The WElsh

Dragonal

Book TRIP

About the trip

Cutting diagonally across Wales from Chepstow to Holyhead, 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.

  • 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

  • 3rd - 6th April 2026 - SODL OUT

    10th - 13th July 2026

    25th - 28th Sep 2026

  • 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