The WElsh

Dragonal

Book TRIP

About the trip

A 4-day, small-group adventure motorcycle tour through the heart of Wales, for intermediate riders and a maximum number of bikers at 8.

Cutting diagonally across Wales from the Forest of Dean to Bangor, The Dragonal is a demanding westward crossing through some of the country’s most remote and challenging terrain.

This route favours tough trails, sustained days in the saddle, and long stretches where exposure and commitment are unavoidable. It is a journey that asks for focus and resilience, rewarding riders with raw landscapes, deep immersion, and a powerful sense of having truly crossed a country rather than simply travelled through it.

The terrain starts easier and builds over the two days. Conditions are ever-changing and some hardship is guaranteed, as is the feeling of achievement. Unique overnight stays and quirky stops for food, the Dragonal was our original multi-day trip and we’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do.

Next available dates:

30th April - 3rd May 2027

2nd - 5th July 2027

  • Price - £795 including 4 days fully guided riding / 3 nights accommodation (Price based on included hotel costs and shared rooms)

  • Group size - max 6

  • Difficulty - Expert (An Explorer graded trip - click here for more details on our trip grading)

  • Start/end location - Forest of Dean

  • Route - A round trip from the Forest of Dean, diagonally across Wales to the uppermost tip of the country and back again.


Contact us for bespoke trips to suit you this autumn.

  • Friday PM

    • Arrive Pathfinder HQ in the Forest of Dean - Hoarthorn FarmHouse, Hoarthorn Road, Coleford, GL16 7EY

    • Bike / Kit check and prep bikes or early start

    • Hotel check-in and meal out / team intro, route brief, questions and social

    Saturday

    • Approx 7am bike collection from HQ

    • 07:30 Team breakfast back at hotel

    • 08:30 depart

    • Short road ride past the beautiful Yat Rock and down to the Wye Valley to start the route proper

    • Winding back lanes and off road lanes / trails as we head North West into mid-Wales where tracks start to get longer and at times, more challenging

    • Approx 18:00 arrive first night stop near Newtown

    • Freshen up and bike / kit checks

    • Dinner provided at Airbnb, de-brief and regale the day’s events / experience

    Sunday (the big one)

    • Early breakfast - circa 07:00

    • Depart 08:00 latest

    • A real mix of riding as we cross Snowdonia National Park using nothing but B-roads and off road trails and lanes

    • Lunch stop on route as well as plenty of snack breaks

    • 18:00 arrive hotel near Bangor, bike and kit check and freshen up

    • 19:00 into town for food and social

    Monday

    • Late start - approx 09:00 breakfast either at Airbnb or hotel

    • Depart for return leg circa 10:00

    • A roads and B roads back to Pathfinder HQ with several fuel / lunch / view stops on route

    • 16:00 arrive back Pathfinder HQ

    • Approx 16:30 / 17:00 - riders depart for home

  • 30th April - 3rd May 2027

    2nd - 5th July 2027

    Or get in touch for bespoke dates this autumn.

  • The Dragonal is Pathfinder’s OG trip, where we actually did the route in one day, which was as amazing and it was graft, in equal measures.

    For our guided trips, we’ve broken it down into two days to allow time to truly take in the diverse scenery Wales has to offer.

    This trip is a bit of a life changer, with a huge variety of terrain, some epic vistas, cute villages and harsh, rugged landscapes, you’ll return home with a newfound appreciation for adventure bike travel and the opportunities on our doorstep.

    Quietly, this is probably our favourite route.

  • Rider Kit / Packing List

    Our rides often involve long days, changing weather, and remote terrain. Riders should arrive prepared to be comfortable and self-sufficient on the bike.

    Our Pathfinder guides will carry some spares for essential trail-side repairs, however, you may be asked to carry some kit on your person / motorcycle. You’ll carry your own clothing and riding gear on the motorcycle, so pack sensibly. If you do not have luggage available, please speak with Pathfinder as we may be able to provide demo kit.

