North Wales Bikepacking Weekend (NW400, NW300 and NW500)

The North Wales bikepacking weekend is a low cost social event with a “group finish format” at the fantastic One Planet Adventure Visitor Centre, near Wrexham, North Wales (https://oneplanetadventure.com/). Riders can pick their own start time and date to aim to finish before 4 pm on the afternoon of Monday August 25th (Bank Holiday Monday). There are 3 routes available, 2 technical mountain bike routes, the NW300 and NW400. The NW500 can be done on either a gravel bike or a MTB.

The NW400 is the original bikepacking route designed by Tom Bruce, as a training route for the Highland Trail 550. It is a difficult route, with over 10,000 metres of climbing in just over 410 km. The route is designed to start and finish at Llandegla Forest Visitor Centre, which is very accessible. The loop is to be ridden anticlockwise. Expect steep climbs, long hike-a-bike sections, technical descents and difficult terrain – this event should only be considered by experienced riders.

The NW300 has over 7,000 metres of climbing in just under 300 km and follows much of the same route as the NW400, also ridden anticlockwise. The purpose of suggesting this shorter route is so that it can be completed within the bank holiday weekend for those who do not feel they can complete the 400km within that time scale – that being said, it is still a hard route and should not be taken lightly.

As of 2024 there is also a new route, the NW500 which is slightly less technically demanding but is a difficult physical challenge, and can be completed on a gravel bike but may be more comfortable on a mountain bike. It shares many of the same highlights as the NW400 and includes an ascent of the Great Orme and Conwy Mountain.

The intent is to ride whichever route as fast as you are able while adhering to the set of rules listed below. You are expected to navigate the unmarked course entirely on your own. There are no waymarkers on the course, only a downloadable gpx file. Map navigation is not part of the challenge, so for efficiency and safety a GPS unit is recommended.

It is an unofficial challenge that is not sanctioned in any way, with no organisation, and no support. All that is provided is the route, the rules, a suggested start time, and a list of riders who have completed the challenge.

Highlights of this stunning routes include:

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB

Many of the most beautiful lakes in Wales

Trails through the UNESCO World Heritage Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales

Snowdonia/Eryri, including an ascent of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa

The coast between Cricceith and Porthmadog including a crossing of Black Rock Sands

5 world class mountain biking trail centres: Penmachno, Gwydir Mawr, Coed y Brenin, Dyfi Forest, Llandegla

The Great Orme and Conwy Mountain (NW500)

Bwlch y Groes, the second highest road pass in Wales

The Berwyn Range

The routes take you over some very challenging terrain including an ascent to the top of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa, at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. Sign up now to get a place on this unforgettable event reserved. Entries now open at www.tombrucecycling.com/north-wales-bikepacking