Get ready for Wild Wales '25
- John Heard
- Apr 14
- 16 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
We're sooo looking forward to seeing you at the start of a delicious weekend of riding, camping, wholesome food, brews, great company, music and all-round good vibes...
On recent recce's we were blown away by Willow Springs - basecamp for the weekend - its fabulously scenic valley setting, surrounded by rivers, waterfalls and mountains.
Did we mention the trahaails!? Criss-crossing the Afan Forest and the Brecons beyond - you can look forward to a sublime blend of sweeping gravel roads and spicy forest trails. Take your pick from a selection of routes, distances and profiles.
As you wind your way up the dreamy, riverside lane leading to the camp you'll find yourself in the other-worldly mountain scenery. As you roll up - you'll be welcomed by the super welcoming welcome crew. Soak up the scene, the chilled camp vibes, waterfall, sauna and join the other lovely folk for the start of an unforgettable weekend in the mountains.
Here is all the information you’ll need to prepare and join the fest
How to get there and when
Camp site
Parking
Weekend programme
Menus
Routes
Safety briefing
Guidelines
What to bring
Wild Wales is a non-competitive event. Rides are self-guided (routes provided below) and although representatives from Wild Cycles may participate, you are responsible for your own safety and decision-making during throughout the event and the rides.
Know your capabilities and limits and adapt the routes to suit your ability and preferences. Be prepared - so please make sure you’re familiar with the guidance, routes, safety briefing and checklist below. As the event takes place in a remote area you should effectively be self-sufficient - especially when out on the rides.
Included in your weekend ticket
Camping - Friday, Saturday (+ bonus Sunday night if you want to make a long weekend of it!)
Choice of routes to ride on Saturday and Sunday
Komoot routes
Chilled Friday evening vibes by the camp fire
Basecamp facilities incl. showers, loos
Meals: Saturday breakfast & dinner, Sunday breakfast
Talks and demos on Saturday
Live music provided by Willow Springs' resident folk band
Free access to plunge pool, waterfall and adjacent saunas!
Before 30 May
Make sure you familiarise yourself with the routes, features and profiles.
As this is a self-guided event you need to download route GPX's from Komoot onto your GPS - this will be the only means of navigating your way around the self-guided routes below.
For newcomers, those wanting to ride along and for those without GPS'/navs - there is the option to join a chilled group ride on Saturday*.
Check out the guide and checklist below to make sure you know - and have all you need to make it your best and safest cycling weekend ever.
Study the safety briefing below - we’ll ask you to sign the waiver and confirmation you have read and understood ride features, risks and safety aspects online or when you sign on.
Add the mobile numbers below to your contacts.
If you fancy connecting with other Wild Wales adventurers you have the option of joining the Wild Wales '25 whatsapp group here.
NB Acceptance of the invitation is entirely voluntary and subject to whatsapp.com usage, privacy terms.
Volunteer? If you're up for helping the amazing crew at Wild Wales with anything from director of parking to helper of food prep and service - please let us know @john@wildcycles.co.uk.
If you have any questions please contact us.
Thanks to our headline sponsors - Albion Cycling who is offering all Wild Wales participants a hugely generous 25% discount - so that we and YOU - can do more of what we love to do - ride bikes in beautiful places.
+ before 30 may to maximise your riding pleasure...
Apply discount code WILDWALES_25 for a whopping 25% off the incredible Albion kit - specially designed and engineered to help you stay outside for longer.
+ before 30 may to maximise your post-ride pleasure...
The bicycling brewing bros at stohk have been brewing up something quite special for 2025. Order now and we'll have your brews chilled and ready for you to collect at Wild Wales:
stohk ZRO. In our opinion - hands down the flavourestest non-alc brew on the planet . Brewed in small batches with a blend of Chinook, Citra, Simcoe and El Dorado hops for exceptional taste and refreshing power.
Pre-order ZRO here
stohk ATB All Terrain Beer: Hazy pale ale with added recovery-enhancing porridge oats and sea salt. Brewed to 3.4% using a blend of Citra, Simcoe, Ekuanot hops.
Friday 16 May
5-9 pm
Arrive at base camp
Llwyn Y Ffynnon Farm, Glyncorrwg, Port Talbot SA13 3DB
what3words: bends.adverbs.point
Please park up and head over to sign on.
Choose your pitch in the camping area, join others around the fire for a chat, join the evening cook-out. Have yourself a sauna if you fancy a detox...