    Motorcycle & Riding Gear

    • Adventure / dual-sport motorcycle in good working order (if using a demo bike, Pathfinder will ensure bike is in safe working order)

    • Full protective riding gear (helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, boots)

    • Waterproof outer layer or laminated riding gear - ideally waterproof trousers too

    • Spare gloves (recommended)

    • Neck tube / buff

    • Ear plugs

    • Clear visor or glasses for poor light

    On-Bike Essentials

    These items should be accessible while riding.

    • Hydration system or water bottle

    • Small snack or energy bar

    • Phone with navigation capability or for emergency requirements

    • Personal medication if required

    • Driving License

    • Emergency contact details / next of kin

    Luggage

    You will carry your own luggage on the bike.

    Recommended:

    • Soft panniers or rackless luggage

    • Small waterproof duffel to keep vitals dry

    • Backpack for essentials

    Avoid large or overly heavy luggage systems.

    Evening / Off-Bike Clothing

    Accommodation and one evening meal is provided, but riders should bring:

    • Casual clothing for evenings

    • Lightweight shoes or trainers

    • Underwear and socks

    • Base layers

    • Lightweight fleece or jumper

    Personal Items

    • Toiletries

    • Sunscreen (lol)

    • Personal medication

    • Small towel

    • Reusable water bottle

    Useful Extras (some will be provided but additional items are recommended if happy to carry)

    • Compact tyre repair kit

    • Mini compressor or pump

    • Multi-tool

    • Head torch

    • Tyre levers

    • Small socket / bit set

    • First aid kit

    Packing Guidance

    Space on the bike is limited and the riding days can be demanding.

    Pack light. Bring what you need, NOT what you might need.

Book now

What to Expect

Big days

Three big days, rough trails and a certain amount of hardship

Commitment

From us to you. We’re fully committed to you and your ride.

Connection

People, places, nature. Bikes bring us together and we’re here to celebrate that.

Purpose

The purpose of a shared experience, a moment in time. We’re only here once.

  • "Designed to challenge and connect - this is the long way round."

    Our Founder - Adam

TOUR FAQS

Do I need off-road riding experience to join a Pathfinder Moto trip?

Some off-road experience is great. Some Pathfinder trips, like The Channel March, are accessible to riders with limited off-road experience. Others, like The Welsh Dragonal, are designed for riders who want a greater physical and technical challenge. Every trip listing states its difficulty level clearly.

How many riders are on each trip?

Pathfinder Moto runs small-group trips only, 6 riders and up to 2 guides, 8 max. We keep groups small so the guide can stay genuinely invested in every rider's experience.

What kind of motorcycle & Tyres do I need?

Any adventure or dual-sport motorcycle capable of off-road use is suitable. Contact us if you're unsure whether your bike fits a specific route. We recommended at least 50/50 tyres to be fitted.

What's included in the price?

Route planning, expert guiding, shared accommodation, breakfast on specified days, secure parking for your car /van during the trip.
Not included - daytime meals and snack, fuel.

Where do Pathfinder Moto trips take place?

Pathfinder Moto runs guided adventure motorcycle trips across the UK, including routes through the Forest of Dean, Wales, and along the southern English coastline.
We primarily begin trips from our UK base in the Forest of Dean, it’s an excellent centra hub for the UK’s best off-road riding.

Can I book a bespoke or private trip?

Yes. Pathfinder Moto offers fully bespoke trips through our Go Bespoke service, tailored to your group's route, difficulty level and dates. Just email us on info@pathfindermoto.com to find out more or let us know about an idea you have.

Is Pathfinder Moto suitable for solo riders or only groups?

Book as a solo rider or come as a group of friends on any trip. Our small group trips are suitable for all, you’ll almost certainly leave having made more new friends along the way!

What happens if the weather is bad?

Pathfinder Moto trips run in most weather conditions — adventure riding means accepting a degree of rain, mud and changeable conditions as part of the experience. Routes are only postponed or altered in cases of genuine safety risk, such as flooding, ice, or severe storms, at the guide's discretion. If a trip is cancelled by Pathfinder Moto for safety reasons, you'll be offered a rebooking on an alternative date or a full refund. We recommend riders bring appropriate wet-weather kit for every trip. If for any reason a trip is abandoned we will work with you on a suitable resolution at that time depending on the specific circumstances.