The WElsh
Dragonal
AN OFF-ROAD, COMPLETE, WESTWARD, diagonal WELSH CROSSING
A diagonal crossing of wales
Guided adventure, corner to corner of the best playground in the UK
THE RIDE
Corner to corner across Wales. Three days of guided off-road adventure riding from the Forest of Dean to Bangor and back, for up to 5 riders.
The Welsh Dragonal is where Pathfinder started. The first time we rode it, we did the whole crossing in a single day. It was amazing, and it was graft, in equal measure. Now we take two full days to cross Wales, so there’s time to enjoy it, and a third to ride home.
On Saturday we leave the Forest of Dean, pass Symonds Yat Rock and follow the Wye Valley into Wales. From there we head north-west into mid-Wales on back lanes and off-road trails that get tougher as the day goes on. We stop near Newtown, where dinner is waiting.
Sunday is the big one. An early start, then across Snowdonia on B-roads and off-road trails through harsh, rugged and remote country, with views that stop you in your tracks. By evening we’re near Bangor, at the far corner of Wales.
On Monday we ride home together on quieter A and B roads, with stops for fuel, lunch and the views.
This is our most demanding trip. The trails are rougher, the days are longer and the starts are earlier than on our Pathfinder trips. You’ll finish tired, proud and already planning the next one.
KEY FACTS
Explorer grade (Find out about the grades here)
Rider level -Intermediate to Expert
3 days, 3 nights
Max 5 riders
Starts and ends in the Forest of Dean
Arrive Friday PM, Finish Monday PM
£795 per rider
Single room occupancy available - select below
INCLUDES
OGA fully qualified guide
Fully insured
Unique & meticulously planned route
3 nights’ hotel (shared room)
Breakfast each day
Secure car/trailer parking at HQ
Sociable group of like minded riders
Book the Welsh Dragonal
Cut diagonally across Wales on our original 3-day guided off-road motorbike tour. From the Forest of Dean we follow the Wye Valley into mid-Wales, then cross Snowdonia (Eryri) on back lanes, rough tracks and remote trails to Bangor, at the far corner of Wales. Then we ride home together.
This is our most demanding adventure motorcycle tour: long days, early starts and some of the wildest riding in Britain. It’s made for experienced off-road riders on adventure or dual-sport bikes, not hard enduro machines. We’ve ridden and refined every mile, so you just ride.
Single room occupancy add on
Max 5 riders per date · Transfer if we cancel for safety · Questions? Call Adam on 07377 714195
DAY BY DAY
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Description text goes hereArrive at our Forest of Dean HQ in the afternoon and park your van or car securely for the weekend.
We’ll check over your bike and kit with you, storing it securely and in the dry inside our Pathfinder workshop. Then we will get you checked in to the hotel.
In the evening we head out for a meal together, followed by a route briefing so you know exactly what’s coming. From parking up and storing your bike with us, we’ll deal with all the transport to and from the hotel and when we go out for dinner at our favourite local pub. Meaning you can have a beverage or two, if that’s your thing. -
We’ll have an early breakfast, collect the bikes and then aim to get wheels rolling at 08:30am.
We ride up the Wye Valley, then north-west into mid-Wales on back lanes and off-road trails, which get more challenging as the day goes on. We reach our overnight stop near Newtown around 18:00, then have dinner together and a debrief on the day.
As with all good guides, we know this route like the back of our hands and we’ll have opportunities to alter to match the weather, the riders and the track conditions. -
An early breakfast at around 07:00, and we’re away by 08:00 at the latest. A full day riding off road into Snowdonia National Park on B-roads and off-road trails, with a lunch stop along the way.
Getting up high in the Welsh hills this day feels remote, a proper adventure.
We’ll to reach our hotel near Bangor around 18:00, with time to recount the days trails and clean up before heading into town for food about 19:30. We organise a taxi to pick us up for dinner and return us to the hotel after easing/drinking so there’s no need to put grubby bike kit back on! -
A steadier day. Breakfast at 09:00, then we leave around 10:00 and ride mostly A and B roads back to HQ.
We will venture off road again, around a beautiful part of the Elan Valley that is too good to miss out.
With stops for fuel, lunch and the views. We’re back around 16:00 for a final debrief, and you’re on your way home by 16:30–17:00.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Everything that’s taken care of:
The ride
A route we’ve ridden and refined ourselves, planned around the best lanes and byways, the hidden gems and the spots only a local would know
Meeting new riding friends and tackling the adventure together
Peace of mind that all you need to do is turn up and ride
A kit list and joining instructions, plus a pre-trip call if you’d like one.