Note there is limited parking on site so would strongly encourage you to lift share or arrive by train. There is a direct train from London Paddington to Neath - 2 1/2hrs! Approx. 10 miles from basecamp.
Alternatively London - Maesteg (via Cardiff) - 3 hrs and only 6 miles from basecamp.
Spaces are reserved for vans - for those of you who have asked when booking. Crew will show you where to park.
Friday evening is for chilling around the camp fire, having a sauna if you fancy. Meet, connect and re-connect with folk and chat about the upcoming rides.
Saturday 17 MAY
8:00 - 9:00
Have a Wild n delicious, wholesome breakfast (included).
Grab yourself one of the best barista coffees west of the Severn at the amazing Brewchild van.
Join the rendezvous breakfast. Whether you're coming solo or with others we're creating space to join the breakfast party, to connect and arrange with others to to ride out together.
9:15
Briefing. You're free to roll out anytime after that.
9:15 - 9:45
*You have the option of joining a super-chilled ride-out being hosted by Nicola and Nunziella. Join the rendezvous breakfast if this one's for you.
There is no hard and fast start time. It's really up to you - and depending on your chosen route/distance. Ideally you should get going between 09:30 and 10:30.
Make sure you have the best day ever out on one of the spectacular routes, soak up the fabulous views and stay safe!
You should head back to base camp by 6pm. If you decide to stop riding at any point you must phone or txt one of the mobile numbers (below).
You must clock in with the registration team at the end of your ride.
Join in the post-ride buzz, grab a sauna or swim in the plunge pool as you reflect on the day's epic ridings with the gang around the camp fire.
3:00 pm onwards
Meet master bike-builder Chris Smith and feast your eyes on a selection of beautifully hand-crafted bikes. Hear how these extraordinary specimens come to life in Chris’ studio - using the best of British and Italian materials.
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Join a talk by the adventurous Alessandro and Nunziella and hear their stories of wild, beautiful and sometimes epic rides. From the London Metrolands to Wales, Slovenia, Croatia, the Sicily Divide and the Granguanche route through the Canary Islands.
Learn about their incredible journeys, route planning, preparing for bike-packing trips et al.
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Enjoy more deliciousness for dinner from the legendary Wild Cycles kitchen (included).
After that you can soak up the sounds of the Willow Springs resident local folk band followed by a selection of chilled sounds to lull you into good night's sleep.
Sunday 18 may
8:00 - 9:00
Enjoy your delicious, wholesome breakfast (included).
Grab yourself one of the best barista coffees west of the Severn at the amazing Brewchild van.
9:00-10:00
Roll out on a super-chilled wind-downer ride of approx. 30 km on a very scenic local route taking in more fabulous, riverside trails and waterfalls.
Expect to be back at basecamp by 1-2pm.
If you decide to stop riding at any point you must phone or txt one of the mobile numbers (below). You must clock in with the registration team at the end of your ride.
From here on out on Sunday afternoon you can stay on for another night (included). You'll have full access to the basecamp facilities although you'll have to cater for yourself. For those heading home on Sunday we'll sadly say our goodbyes and hope to see you again soon!
Planning and Preparation
With that in mind we have prepared a SAFETY BRIEIFING and CHECKLIST to help you to prepare for your up-coming self-guided ride. The following is essential reading so please be sure to digest and familiarise yourself with the crucial information provided. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or need any more information.
komoot routes
Routes are subject to adjustment following final recon rides. Please stay tuned for Updates which may be shared pre-event.
There are 4 routes to choose from on Saturday and one on Sunday - which are all stunning and varied as far as terrain, gradient, surface and profile is concerned. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the fitness, skill and capability to complete your chosen route.
Please note that all routes are challenging. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the route profiles. Extreme gradients, challenging terrain, route and weather conditions have a huge impact on average speeds. For example - the 70km route took a couple of riders with advanced skill and fitness levels approx. 8hrs to complete recently. Carefully consider your route/distance choice and ensure that your skill and fitness level is suited and proportionate to complete your ride safely and within the time-frame.
The 100km and 70km routes are in a particularly remote area and will not be swept - you're on your own. You should only choose one of these if you are really fit, skilled and accustomed to riding in wild and remote places. You need to carry sufficient water/hydration and food/fuel to get yourself around either of these the routes.
All rides are self-guided and although representatives from Wild Cycles may participate, as a rider - you are responsible for your own safety and decision-making during the rides. Know your capabilities and limits and adapt the routes to suit your ability and preferences.
