Sarn Helen Summer 2023

Sarn Helen as a 4-day ride with a few detours and extra fun bits. Starting Conwy, finishing in Swansea with overnights in Conwy, Dolgellau, Rhayader and Brecon. Finishing at the Marina in Swansea.Day 1 - a big, tough, north wales ride with plenty of hiking. The top of the valley at Dolwydellan is a proper tough hike. Includes some trail centre bonus trails. Ends in Dolgellau. Our route went a bit off track here and ends on some very technical, off-piste trails before Betwys... Would recommend you skip those and follow the fire road down to Betwys instead.Day 2 - a big, tough, beautiful day with some amazing scenery. Plenty of road, plenty of gravel, and loads of beautiful scenery. Ends in Rhayader.Day 3 - shorter distance but more hikeabike, some bog bashing and plenty of road. A great ride but a dark horse. Includes Elan Valley Blue Trail for a bit of extra fun at the start. Some slightly ropey Bridleway at the end. Ends in Brecon.21.8km in we took a wrong turn on this day after Elan Valley when the trail forks over the hilltop. I'd recommend taking the Western fork, not the Eastern one. Eastern ended up with loads of bog bashing, there's no trail here. Day 4 - super fun, technical, rough, rocky and punishing with loads of classic Sarn Helent rock gardens. The last couple of hours are pretty beat-em-up with a lot of tech and rock. Love it. Finished in Swansea marina to dip your toe in the sea and then have a beer at Beer Riff taproom 🍻🍻