a bike along.

Some of the ways we can help:

1. Bike Box/Bag on Van : On each tour we have room for several soft bike bags and 2 hard case bike boxes - for overseas clients only
2. Getting Bike to the Start : Also if when you land in UK you are planning to tour first / or just want to travel without bike to the start - we can as part of our bike transfer service collect your bike from a Hotel before the tour and take it to the start for you.
3. Staying on longer in UK after tour : Don't want a bike in tow? We can also keep bike and box with us after the tour, then by using our bike transfer service we can deliver the bike to a Hotel near London/or an Airport when you are ready to head home

Just contact us on info@pedalbritain.com setting out what your plans are and we'll come up with a solution that works for you.

Ask a question?