Category: U.K.

Many people make the easy mistake of thinking that the United Kingdom (U.K.) only includes England. The truth is that four countries are part of the U.K.: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. That’s why if someone told you they are going over to cycle in the U.K., you might think that is overly ambitious.

Each of the four countries encompasses large swathes of land, so just to be able to ride in one part (or even a chunk of it) would be no small feat. However, as of this year, the same organizers who host the Ride Across Britain will also host RideCymru, a ride that lasts three days and covers 250 miles in Wales.

All About the RideCymru

2025 marks the first year for the RideCymru. The route runs from north to south in Wales and is 250 miles long. The event takes place from September 11th to September 14th.

Cyclists can expect to be “treated to an experience rooted in Welsh culture with food, drink, and entertainment sourced from local communities.” As part of a cyclist’s registration, lodging for all three days is provided based on double or single occupancy.

Since this event is considered a “Pioneer” event, this inaugural ride will probably have some minor issues along the way. But you’ll have bragging rights to say you rode in the testing phase for this event.

The Route from Northern to Southern Wales

This initial version of the ride through Wales goes from the top of the country in Llandudno down to the capital of Cardiff in the south. It is, as already mentioned, broken up over three days and covers 257 miles (see the map of the route above). Below is the breakdown in miles for each day, including elevation gain.

• Day 1: Llandudno to Machynlleth
  • 88 miles / 7,700ft
• Day 2: Machynlleth to Brecon
  • 85 miles / 8,500ft
• Day 3: Brecon to Cardiff
  • 84 miles / 6,300ft

Along the route, cyclists are treated to what the organizers say are the “most incredible cycling landscapes the UK has to offer.” Riders will experience, for instance, the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the Cambrian Mountains, Gospel Pass – The Highest Road in Wales just to name a few places, plus other major scenic areas in Wales.

Registration and Cost for the “Pioneer” RideCymru Event

Since this is the first event for what the organizers hope will become a standard in the U.K. cycling calendar, this ride has been capped at 5o participants. Cyclists will ride in groups and the ride will be guided. The guide will use a computer-generated GPX file to lead all the riders.

The cost for the ride is as follows:

• Standard: £1,200 twin / £1,500 single
• Charity: £350 twin / £650 single (+ £1,600 fundraising)

This price includes three nights in hotels and all food during the event and off the bike. Cyclists will receive a commemorative jersey for their participation in this event.

Registration for the RideCymru opens on March 11.

Last Thoughts

This ride through Wales looks to be a fun-filled, challenging, and once in a lifetime event. How often can you say you participated in the planning stages and helped in shaping the course for a cycling event?

Obviously, the organizers are knowledgeable about what it takes to plan and to host a large event like RideCymru based on its Ride Across Britain. While details aren’t available, I’m sure this will be a fully supported event. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for this ride once registration opens and take part in a historic event in U.K. Cycling.