wales border to coast
three stages. east to west
KNIGHTON → CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS → MACHYNLLETH
20-22 november 2026
Fully supported three days of mountain biking across Mid Wales: remote tracks, demanding climbs and route decisions.
£495 per person
10% deposit secures your place on acceptance. Balance paid in stages. Teams may pay together or individually.
THE Challenge
Cross Mid Wales from the English border at Knighton to Machynlleth, travelling through the Elan Valley, the Cambrian uplands and the Dyfi.
Ride in your Expedition Pair, navigate between checkpoints and make your own route decisions. Shared stages, WR camps and a common finish bring the expedition team together.
Three riding stages. One continuous journey. Professional support around you.
MTB · TOUGH · 3 RIDING DAYS · MAXIMUM 16 EXPEDITIONERS
Come as a pair, or apply alone and we will help form one.
Tough RIDING - Tougher NAVIGATION - ONE great EXPEDITION
THE JOURNEY
From the border hills to the Cambrian uplands and the Dyfi, each stage brings a different character. Your pair chooses how to tackle the ground between the required checkpoints.
01 / THE BORDER TO THE ELAN VALLEY
FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER
Leave Knighton and head west through the border hills towards Rhayader and the Elan Valley. The opening stage introduces the terrain, the checkpoints and the decisions you and your partner will make throughout the expedition.
Finish at Camp 2 Rhayader / Elan Valley.
02 / THE CAMBRIAN HIGH COUNTRY
SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER
The longest and most committing stage takes you into the Cambrian uplands. Sustained climbs, remote tracks and route choices demand steady judgement as fatigue builds.
Come back together at Camp 3 Staylittle.
03 / THROUGH THE DYFI
SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER
The final stage brings moorland, forest and a more technical finish through the Dyfi towards Machynlleth. Stay focused through the last route decisions and complete the crossing together.
Finish in Machynlleth for medals and shared expedition stories.
THE CHALLENGE
TOUGH / MOUNTAIN BIKING
Expect sustained climbs, rough tracks, wet ground and sections that demand confident bike handling. November brings short daylight hours and the possibility of cold, exposed riding.
You should be comfortable riding off-road for consecutive days, navigating as a pair and managing your clothing, food and equipment as conditions change.
This expedition rewards sound decisions as well as strong legs.
SUPPORTED IN THE FIELD
WR PROVIDES
Expedition planning and stage briefings; checkpoints; shared expedition camps; evening meal and breakfast; kit transfer; tracking and communications arrangements; medical and mechanical field support.
An optional Thursday-night stay at the start camp is included at no extra cost when booked in advance.
YOU BRING AND MANAGE
A suitable mountain bike, helmet, riding and overnight equipment, sleeping bag, navigation tools, personal spares and riding food.
Your pair manages its navigation, pace, clothing, fuelling and routine bike care throughout each stage.
ARRIVAL & START
THURSDAY EVENING / 19 NOVEMBER
Arrive at the Knighton start location by 19:00 for registration and stay overnight before the expedition.
The Thursday-night stay must be booked in advance. There is no extra charge.
FRIDAY MORNING / 20 NOVEMBER
Alternatively, arrive at the Knighton start location by 07:00 for registration and preparation.
Allow enough time to be ready for the expedition briefing.
FRIDAY BRIEFING: 07:45
STAGE ONE START: 08:30
Exact meeting-point details will be provided in the expedition joining instructions.
KEY ADMIN
Dates and price
20–22 November 2026 · £495 per person. A 10% deposit (£49.50) secures your place on acceptance, with staged payments for the balance.
Meals and sleeping
Breakfast at Camp 1 and dinner and breakfast at Camps 2 and 3 are included. No meal is provided on Thursday evening. Bring your own riding food and snacks. Team tipis and camp beds are provided; bring your own sleeping bag.
Kit transfer
WR moves one overnight holdall per person between camps. A compact team bag of spares and extra riding food can be accessed at set support points within stages.
Travel to the start
For arrival on Thursday 19 November, the published timetable includes a 16:00 train from Shrewsbury reaching Knighton at 16:52. Allow time to reach Camp 1 for registration by 19:00. Thursday’s overnight stay is included but must be booked in advance; No evening meal is provided.
Finish and return transport
Finish in Machynlleth on Sunday 22 November, with a 14:00 cut-off followed by food, results and medals.
For onward rail travel, the published timetable includes a 16:07 departure from Machynlleth towards Shrewsbury and Birmingham. Check services for your travel dates and confirm bicycle space and any reservation requirements before booking.
Alternatively, an optional minibus transfer back to Knighton, with a van for bikes, costs £60 per person and must be booked in advance.
Exact camp locations, station-to-camp directions, finish arrangements and return-transfer details will be included in the final joining instructions sent before the expedition.