Adventure and nature — a bikepacking weekend in Wales

On a bikepacking adventure through Wales, one thing is guaranteed: you'll see more sheep than people. On this adventure, as you pedal from Newport to Bangor, you'll cut through lush green mountains, climb plateaus, skirt through forests, glide past lakes — and experience the best of the beautiful Welsh landscape. And as sheep reside in all of Wales' best places, you'll forever be watched by groups of them as that's exactly where you're going. Experience an unforgettably beautiful bikepacking weekend in Wales.

My starting point for this epic adventure is in the southern city of Newport. On my way north, I visited idyllic historical canals, cycled through picturesque small market towns, rode through mystical forests with huge, ancient trees, and pedalled past lakes and reservoirs. Taking me through both the Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons National Park, the full ride incorporates some of the most beautiful places in the country, with one of the best moments of this ride being an overnight stay in a tent on the banks of the breathtaking Claerwen Reservoir.

I have divided the route into four relatively short stages because there are good overnight accommodation options available at the end of each stage. But it's up to you: ride two stages in one day and make a short, intense weekend adventure out of this Collection. Or plan more time, ride all four stages individually and experience an extensive, long weekend in Wales.

As far as overnight stays are concerned, you can also interpret the term bikepacking according to your own taste. If you want a little more comfort, hotels or B&Bs are available at the end of most stages. Or, you can camp in numerous places.


––––––––––


Tips for bikepacking in Wales:

- Wild camping isn’t legal in Wales although it’s often tolerated in remote areas if you set up at night and leave no trace. There’s also an increasing number of basic, wild-feeling campsites.

- On many parts of the Tours, you won't meet a soul. Therefore, don't expect to run into a supermarket: prepare yourself and take enough food with you.

- The rides lead over roads and bike paths as well as gravel paths and singletrack, and it goes constantly up and down. Therefore, plan sufficient time. For the most part, the route is simple and easy for everyone to ride. Two stretches of singletrack are a bit more demanding, especially if your bike is fully loaded, but you'll be fine on a robust gravel or mountain bike.

- You’ll often have no signal while you ride. Therefore, prepare to do without it: bring sufficient spare parts, rainwear, tools and a first aid kit, as well as a power bank/backup for your GPS device/phone.

- Travelling by train is a little tricky with a bike. On many lines, you have to book a spot for your bike in advance. You can usually do this directly and free-of-charge at the station (or by telephone). If you don't make a reservation, you may not be allowed to take your bike with you. Also, storing your bike on the train is operator-specific. Therefore, look out for the guard at the station and ask them which carriage you can put your bike in.