In June this year, Sams Watson and Winter tackled the Trans Cambrian Way, joined by friend Kris who over a decade ago rode halfway around the world. Kris, despite not riding as much recently, was up for the challenge. The Trans Cambrian Way is an exhilarating 100-mile route through the heart of Wales, stretching from Knighton on the English border to Dovey Junction on the Welsh west coast. The trail offers a mix of physical challenge and stunning natural beauty, winding through the rugged Cambrian Mountains.
Our adventure kicked off with a train ride from Shrewsbury to Knighton, where we unexpectedly bumped into Michael Portillo filming one of his Great Railway Journeys. After a quick breakfast in Knighton and loading our bags with Welsh cakes, we set off.
The first day was characterised by a relentless headwind and numerous gates, each with its own quirky catch—both recurring themes over the three days. The ride offered a mix of scenic paths and more challenging terrain, keeping us on our toes. By late afternoon, we rolled into Rhayader, a charming little town where we stayed the night above a pub. It was the perfect spot to relax, refuel with beer and whatever carbs we could find, and swap stories with locals.
Day two took us through the stunning Elan Valley, a highlight of the trip. The valley was incredible, with flooded tracks and tough climbs pushing our endurance to the limit. It offered some of the most technically challenging terrain and breathtaking views, including the majestic Claerwen Dam, where we couldn’t resist snapping some bike pics. The ride was demanding but rewarding, with beautiful landscapes making the effort worthwhile. After a long day, we finally arrived in Llangurig. We treated ourselves to a couple of pints and a hearty meal at the local pub. They even whipped up some cheese sandwiches and snacks for the next day! We then headed to our B&B just outside the village for some much-needed rest.
On the final day, we rose early to ensure we had enough time to reach Dovey Junction. The ride began with a gradual climb for the first 17 miles, passing the sources of the Severn and Wye rivers, offering a peaceful yet challenging start to the day. Then came an exhilarating two-mile descent that erased all the elevation we’d gained in what felt like a blink of an eye. The landscape shifted as we descended, transitioning from high moorland to lush valleys. A few more hills later, and we finally rolled into Dovey Junction, feeling both exhausted and elated.
Riding the Trans Cambrian Way was an unforgettable adventure. The journey showcased the best of Wales’ rugged beauty, from its wild, remote mountains to its serene valleys. It offered a perfect mix of physical challenge and awe-inspiring landscapes, with plenty of camaraderie and memorable moments along the way. We’re already talking about doing it again, maybe as another multi-day trip with the shop crew or possibly, just maybe, tackling it in a single epic day…
Click on the image to see the trip gallery
