North Wales Bikepacking
The North Wales bikepacking weekend is a social and competitive event with a “group finish format” at the fantastic One Planet Adventure Visitor Centre, near Wrexham, North Wales (https://oneplanetadventure.com/). Riders who take on the event are expected to attend the social at the end of the ride on the Monday Bank Holiday afternoon and can pick their own start time and date to aim to finish by that time. The completion rate for this event for the previous 2 years has been less than 50%, which gives an idea of the level of challenge to expect.
To enter the 2025 event, complete the Google Form below. This year's event may include a small entry fee (no more than £25, to cover the costs of running the event from Llandegla Forest). Competitors will also be required to use a satellite tracker at all times to join live tracking of the event (e.g. spot tracker, Garmin inreach or similar), to be arranged nearer the time.
Read Rob Waller's writeup of the event at the link below to whet your appetite!
https://bikepacking.com/news/2023-north-wales-400-event-recap/
The NW400 is the original route designed by Tom Bruce, as a training route for the Highland Trail 550. It is a very difficult route, with over 10,000 metres of climbing in just over 410 km. The route is designed to start and finish at Llandegla Forest Visitor Centre, which is very accessible. The loop is to be ridden anticlockwise. Expect steep climbs, long hike-a-bike sections, technical descents and difficult terrain - this event should only be considered by experienced riders.
The NW300 has over 7,000 metres of climbing in just under 300 km and follows much of the same route as the NW400, also ridden anticlockwise. The purpose of suggesting this shorter route is so that it can be completed within the bank holiday weekend for those who do not feel they can complete the 400km within that time scale - that being said, it is still a brutal route and should not be taken lightly.
As of 2024 there is also a new route, the NW500 which is slightly less technically demanding but is an immense physical challenge, and can be completed on a gravel bike but may be more comfortable on a mountain bike. It shares many of the same highlights as the NW400 and includes an ascent of the Great Orme and Conwy Mountain.
The intent is to ride either route as fast as you are able while adhering to the set of rules listed below. You are expected to navigate the unmarked course entirely on your own. There are no waymarkers or checkpoints on the course, only a downloadable gpx file. Map navigation is not part of the challenge, so for efficiency and safety a GPS unit is recommended.
It is an unofficial challenge that is not sanctioned in any way, with no organisation, and no support. All this website provides is the route, the rules, a suggested start time, and a list of riders who have completed the challenge.
Highlights of this stunning routes include:
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB
Many of the most beautiful lakes in Wales
Trails through the UNESCO World Heritage Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales
Snowdonia/Eryri, including an ascent of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa (NW400/300)
The coast between Cricceith and Porthmadog including a crossing of Black Rock Sands
5 world class mountain biking trail centres: Penmachno, Gwydir Mawr, Coed y Brenin, Dyfi Forest, Llandegla
The Great Orme and Conwy Mountain (NW500)
Bwlch y Groes, the second highest road pass in Wales (NW400)
The Berwyn Range
The routes take you over some very challenging terrain including an ascent to the top of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa, at an altitude of over 1,000 metres, which can provide a very challenging climate. Please only consider these routes if you are an experienced rider.
2022 recce
Link to photos (much drier than 2023!)
RULES
Complete the entire route, under your own power - no drafting
Be completely self-supported throughout the ride - absolutely no support crews, absolutely no gear sharing
Only use commercial services that are available to all challengers - no private resupply, no private lodging
If you have to leave the route, you must rejoin it at the exactly same spot
No caches of any kind
No third-party sag-wagon offering an easy bail-out option
No pre-arranged support, which means before you begin your ride - e.g. booking a B&B
No travel by any motorized means during your ride - by all means do so if necessary, but understand if you do your attempt is over
Gear - nothing required, nothing prohibited
The Snowdon Voluntary Cycling Agreement must be adhered to, so plan your attempt accordingly: https://www.cyclingnorthwales.co.uk/pages/snowdn_volunt.htm. If you arrive at Llanberis at the wrong time to attempt Snowdon and don't wish to wait for an allowed time of day, you could divert via the telegraph valley route to continue your ride, however your attempt will not be counted as a completion
The Llandegla forest trails should be ridden only during trail centre opening hours unless by pre-arrangement with One Planet Adventure (https://oneplanetadventure.com/). An alternative route from the Offa’s Dyke bridleway on Ruabon Moor, to the far side of Nercwys Forest is available here if you arrive at Llandegla forest when the trail centre is closed (your attempt will still be valid should you take this alternative route).
While riding any of the trail centre routes, temporary closures or diversions may be in place. Please follow these diversions and rejoin the official route at the first opportunity, your attempt will be valid. Please email tom (tombruce86@gmail.com) with any news of diversions on the route.