Price
£699.00 based on 2 people sharing a Twin/Double Room
($873.75 USD or $1,251.21 AUD)
£200.00 deposit
£150.00 single room supplement
Dates
27th Jun to 1st Jul 2024
Sold Out
26th Jun to 30th Jun 2025
Cycling LEJOG with Pedal Britain was an amazing experience. We were well looked after throughout the trip. Darren and Paul were the best company you could have. Would certainly travel with them again.Sue Perkins (LEJOG June 2018)
Highlights
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Seeing the most spectacular scenery of Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Parks.
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Experiencing quiet country lanes, untamed rivers, lush green valleys, with big climbs and thrilling descents.
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Welsh cakes, Rarebit to Cawl and everything else in between, enjoy splendid fresh local produce
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'Conquer The Dragon' includes the amazing views of Black Mountains from Gospel Pass.
- An incredible long weekend tour that we believe will quickly become a classic.
Sounds like the perfect cycling tour?
Book now!Joining the tour
Start: Chepstow
Arrival day is Thursday in Chepstow, where we stay overnight at a local Inn before setting off from the castle at 9am on Friday morning.
Please click the "Itinerary" tab for more information.
Cycling level
Challenging: For cyclists with stamina and a good level of fitness - requires training. Long days with some tough ascents.
Description
Conquer The Welsh Dragon
| Duration | 3 days cycling |
| Accommodation | 4 nights |
| Distance | 225 miles | 362km |
| Av. Daily Distance | 75 miles | 120km |
| Longest | Shortest | 79 miles | 67 miles | 128km | 107km |
| Ascent | 15,000ft | 4572m |
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
| Start | End | Distance (Miles) | |
| Arrival Day : Thursday | Chepstow | ||
| Day 1 | Chepstow | Llandrindod Wells | 79 |
| Day 2 | Llandrindod Wells | Aberdovey | 76 |
| Day 3 | Aberdovey | Caernarfon | 68 |
| Departure Day : Monday | Caernarfon | Total | 223 |
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: Llandrindod Wells to Aberdovey
76 miles | 122km | 5905ft | 1799m
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 £45
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 £100pp)
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:
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
FAQs
If you have left your car at our Hotel in Chepstow and need a transfer back, then a coach will be leaving Caernarfon on Monday morning to transfer you back to Chepstow. This is included in the price of the tour.
Please ensure that you indicate when asked that you intend to use this service. Pedal Britain will then separately transfer your bike in the support van to meet you on arrival back in Chepstow.
This same coach can if required also drop people at Bangor Train Station.
Pedal Britain tours are designed to attract people of all ages and levels of fitness.
To help you assess if a ride is suitable we have added a 'Cycling Level' indicator on each tour. Obviously the more training you do beforehand it will increase the overall enjoyment of any tour as you'll be more prepared.
Pedal Britain has a range of 'Training Support Resources' including a free consultation and a blog about Training Plans within which you'll find some great tips and an easy to follow framework that can be adapted for any of our tours.
We do not issue 'standard' training plans, everyone starts at different levels of experience, fitness and available time. For those confident enough, all you do is adjust our framework to suit your own needs.
However to provide another level of support, we have created with Pedal Britain guide Grant Goodman (qualified cycling coach) also of cyclingfitness.co.uk several coaching packages from Basic to Premium. You can find links to these and all our training information here: Training Resource
Yes, no problem. In fact usually around 50% of a group are single travellers.
You can either pay for single supplement or we can if you are happy to share a twin room, find you a room buddy. Either way trips are very sociable and you’ll soon make some new cycling friends.
We have a mixture, from keen club cyclist through to newcomers looking for a challenge.
At Pedal Britain we want to ensure you receive the highest level of support possible whilst you are on one of our tours.
To this end we will normally run a tour with a minimum of 10 people, but unlike other operators we limit the group size to a maximum of 18 people. We feel this ensures there is always enough people to be social, but not too many for it to feel overcrowded and your just part of a herd.
That is completely up to you. It is your holiday and so we encourage you to ride at your own pace. The average touring cyclist will normally travel at 10-13mph. What we find is naturally 2-3 groups form and you'll always find one that suits your pace.
Some people get concerned by always being at the back as they feel anxious about holding everyone up, believe us you are not!! However if that mentally becomes an issue then you can always set off 30 minutes ahead of the pack. But we will never ask you to pedal faster.
No one on a Pedal Britain tour gets left behind as our guides for the most part ride at the back, especially at the end of a day to provide encouragement and support.
Pedal Britain provides mechanical support in form of basic adjustments, or simple repairs, while your guide will also carry a reasonable tool kit to help with any minor problems on the road - the van has a more comprehensive set.
However it is essential that you are able to fix a puncture. Obviously if the guide, fellow riders or van are nearby they will assist but it maybe that the van is tied up elsewhere therefore you don’t want to be unnecessarily held up waiting.