Routes feature very steep, technical climbs and descents, loose, slippery, uneven and rutted surfaces requiring a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills. Featuring a mix of loose and hard surfaces, flint, roots and ruts – they include gravel, woodland trails, sand, grassy fields, bridleways, public roads and lanes. It is therefore essential that you have experience of riding on public roads and off-road on varied terrain. Routes use and cross public roads used by motorists (light, medium and heavy vehicles) where extra care and vigilance is required. Conditions, degree of difficulty and speed will be significantly impacted by weather conditions. Check the weather forecast beforehand.
Conditions, degree of difficulty and speed will be significantly impacted by weather conditions. Check the weather forecast beforehand.
Note that routes are provisional, subject to adjustment following final recon rides. Updates will be shared prior to the event.
Saturday - 36km, 50km, 70km or 100km self-guided
*For newcomers, anyone without a GPS wanting to ride along with others- option to join a chilled group ride on Saturday.
"Short" & punchy gravel ride with all of the best bits including a blend of sweeping rolling gravel, mountain n valley views. Featuring miles n miles of fabulous rolling gravel - mostly fire roads. Still beautiful!
A longer and more challenging ride, including some wild and beautiful single track and rocky sections for those with the nerve and skill. Includes some hike-a-bike and more of the most spectacular views from what feels like the edge of the world.
Route notes:
Bethel Cafe - do drop by - right on the route @ 13km!
Cafe kiosk @ 18 km
(Colliers Arms pub @ 15.5km)
A short-cut version of the 100km
Challenging Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. Route is classified as EXPERT by Komoot - and should only be attempted by those with a high level of fitness and confident, expert off-road skills. Stunningly beautiful and wild - the route includes part of the legendary Sarn Helen Roman Road (chunky!) and passes by an ancient monolith - Maen Madoc.
The 100km and 70km routes are in a particularly remote area and will not be swept - you're on your own. You should only choose one of these if you are really fit, skilled and accustomed to riding in wild and remote places. You need to carry sufficient water/hydration and food/fuel to get yourself around either of these the routes.
Red Lion Pub @ 45km.
Seriously challenging (it took a team of seriously fit, skilled and accomplished recconoisters c. 12 hrs to complete!). Very high fitness and skill level required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. Classified as EXPERT by Komoot - and should only be attempted by those with a high level of fitness and confident, expert off-road skills. Stunningly beautiful and wild - the route takes in part of the Brecon wilderness and includes a section of the legendary Sarn Helen Roman Road (super chunky!).
The 100km and 70km routes are in a particularly remote area and will not be swept - you're on your own. You should only choose one of these if you are really fit, skilled and accustomed to riding in wild and remote places. You need to carry sufficient water/hydration and food/fuel to get yourself around either of these the routes.
Red Lion Pub @ 66km.
Sunday Wind Down
Join the crew and the gang for a delightful and scenic mystery tour of the surrounding mountain tops, rivers and waterfalls. The perfect way to soak up the scenery with friends - old and new.
Don't be misled by the low km/mileage - this is a challenging - though stunning route, which winds its way around some spectacular scenery which includes a waterfall. A mountain bike is highly recommended for this one. Alternatively - gravel bike with super-skilled rider on board.
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guidance
Bike & equipment
It’s your responsibility to ensure that your bike and equipment is suited to the routes and conditions. Have your bike serviced beforehand and safety checked before the start. Ideally start with a new chain, brake pads and tyres which are new or nearly new.
There is no formal mechanical support ono the event so you must be capable of repairing punctures en-route and at least one member of your group should have a basic mechanical knowledge and capable of carrying out roadside repairs.
Please note that all routes are challenging. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the route profiles. Extreme gradients, challenging terrain, route and weather conditions have a huge impact on average speeds. For example - the 100km route took a couple of riders with advanced skill and fitness levels approx. 10hrs to complete recently.
Note all routes feature extreme gradients and challenging terrain. Furthermore route and weather conditions are highly varied. A gravel bike or mountain bike with a minimum tyre width of 42mm and tread pattern suited to a wide variety of terrain is essential - as is suitable gearing to cope with gradients and terrain. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with your chosen routes and their respective features and profiles - and to ensure you have the necessary equipment and skill to complete that.
