Enjoy a Trans Wales trail run on this amazing 5 day trail running holiday!
Discover Wales like never before on this border to beach running holiday, leaving conventional travel behind as you cross the rugged open countryside of mid Wales under your own steam. As the English border fades from view, immerse yourself in the wilds of Wales as you pass by the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey, Devils Bridge and Elan Valley reservoir to emerge into the coastal town of Aberystwyth, with its 13th century castle and Pen Dinas, an extensive iron age hill fort. This running holiday is no walk in the park, with 3 full days of running technical trails totalling 55 miles – this will be a true accomplishment.
Tackle routes you have never attempted before under the guidance of Tim Higginbottom. A qualified UKA Fell & Trail Coach, Tim also held the Paddy Buckley Round record for 10 years and is the current Welsh Orienteering Champion.
Overview
This epic 55 mile trans Wales trail run goes from border to beach. Put your trail running to the test on this 5 day trail running holiday.
Itinerary
Trans Wales trail run: 5 day trail running holiday. Itinerary.
Thursday
Welcome to Wales! Arrive in the market town of Newtown, close to the Welsh-English border, ready to check into your accommodation from 16.00pm. There is good rail access to Newtown but if you require transfers from the airport, please do contact us to help make arrangements prior to travelling.
Relax for the afternoon, put your feet up or perhaps take a stroll around Newtown before your first day of trail running begins.
Your welcome meeting will take place at 18.00 followed by dinner for you and your fellow travellers at the hotel. How better to get to know each other while enjoying wholesome food and a few welsh beers.
Friday
Pull on your running shoes, after breakfast this morning you will be collected from your accommodation for the first day of your running holiday. Today is the longest run of your trip, totalling 22 miles, guided by Tim Higginbottom. This route will take you along the tops from Felindre to Rhayader through wild and remote countryside with stunning views.
Enjoy lunch en route as you pass through various small Welsh villages including the historic Abbeycwmhir and continue to the pretty market town of Rhayader.
Check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening as you wind down from your day, perhaps starting with a warm shower! Have dinner at one of the local pubs in Rhayader and settle in for the night.
Saturday
After a hearty breakfast to refuel and a kit check, today you’ll head out from the hotel for the next leg of your running holiday.
Your run is around 18 miles today and takes you on an ancient high level route which is said to have been developed to link communities of Cistercian monasteries in the 12th Century. This is truly wild country where self-sufficiency is paramount - you are unlikely to see anybody else as you cross this epic moorland area en route for Strata Florida.
Wildlife abounds up here away from any major settlements in the upper Elan Valley, but the combination of off-road terrain and potential weather could make this the most challenging day of your trip. Keep an eye out for red kites, goshawks and otters on your running holiday.
Sunday
Head out from the hotel after enjoying a hearty breakfast and prepare for your final big day of trail running! Today’s route is less challenging on your weary legs as you make your way along a repurposed railway to your final destination.
The scenery may be different in the valley but it’s no less stunning, and you can enjoy the chance to cool off in the River Ystwyth en route. This is the shortest and flattest day of your running holiday, which you’ll likely appreciate by this point in your epic journey!
As you arrive in Aberystwyth, no border to beach journey would be complete without dipping your toes in the salty water! Then check into your final accommodation ready to enjoy a well-deserved warm shower, a cold pint and a wholesome meal to complete your challenging running holiday.
Monday
It’s time to pack your things and say goodbye to your fellow trail runners as you enjoy your final breakfast. Check out is at 10.30am before we return you to Newton on the train to keep this human-powered journey as low carbon as possible.
Provider Information
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What's Included
- 4 nights boutique hotel accommodation
- Three full days of trail running, guided by Tim Higginbottom
- 4 breakfasts and 1 evening meal
- Professional, local, English-speaking guide
- Daily luggage transfers and return journey to route start point
What's Not Included
- Private room - we can usually accommodate requests for your own room, please check with us before booking
- Return transfers can be arranged if you are arriving by train, air or ferry