Essential kit to carry at all times for puncture repair
It is advisable to carry on your bike at least 1 or 2 spare inner tubes, a mini pump / Co2 gas pressure pump, tyre levers and multi-tool with you each day. This essential kit can be kept either in a small rucksack that you carry or in a medium sized saddlebag.
We also ask that you take care of basic bike maintenance. Firstly having a comprehensive bike service before you arrive on the tour, then by inspecting your bike daily to ensure its in proper working order.
A work stand, track pumps, chain lubricant and cleaning materials will be available for your use on the van.
The support vehicle will carry a limited number of universal spares that are provided at cost should they be required. If your bike has any obscure or unusual parts that may not be readily available at a bike shop it is highly recommended that you bring your own set of spares with you that can be carried on the support vehicle.
We will carry a spare bike and wheel so that you can keep moving if you do have any serious bike problems.
Whilst Pedal Britain will endeavour to fix your bike issues, any major repairs will have to be co-ordinated through a local bike shop on the road, with any cost for these repairs being your responsibility.
We take great pride in the level of support we give to riders on our cycling tours and is a key part of the 'The Pedal Britain Difference'.
That is why we are 5* rated on Trustpilot with many of the reviews specifically mentioning the excellent back up support we provide. You can read extracts of these on our Pedal Britain Testimonials page.
All our trips are led by at least one or two experienced leaders from the UK – one driving the support vehicle and the other cycling with the group, usually at the rear to ensure that no one gets left behind. They carry a first aid kit and a tool kit, so that if you or your bike breaks down they will if possible be there to help.
The Pedal Britain support vehicle doesn't follow the group very closely. It's main function is to once/twice a day provide the our famous 'Brew Stops', carry luggage between accommodation or if you have a problem you can jump onboard. You will also have access to the van at our lunch stop.
Also be comforted in the knowledge that the team at Pedal Britain HQ are also with you as an invisible hand, making sure everything is running smoothly.
Lunches are generally at either just before or after the halfway point of a day in terms of milage. They consist of various combinations of soup, sandwiches, crisps/chips, savouries, coffee/tea/soft drinks and cake, served as rolling buffets or set meals hosted in either local cafes / pubs.
Occasionally, depending on the weather, Pedal Britain's pop up cafe will provide a substantial picnic buffet lunch in a suitably scenic location en-route. Don’t worry if your cycling slowly we always make sure there is enough food for everyone at picnics and never leave until everyone is fed and watered.
Whilst evening meals are not included in the cost of the holiday, Pedal Britain will make reservations between 7.30-8.00pm most days for a group evening meal, so you don’t have to worry.
Also to make life even easier for you we'll sometimes take pre-orders for the evenings food in advance. We find this just helps speed things up at service to maximise your recovery time.
We tend to eat at the accommodation we are staying in that evening although we do occasionally use other local options. These meals provide a great opportunity for socialising together and swapping tales of the days events, further developing the group bonds.
However attendance is purely optional. If you prefer to eat earlier, or alone or wanted to find somewhere else, your Tour Guide can provide alternatives its no problem at all it is your decision.
On longer tours where we are staying in major towns/cities we also have several what we call 'free evenings' where we do not book anything for the group - which allows you to explore local options with smaller groups of new your new cycling buddies.
With all evening meals individuals are responsible for settling their own food and drink bills once finished.
Please bring what you need to make your holiday relaxing and comfortable. We do request that you limit this to one item of luggage per person and that this is clearly labelled. Also where possible please try and keep one bag to between 15kg-18kg.
We also recommend you bring a ruck sack that can be left in the support vehicle as a 'day bag' to hold sun cream, waterproofs, extra gels etc. This helps limit what you carry and will be accessible at every break.
We want your holiday to be as hassle free as possible. So for you comfort we transfer your luggage each day to the next accommodation.
All we ask is that on setting out each morning you leave your fully labeled luggage and day bags in the reception or at the rear of the support van. Don't worry we'll provide you with labels.
Yes, you can join any of our tours and use that challenge as a way of raising funds for any cause of your choice.
Sometimes we are asked "Can a Charity Sponsor my Ride by paying for the Tour?" again no problem. We just raise an invoice and send that for payment to the charity. Any other financial agreements such as on minimum fundraising targets are between you and the charity.
We can also if there is enough interest work either with a group of likeminded people wanting to raise money for a specific charity or with the charity itself to create a bespoke cycling event just for that purpose.
Yes we do, if you have 8 participants or more able to book at the same time then you'll be eligible for a 5% discount (up to maximum of £100 per person)
If you all live close together then we can also work out a deal for our 'Bike Transfer Service' which could save you up to 50% per person for this service.
Once you're signed up Pedal Britain will send you a detailed ‘Kit List’ of what you should bring along, however do feel free to contact us if you would like a copy sending to you or have any specific questions .
Pedal Britain has public liability insurance cover for all of our tours.
However we strongly recommend you take out adequate insurance to cover yourself against personal accident, loss of belongings and cancellation cover.
Yellow Jersey Insurance are one company that other clients have used previously. Worth checking first what might be covered under various other policies you may have such as household and travel insurance, then plug any gaps with a specific policy.