Nutrition & hydration
Please note distances and route profiles. A significant proportion of the route is in remote areas which is great and part of the magic of these exceptional rides. However in light of distances, terrain and conditions you must plan ahead. Ensure that you carry sufficient nutrition, sustenance (fuel!) and hydration with you and plan your refuelling stops accordingly. You must carry sufficient nutrition, water/hydration with you which takes into account the sometimes infrequent opportunities to top up in remote areas. The 50km route pass by villages with cafes. The c. 100km route is in a particularly remote area - so you need to carry sufficient water/hydration and food/fuel to get yourself around the route.
Campsite facilities
Our beautiful campsite is in a stunning mountain & riverside setting. There are toilets, washing facilities, hot water and showers. You'll be shown where to pitch your tent when you sign on.
Catering & refuelling
Saturday breakfast and dinner as well as Sunday breakfast is included in your ticket.
MENUS
Saturday breakfast
Bircher Muesli (overnight oats) with fruit ( allergens: dairy, nuts)
If you are not a Bircher fan - we'd hugely appreciate it if you could let us know to minimise any waste.
Sourdough muffin topped with egg, cheese and spring onion. ( allergens: wheat, onions, dairy, egg)
Fresh barista coffee available 7:00 - 9:00 Sat & Sun from the fab Brewchild van.
Saturday supper
Main: Confit des Legumes served with rice, raita and naan bread ( allergens: pulses, dairy, wheat)
Dessert: Lemon Drizzle slice ( allergens: wheat, eggs, dairy)
Sunday breakfast
Breakfast Burrito ( allergens: wheat) Banana Bread ( allergens: wheat)
Fresh barista coffee available 7:00 - 9:00 Sat & Sun from the fab Brewchild van.
You'll need to BYO drinks and ingredients for meals, snacks which are not included as well as your own equipment and utensils.
There is a mega Tesco about 10 miles from base camp - if you need to stock up. Check out the maps for lunch and refuelling stops on your rides.
Checklist
Essentials which you should bring with you are listed below.
Please note that our objective is zero waste so please don't bring any single use plastic with you or leave any behind!
There have been reports of gnats in the area - depending on weather. Locals advise that the best deterrent is Avon's Skin So Soft Dry oil.
For camping
Friday evening meal, drinks
Cooking utensils and ingredients for meals, snacking in between
Mug, bowl, plate and cutlery
Warm clothing for evenings
Torch
Tent (van as arranged with specific people beforehand)
Sleeping bag suitable for weather conditions (check the weather forecast and your sleeping bag’s temperature rating)
Pillow
Toiletries
Sun-block
Personal medication
For riding
Your bike!
Ensure it's in perfect working order, safety-checked, serviced beforehand and is therefore safe and suitable to complete the full distance
Quality bike lock to keep your bike secure at basecamp (or leave it in your vehicle)
Multi-tool
Tyre levers
Spare inner tubes and/or
Tubeless repair kit
Tyre boots
Spare tyre
Pump
Quick chain links
Spare cables
Spare brake pads
Chain lube
Zip ties
Lights recommended
Bike lock
Water bottles/hydration pack (also see nutrition/hydration guidance above)
1st aid kit
Your own quality cycle helmet which conforms to the latest safety standards must be worn whilst riding
Suitable clothing + extra/spare sets of clothing
Footwear
Eye-wear
Gloves
Waterproofs
Warm clothing for evenings
Tent (van as arranged with specific people beforehand)
Sleeping bag suitable for weather conditions
Check the weather forecast and your sleeping bag’s temperature rating
Pillow
Insurance
Ensure you have adequate insurance cover for your property and equipment including bicycles intended for your use as well as medical expenses.
If you have any questions - please don't hesitate to ask.
Contact:
e john@wildcycles.co.uk
m 07501006366
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Safety briefing, waiver
You will be required to sign one of these online via a link that will be provided pre-event or on hard copy at the event
All routes listed in this guide feature very steep, technical climbs and descents, loose, slippery, uneven and rutted surfaces requiring a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills. Featuring a mix of loose and hard surfaces, flint, roots and ruts – they include gravel, woodland trails, sand, grassy fields, bridleways, public roads and lanes. It is therefore essential that you have experience of riding on public roads and off-road on varied terrain. Routes use and cross public roads used by motorists (light, medium and heavy vehicles) where extra care and vigilance is required. Conditions, degree of difficulty and speed will be significantly impacted by weather conditions. Check the weather forecast beforehand.
Familiarise yourself with the route distances, profiles and conditions and make yourself aware of the risks and hazards associated with undertaking your chosen activity.
All rides are self-guided and although representatives from Wild Cycles may participate, as a rider you are responsible for your own safety and decision-making during the ride. Know your capabilities and limits and adapt the routes to suit your ability and your preferences.
