RAW Adventures
Next Date: 06/10/2026 + 2 others
Next Date: 06/10/2026 + 2 others
We invite you to join the TeamAdmiral Impact's Castle to Castle Challenge, an extraordinary fundraising event supporting The King's Trust. The Dragon's Spine cycle challenge, with multiple tailored route options available, will allow participants of all ability levels to select a distance that best suits their personal goals.
By taking part, you’ll be playing a direct role in raising essential funds that help young people overcome barriers and secure brighter futures through education, training, and employment. Pick your route today and take on the challenge for a vital cause.
Route information:
Stage 1 (Day One) – Caernarfon Castle to Llanfyllin
112km/1,676m (70 miles/5,500ft)
From medieval strongholds to the mountains of Eryri
The adventure begins for our first 20 riders beneath the imposing towers of Caernarfon Castle, one of the most iconic castles in Europe. Within the first few miles, riders reach the historic Dolbadarn Castle, standing proudly above Llanberis, the second of six castle milestones on the journey south.
From there, the route plunges into the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia), passing beneath the dramatic slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and through some of Wales' most spectacular mountain scenery. Riders navigate the stunning landscapes of Llanberis, Ogwen and Betws-y-Coed before continuing through the rugged beauty of North Wales towards Bala and the quieter roads of Mid Wales.
This is a formidable opening stage. Long climbs, mountain roads and over 100 kilometres of riding immediately test both fitness and determination. Yet the rewards are extraordinary: ancient castles, world-class scenery and unforgettable views at every turn.
Stage 2A (Day Two from accommodation to start) – Llanfyllin to Montgomery Castle
32km/550m (20 miles/1,800ft)
Shorter in distance, rich in history
Leaving Llanfyllin, the route winds through classic Mid Wales countryside, following quiet lanes through a landscape of rolling farmland, winding rivers and traditional market towns. The challenge is less about distance and more about maintaining momentum through constantly changing terrain.
The reward is arrival at Montgomery Castle, perched high above the town and offering commanding views across the Welsh-English borderlands. The castle serves as a powerful symbol of the route's historic theme while providing an inspiring checkpoint for riders who will be cheered over the finish line by the next cohort of riders ready to take on the challenge.
Stage 2B (Day Two) – Montgomery Castle to Hay-on-Wye Castle
80km/785m (50 miles/2,575ft)
Border country adventure
40 riders depart Montgomery Castle, heading south through the beautiful Marches region, following quiet roads that weave between Wales and England- there may even be a chance to besiege an English castle along the way! This stage combines fast rolling terrain with enough climbs to keep legs honest, creating a classic endurance ride through some of Britain's most overlooked countryside.
The route passes picturesque villages, river valleys and open rural landscapes before reaching the world-famous town of Hay-on-Wye. Known globally as the "Town of Books", Hay provides a vibrant and memorable finish beneath the backdrop of Hay Castle, where another 20 riders will be waiting, to to tackle the final day of riding from Hay.
Stage 3A (Day Three) – Hay-on-Wye Castle to Merthyr Tydfil
56km/762m (35 miles/2,500ft)
Into the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog
Leaving Hay Castle, 60 riders head westwards into the magnificent landscapes of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). This stage offers some of the most dramatic scenery of the entire challenge, with open moorland, mountain panoramas and sweeping reservoir views providing a constantly changing backdrop.
The route skirts the northern edge of the national park before crossing through the Brecon area and continuing towards the industrial heartlands of South Wales. Riders face a series of challenging climbs and rolling terrain that steadily sap the legs, making pacing and teamwork essential.
Passing through landscapes shaped by both nature and history, riders experience the transition from rural Wales to the valleys that powered the Industrial Revolution. The descent into Merthyr Tydfil marks the completion of one of the most scenic and rewarding sections of the entire journey.
Stage 3B (Day Three) – Merthyr Tydfil to Castell Coch (Taff Trailblazer)
35km/198m (22 miles/650ft)
Following the historic Taff Trail
From Merthyr onwards, the route joins the famous Taff Trail, one of Wales' best-loved cycling routes, following the River Taff south towards Cardiff. The numbers have swelled again as riders travel through the heart of South Wales' industrial heritage, connecting former mining communities that helped shape the nation's history.
The character of the ride changes here. Mountain climbs give way to flowing cycle paths, riverside trails and increasingly urban landscapes. Passing through Pontypridd and along beautiful, wooded valley sections, riders experience a different side of Wales - one built on resilience, industry and regeneration.
The stage culminates at the fairy-tale towers of Castell Coch, dramatically positioned above the valley and providing one of the most picturesque castle finishes of the entire journey.
Stage 3C (Day Three) – Castell Coch to Cardiff Castle (Dragon's Tail)
11km/23m (7 miles/75ft)
The final triumphant run to the capital
The final stage may be the shortest, but it captures the true spirit of Castle to Castle. Leaving the fairy-tale towers of Castell Coch, riders follow the Taff Trail into the heart of Cardiff before arriving at the iconic Cardiff Castle.
This is where participation reaches its peak. More colleagues join the ride, turning the final leg into a celebration of the entire journey. Some riders will be completing nearly 200 miles across Wales, while others will be taking on their very first charity ride into the city.
Every rider faces their own challenge. Whether that's 200 miles across Wales or 6 miles into Cardiff, every mile counts.
As riders converge on Cardiff Castle together, the finish becomes more than the end of a cycling challenge—it becomes a celebration of determination, teamwork, inclusion and community spirit. Riders who have crossed mountains, valleys and national parks are joined by those taking on a personal challenge of their own, all sharing the same finish line and supporting the same cause.
Castle to Castle proves that it's not about how far you ride but being part of something bigger.
Comprehensive Inclusions (Stages One, Two & Three):
Stage Three Inclusions:
Size Guides for Cycle Jersey's:
https://stolengoat.com/product/mens-gazelle-ibex-everyday-ss-jersey/
https://stolengoat.com/product/womens-gazelle-ibex-everyday-ss-jersey/
We’ll keep you fully equipped for success with regular updates, logistical details, and countdown guides ahead of your event...