The Route - Gravel Fondo Cymru

Gravel Fondo Cymru takes place in Crychan Forest, near Llandovery, and returns with a new route format across all categories, including a non-competitive option.

Gravel Fondo Cymru takes place in Crychan Forest, near Llandovery, and returns with a new route format across all categories, including a non-competitive option. With extensive access to the forest, a multiple-lap format has been adopted to provide maximum flexibility across age categories. Using a combination of long and short laps, race distances will range from 50km to 80km, depending on age category. For eligible riders, the event will once again serve as the official Beicio Cymru (Welsh Cycling) Gravel Championship, run as a competitive event under British Cycling regulations.

Gravel Fondo Cymru 2026 takes place in Crychan Forest, near Llandovery, and returns with a new route format across all categories, including a non-competitive option. With extensive access to the forest, a multiple-lap format has been adopted to provide maximum flexibility across age categories. Using a combination of long and short laps, race distances will range from 50km to 80km, depending on age category. For eligible riders, the event will once again serve as the official Beicio Cymru (Welsh Cycling) Gravel Championship, run as a competitive event under British Cycling regulations.

The route is almost entirely off-road, with just a few short road crossings. Using our detailed knowledge of the area, we have created a course that will challenge riders while remaining genuinely rewarding.

Making full use of the expansive landscape around Crychan, the route will start near the village of Tirabad, a short drive from both Llanwrtyd Wells and Llandovery.

A designated support area will be available for riders with a support crew. This area will be staffed, and for unsupported riders, there will also be the option to pre-purchase a support box, which will be transported to and left in a set location. This allows unsupported riders to carry less and access spares/food during the ride.

The route is almost all off-road, using wide forest roads throughout, and features some spectacular viewpoints alongside fast, enjoyable descents. It has been designed to ensure that gravel bikes are the fastest and most suitable option.

Open to both competitive and non-competitive riders, the event will also serve as the inaugural Beicio Cymru (Welsh Cycling) Gravel Championship, with national champion jerseys available for junior and all senior age categories.