THE BLAENAU

The Blaenau – Ludlow, Shropshire, United Kingdom

• Date: June 12, 2027

• Location: Ludlow, Shropshire, United Kingdom

• Distances: 480 km, 620 km, 750+ km

• Event Type: Self-supported ultra cycling / bikepacking event

The Blaenau is a self-supported ultra cycling event starting and finishing in Ludlow, Shropshire. Taking place across the upland ranges of Wales and the borders, the event operates with a relaxed structure featuring minimal rules and no podiums or prizes. Riders may complete the ride solo, as a pair, or in groups at their own pace, with live GPS tracking provided for all participants.

The event offers three fixed route options sharing a common first day:
The Blaenau North route covers 480 km with 8,500 metres of climbing, traversing northern ranges before returning to Ludlow via the Elan Valley and the Trans Cambrian Way. The Classic route covers 620 km with over 11,000 metres of climbing, passing through the Clwydians, eastern Snowdonia, the Cambrians, Brecon Beacons, and the Black Mountains. The Blaenau XL spans over 750 km with more than 14,500 metres of elevation gain and includes technical hike-a-bike sections through Snowdonia. Bail-out options allow riders on the XL or Classic routes to transition mid-ride to the North route.

All routes begin and finish at Epic Cycles and Epic Coffee House in central Ludlow, departing at 9:00 am on Saturday morning. Terrain consists of varied surfaces connecting lowland valleys and upland ranges, transitioning from tarmac to rough, rocky sections. Organizers note the route is unsuited for road bikes, requiring gravel bikes with at least 45 mm tyres or cross-country mountain bikes.

Registration is capped at 100 participants. The entry fee covers GPS tracker rental via Follow My Challenge, GPX route files, a comprehensive rider manual with resupply locations, start-line coffee and pastries, an event t-shirt, and access to a Tuesday evening finisher party with hot food. Detailed entry requirements and route information are available on the official event website.