The Big Welsh Bike Ride
Registration for 2025 is now closed
We’re currently planning our Big Welsh Bike Ride 2026, please click the button below to register your interest to get involved.
Register your interest
Date
24th – 26th July 2026
Location
Aberystwyth to Cardiff
Sponsorship
Two day ride: £1,000
One day ride: £400
Registration fee
Two day ride: £100
One day ride: £50
Embark on an unforgettable two-day cycling adventure from Aberystwyth to Cardiff through the stunning Elan Valley, Brecon Beacons and along the iconic Taff Trail. The Big Welsh Bike Ride is more than just a challenge — it’s a chance to ride for a cause, raising vital funds for children with life-shortening conditions and their families supported by Tŷ Hafan.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or taking on your first big ride, this breathtaking route offers scenic beauty, camaraderie, and the opportunity to make a real difference.
Full course
The event is a challenging road cycle that starts in Aberystwyth and ends in Cardiff Bay.
Departing from the coastal town of Aberystwyth, you’ll take in the Elan Valley Reservoirs and cycle across Sennybridge Training Area and into Brecon, before our descent into Cardiff on day two for a well earned drink and celebratory meal!
This event includes a fantastic support package to help make the event as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Secure your place today for only £100 for the full experience or £50 for one day, and a commitment to raise a minimum of £1,000 (or £400 for one day cyclists) for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice.
Pick a one day route instead
For those who would prefer a shorter bike ride, you also have the option to join us for one of the two days with a registration cost of £50 and a commitment to raise a minimum of £400:
Day One – Aberystwyth to Brecon
Day Two – Brecon to Cardiff
Please check out our FAQ’s below for more information, and you can also contact the team by calling 029 20 532255 or emailing events@tyhafan.org.
The route
Leaving the coastal haven of Aberystwyth on the morning of Day One, you’ll head down to Brecon via the Elan Valley Reservoirs, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery and awe-inspiring architecture of the historic dams. Then you’ll head on through the Sennybridge Training Area, the flat upland plateau of Mynydd Epynt, taking in views of the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains before resting for the night in the historic market town of Brecon.
Day 1 – distance = 115.7km / 72 miles, elevation = 2004m
On Day Two, you’ll leave Brecon and cycle through beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park before tackling the home stretch to Cardiff Bay, where you’ll be greeted with a well-earned drink and celebratory meal.
Day 2 – distance = 82.3km / 51 miles, elevation = 764m
Total distance over the two days = 199 km / 123 miles
Total elevation over the two days = 2768m
Rhodri Bwye, who has taken on two cycle challenges for Tŷ Hafan in the past, loved the experience:
“I cannot recommend enough for you to do it. It’s a great physical challenge, it’s a mental challenge with some of the obstacles that get chucked in your way on a daily basis, but coming out the back of it you’ve raised a pile of cash for an amazing cause and an amazing charity that needs the funds. And you also make some amazing friends… some that I still speak to to this day…and I class them as really good friends.”
Once you have signed up make sure to set up your Just Giving page using the link below
Start fundraising through Just Giving today
Event Itinerary
Day One: Aberystwyth to Brecon via the Elan Valley Reservoirs and Sennybridge Training Area
Day Two: Brecon to Cardiff – finishing at Cardiff Bay
If you would like to find out more about the event or have any questions, please email events@tyhafan.org
Included in your registration:
Pre-event fundraising support (dedicated account manager)
Pre-event briefing session
Two pre-event group training rides
Invitation to join WhatsApp group
Itineraries and route profiles (subject to change)
Bespoke cycle jersey if you are taking part in the 2-day challenge – you must have raised 80% of your target 8 weeks out to qualify for a free jersey or this can be purchased for £40
Twin room (shared) accommodation for two nights on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July
Coach transport from Ty Hafan to Aberystwyth on Friday 24th July
Snack and lunch stops with water re-fills
Event safety tags
A celebration meal/drink voucher at Tiger Yard
Finishers medal
Dedicated bike transport and mechanical support throughout the challenge
Event Support Team
Dedicated event manager
Cycling guides (1:8 ratio)
Qualified first aider
Support member from Tŷ Hafan
Not included:
Personal travel and bike insurance
Bike hire
Bike kit, spare parts, clothing etc.
Evening meals on Friday and Saturday night
Cycling jersey if a single day rider, although you can choose to purchase one for £40
Single room accommodation, although you can request to upgrade on the second night
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the Big Welsh Bike Ride
What is the fundraising target for this event?
£1000 for the 2 day ride and £400 for the single day ride.
Can I self fund or pay some of the fundraising target myself?
Yes, you can either choose to pay the full balance upfront with no requirement to fundraise or pay 50% now and then raise the other 30% (£300) 8 weeks before departure and then the remaining £200 by 6 weeks after the event date.
Will I be paired with cyclists of a similar standard?
Yes, if needed we can split the group into groups to accommodate everyone’s ability.
What kid of bike do I need for this challenge?
Gravel bike or hybrid bike with wider tyres (35mm) for grip on muddy or loose surfaces.
When do I have to have raised the sponsorship by?
We ask that fundraisers aim to raise 80% (£800 / £240 ) 8 weeks before the trip and the remaining balance paid in 6 weeks after the event.
Will you be able to claim gift aid on my sponsorship?
Yes, but only if the person donating qualifies for the scheme.
What fundraising support is available?
You will have direct access to an account manager within the events team who will be able to support you with fundraising ideas, marketing collateral, and general advice and guidance throughout your fundraising journey.
Who are the support cyclists?
These are being provided by a company called Remote Outdoors who Ty Hafan have worked with before. There will be one cycle guide for every 8 people.
Will I have to train for this event?
Yes, it is essential that you train for this event and have a good level of fitness in order to enjoy the event. We will provide training guides and the opportunity to join a training ride.
What first aid support will there be?
We’ll have trained first aiders and first aid equipment for the duration of the event.
What is the accommodation like?
We will stay in single dormitories on the Friday night at Aberystwyth and then hotel accommodation on the Saturday night in Brecon.
Will I have to provide my own personal and travel insurance?
Yes, we recommend seeking out your own personal and travel insurance for this event
Is my registration fee refundable?
We’ll allow a cooling off period of 14 days whereby you can change your mind and receive a full refund but not after this time.
What are the routes for each day?
Please see the GPX files on the website.
How many stops per day will we have?
There will be 2 snack stops and one lunch stop each day.
What food and drink is included?
We will supply snacks for 2-3 snack stops on each day.
What happens if I don't hit my fundraising target?
Please don’t worry, we’ll work with you to put a fundraising plan in place and you can continue fundraising after the event.
Can my company match fund my sponsorship?
Speak to your employer to see what they say or if there are any other ways they can support you.
What impact will my fundraising have on Tŷ Hafan?
Your fundraising will have an enormous impact on our work, making sure that no family has to live their child’s short life alone. To find out more about Tŷ Hafan’s work please see Tŷ Hafan – Children’s Hospice.
Will you provide bike tools and spare bikes if something were to happen to mine?
Yes we’ll have a bike tech and a spare bike for the group but we’ll provide you with a kit list of key items to pack in advance of the event.
Can I use an e-bike?
Yes as long as it’s able to complete each day on a full charge – you will be able to charge it overnight on the Friday and Saturday.