Please note the following aspects and Actions for your safety
applies to all routes
Please note that all routes are challenging. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the route profiles. Extreme gradients, challenging terrain, route and weather conditions have a huge impact on average speeds. For example - the 100km route took a couple of riders with advanced skill and fitness levels approx. 10hrs to complete recently. Carefully consider your route/distance choice and ensure that your skill and fitness level is suited and proportionate to complete your ride safely and within the time-frame.
1. Bike condition
See BIKE & EQUIPMENT below
Do a thorough bike safety check before the ride
Check and make sure your brake pads have more than sufficient life to complete the distance NB route profiles
Carry pump, spare tube/repair kit (see checklist)
2. Overhanging branches and fallen trees
Keep a look out and warn following riders
Adjust route if cannot be avoided
Wear a quality helmet and eye protection
Maintain awareness, be vigilant and exercise caution
3. Wet weather and terrain
Ensure correct tyre pressure and tread
Beware of livestock waste protect and/or clean water bottles & equipment
Wear appropriate clothing suited to weather
Know your abilities and limitations, ride and make decisions accordingly
4. Terrain - uneven, rocky, ruts, flint, roots mud & loose surfaces
Be vigilant and take extra care on these surfaces, watch your speed and ride within your abilities
Identify hazards and difficult, technical terrain
Be cautious
Ride within your ability
Get off and walk when negotiating rocky and uneven terrain
Warn following riders when approaching
5. Steep gradients - descents and ascents, steep drop-offs
Approach with caution
Use appropriate speed for the terrain
Know your abilities and limitations, ride and make decisions accordingly
Get off and walk if in doubt and wherever it is safer to do so
6. Other users: Walkers, dogs, horse riders
Be respectful, give priority to walkers and horse riders
Leave plenty of space when passing
7. Warm, hot weather
Apply sun cream
Wear appropriate clothing
Stay hydrated and top up with fluids constantly
See NUTRITION & HYDRATION in the guide
The 70 and 100km routes are in a particularly remote area - so you need to carry sufficient water/hydration and food/fuel to get yourself around the route
Download and use https://www.refill.org.uk/
8. Darkness and poor visibility
Unless you have the appropriate lighting - front and rear - should darkness fall or visibility fades you must call Wild Cycles for recovery
Monitor distance, average speed, progress in relation to time of day and sunset
We will be setting a cut-off on the 95km at approx. 50km and if this is missed you will be required to continue on to the finish via the shorter loop
9. Traffic on the trails and public roads
Obey the rules of the road and ride with the utmost care on public roads
Be vigilant and maintain high awareness of traffic on public, forestry and farm roads incl. cars, HGVs, farm machinery and implements
Be vigilant and keep a lookout for other fast-moving trails users e.g. mountain bikers
Maintain a steady line whilst riding on roads
Wear reflective/bright clothing
Be super vigilant and extra cautious when crossing roads and at junctions
10. Fatigue, accidents, injury
Carry a 1st aid kit with you to attend to minor injuries
Call 999 in the case of a serious injury to yourself or another rider
Monitor your performance and judgement and ride within your limits
If you feel exhausted and need to cut your ride short call us for recovery if required
11. Mechanicals
Carry the spares and tools listed below as there is no official mechanical support
See BIKE and EQUIPMENT in the guide
If unable to continue call us for recovery if required
12. Call us on one of the numbers below if you decide to stop riding at any point
13. Know your abilities and limitations, ride and make decisions accordingly
All routes - especially the longer routes are seriously challenging, are classified EXPERT by komoot - and should only be attempted by those with a high level of fitness and expert off-road skills
I hereby confirm that, with the exception of any liability which cannot be excluded by law, Wild Cycles Limited shall have no liability for any loss or damage I may suffer as a result of my participation in this event. Furthermore, I will indemnify and hold Wild Cycles Limited, its officers, agents and employees harmless from and against any and all expenses, losses, liabilities, damages and costs of any type incurred or suffered and any claims or legal proceedings which are brought or threatened, in each case, arising from my participation in this event.
To be signed at online (form to be provided) or at registration:
Name:
Date:
Mobile contact number (for the weekend):
Emergency contact name and number:
Signed:
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Contact numbers
Emergency services 999
Paramedic 07870 628656
John Heard 07501 006366
Jonathan Heard 07305 973508
Nick Porter 07507 555509
Allesandro 07456 099967
Nunziella 07462 636005
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