Help choosing the right trip and bike set-up
Expert guiding from OGA Qualified guides, with a lead rider and a back marker (groups of +4)
A pre-trip bike and kit check at HQ
Daily route briefings and evening debriefs
Risks understood and managed, so you can focus on the riding
Rest and comfort
3 nights in hand-picked, rider-friendly hotels (shared rooms)
Breakfast each morning
Secure parking for your car or van at HQ all weekend
The best lunch and coffee stops to fuel up
The bit you can’t buy
Meeting small group of up to 5 like-minded riders
The confidence that comes from riding with people who know the way
WHAT’S Not INCLUDED
The bits we don’t take care of:
Your fuel
Lunches, snacks and drinks on the road, evening meal
Travel insurance that covers motorcycle riding
Breakdown recovery
TRIP Gallery
MORE INFORMATION
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Intermediate / Expert
Long, demanding days on technical and remote routes. You’ll need good off-road skills, stamina and focus. These trips give a real sense of teamwork and a huge amount satisfaction.
Who it’s for: Intermediate to Experienced off-road riders
Riding days: Long and demanding
Terrain: Technical, rocky and remote
You’ll love it if you:
Are a confident off-road rider
Want a proper multi-day adventure without having to plan or navigate it yourself
Like the idea of earning a good dinner and a comfortable bed
Are riding solo and want to join a small, friendly group [many of our riders come solo]
It’s probably not for you yet if you:
Have never ridden off-road at all. Talk to us about a day ride or a Pathfinder graded tripe to start you off.
Not sure? Call Adam on 07377 714195 and he’ll help you pick the right trip.
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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
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A fun three days in the saddle, lots of reward and satisfaction from taking on the adventure!
You should be comfortable riding off-road for long stretches, including on rougher and more challenging trails, for three days in a row. If you’ve done The Dumnonian Dash, or plenty of green laning on your own bike, you’ll be fine. If you’re not sure, give us a call. -
Rider Kit / Packing List
Our rides can 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).
Breakdown recovery membership
50/50 tyres or more off-road orientated if possible
Full protective riding gear (helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, off-road specific boots, hip, back, knee and elbow protection. Chest protection advisable).
Waterproof outer layer or laminated riding gear - jacket and waterproof trousers mandatory.
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 and the capability to charge it.
Personal medication if required
Driving Licence
Emergency contact details / next of kin (provided to organiser)
Luggage
You will carry your own luggage on the bike (There is no support vehicle).
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
Small towel
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 if you usually ride with one
Packing Guidance
Space on the bike is limited and the riding days can be demanding. We encourage you to be self-sufficient, but at a minimum, you should carry the right tools to remove both wheels on your bike and a spare front tube, preferably a rear too.
Pack light. Bring what you need, NOT what you might need.
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Pathfinder Moto is built around a simple idea:
Real adventure only works when it’s done properly.Every route is meticulously planned. Every day is designed to challenge without being reckless. Every rider is supported — quietly, competently, and without fuss.
You’re free to ride and immerse yourself in the landscape, knowing that:
The route has been ridden, tested, and refined
The risks are understood and managed
The group is small enough to matter
The guide is fully invested in your experience
We believe that shared experience – and occasionally doing hard things together – changes people for the better. Some of the challenge on a Pathfinder ride is intentional. Long days, demanding terrain and the occasional struggle are part of what makes the experience meaningful.
But, while the challenge may be real, the care and support behind it is constant.
Pathfinder Moto isn’t the cheapest option, and it isn’t meant to be. What we offer goes far beyond a simple guided ride — it’s a thoughtfully engineered adventure.
Book the Welsh Dragonal
Cut diagonally across Wales on our original 3-day guided off-road motorbike tour. From the Forest of Dean we follow the Wye Valley into mid-Wales, then cross Snowdonia (Eryri) on back lanes, rough tracks and remote trails to Bangor, at the far corner of Wales. Then we ride home together.
This is our most demanding adventure motorcycle tour: long days, early starts and some of the wildest riding in Britain. It’s made for experienced off-road riders on adventure or dual-sport bikes, not hard enduro machines. We’ve ridden and refined every mile, so you just ride.
Single room occupancy add on
Max 5 riders per date · Transfer if we cancel for safety · Questions? Call Adam on 07377 714195
What to Expect from Pathfinder
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.
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.