Discover mid Wales like never before on this border to beach running holiday, leaving conventional travel behind as you cross the rugged open countryside of Wales under your own steam. As the English border fades from view, immerse yourself in the wilds of mid Wales. Pass by the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey, Devil’s Bridge and through the Elan Valley to emerge in 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 may 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 was Welsh Orienteering Champion.
5 days, zero-hassle and all this included:
- 4 nights accommodation
- Three full days of trail running, guided by our professional trail running guide
- 4 breakfasts and 2 evening meals
- Voluntary trail clean in association with Trash Free Trails
- Professional, local, English-speaking guide
- Daily luggage transfers and return journey to route start point
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
Plus flexible booking terms as part of our Adventure Promise, including instalment payments to spread the cost of your adventure.
Check out the full itinerary in the tab above!
For adventurers who:
Are experienced trail or fell runners looking to share an epic human-powered journey with like-minded trail runners. Whether you’re a social runner or serial event runner, this running holiday will push you to test yourself on routes you may not usually run.
You don’t need to be a fast runner but you should be comfortable running on trails for around 4 – 5 hours per day for 3 consecutive days.
Age 18+ only.
Thursday
Welcome to Wales! Arrive in the market town of Newtown, nestled in the valley of the River Severn near the Welsh-English border, ready to check into your accommodation from 16.00. There is good rail access to Newtown but if you require transfers from the airport, please do contact us to make arrangements prior to travelling.
Relax for the afternoon, put your feet up or perhaps take a stroll around Newtown town before your first day of trail running begins.
Your welcome meeting will take place this evening 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 Welsh beer.
Friday
Pull on your running shoes, after breakfast this morning you will be collected from your accommodation for the first day of your running adventure. Today is the longest run of your trip, totalling 22 miles. 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 this epic 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. At 15 miles 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 and tucking into some seaside fish & chips. Then check into your final accommodation ready to enjoy a well-deserved cold pint to celebrate your epic achievement!
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.
What's included
- 4 nights accommodation on a twin-share basis (private rooms can usually be accommodated if preferred – please enquire before booking)
- Three full days of trail running, guided by Tim Higginbottom
- 4 breakfasts and 2 evening meals
- Voluntary trail clean in association with Trash Free Trails
- Professional, local, English-speaking guide
- Daily luggage transfers and return journey to route start point
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
What you need to bring
-
- Long sleeved running top / t-shirt
- Thin fleece or mid-layer
- Shorts / running tights
- Hat / buff
- Gloves
- Windproof jacket
- Hooded waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Warm layers for the evenings
- Trail running shoes
- Head torch – useable, lightweight for running for at least 2 hours
- Rucksack / bumbag – to carry spare clothes, snacks and water while running
- Water bottle
- Dry bag – for inside your rucksack / bum bag
- Personal first aid kit
- Sun hat and cream!
What you need to know
- Enjoy the reassurance of flexible booking terms, part of our Adventure Promise
- Bookings close 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure, or as soon as places fill
- You must be 18 years or over to join this adventure
- Check in is from 16.00 in Newtown on your arrival day
- Accommodation details and directions will be provided following confirmation of your booking
- We don’t believe in charging people more for exploring our world solo, so we’ll always match you up with a like-minded traveller to share with. Your hotel rooms will be on a twin-share basis. If you would prefer your own room we can usually accommodate this.
- The total group size will not exceed 10, to ensure you enjoy a small group experience
Getting Here
By Air
- The closest international airports are Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool Airport
It is approximately a 2 hour taxi transfer from these airports to the tour start point in Newtown or alternatively travel by rail to Newtown and follow the By Rail instructions below
By Rail
- The closest train station to the tour start point in Newtown is Newtown Station
From Newtown Station, it is an 8 minute walk to the tour start point
By Road
- The tour start point in Newtown is located less than 1.5 hours from the M6 and M53, and less than 3 hours from M4 motorway
- Multi-day parking is available at The Gravel or Back Lane car park, payable locally
If you require assistance with arranging taxi transfers, please get in touch with a member of our team
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