Trans Cambrian Trail

[mikehowarth]

Hey guys

Keen to keep up some over night trips during winter.

I'm working over in Cheshire during the week, and thought I might try and ride the Trans Cambrian Trail over a couple of couple of relaxed days one weekend.

Thinking one of the weekends in November. 7/8 or 28/29.

My plan would be to drive down to Shrewsbury on the Friday and get the 5.30ish train down to Knighton, grab a bite to eat in Knighton and ride out a couple of hours. Saturday see where we end up and finish off on Sunday.

Trains look pretty frequent back from Aberdovey Junction back to Shrewsbury.

Happy to provide banter, navigation and hopefully plenty of photos.

Cheers

Mike

[Mart]

In terms of logistics to start and from finish - thats what I did. (Car at Shrewsbury) Worked out OK. Hope you have a good trip

[ctznsmith]

Don't forget it has two ford crossings. So be prepared for wet feet! ;-)

[mikehowarth]

Can't be any worse than breaking the ice on some of the streams I crossed in Bolivia!

[Scattamah]

As I've been threatening to do this ride all year, I'm up for this one. Once you have a firm date, let me know - you can park here. I'm approx. 10 minutes ride from Shrewsbury station.

Greetz

S.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Could be up for tagging along depending on dates - it may be that I'll need to meet you somewhere along the route rather than starting from Knighton.

[mikehowarth]

More the merrier!

November is pretty free for me at the moment. 7/8th could work well, otherwise it would be toward the end of the month 28/29.

Let me know how it works for you guys!

[Scattamah]

Mike...both sets of dates are open for me. Looks like Nant Rhys is just down the hill from the route a bit over half way...could be a good place to stop.

[Edit: Claerddu is closer to half way...NR is nearly 20 miles on but would make for an easy day 2]

Greetz

S.

[gasyz]

Done this route a few times now in stages and once as a one day challenge.it's a cracking ride,can be hard to navigate and pretty wet.weather can make or break.I'm also a Shrewsbury mon, a couple of miles from train station.Will be watching this thread with interest and envy.May be able to help with transport logistics if needed, dependant on dates.

[Scattamah]

Wet - yes...I'm yet to see that track leading up to Claerwen dry. Weather won't stop us though (unless the route is covered in sheet ice). Deep snow would just make it difficult, but not impossible...well...maybe 2 days impossible, but still :) If anything, bad weather means less chance of the bothys en route being over subscribed.

Greetz

S.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Reckon I could fit in around either of those dates.

[mikehowarth]

Great. Lets aim for the 7/8 provisionally then?

Bothy wise good to have a couple of options depending on conditions and how keen we are on the day.

Looking forward to sharing the trails with you guys, and anyone else that fancies joining us!

Cheers

[Stumpym4]

This is one ride im keen on doing sometime, not sure about dates as haven't had next months rota yet , chances are ill be working !
will be very jealous and looking forward to the great pics :)

[Mike]

I'm at work on the Sunday but i might drive out to Rhayader bivy fri and ride on sat with u guys for a fewhile miles so ill watch this thread

[Bearbonesnorm]

I'm at work on the Sunday but i might drive out to Rhayader bivy fri and ride on sat with u guys for a fewhile miles so ill watch this thread

I won't be able to ride from Knighton Mike, so your plan sounds like a good un.

[mikehowarth]

Just took a quick peak at train times for Fri 6th November:

Looks like the following would be the last train out of Shrewsbury we could get:
18:25 Shrewsbury [SHR]
19:15 Knighton [KNI]

How would that work for you Scattamah?

[Scattamah]

Sure...or you can camp here and we get the 05:16 the next morning. Either way :)

Greetz

S.

[mikehowarth]

I guess we could play it by ear, and see what the weather is doing.

My preference would be to have a night out on a hill somewhere, but lets see nearer the time ;-)

[Scattamah]

Sure thing. I guess there's Kinsley Wood a stones throw away from the start of the TCW...although I've never pitched in there. 2 nights out does sound good.

Greetz

S.

[Single Speed George]

have been meaning to do this route so would be up for it thoes November dates both work , though depending how broke i am after Kendal Mountain fest depeds if i get a film in it or not as if not will have to spend lots on tikets , but in theory im up for this ...

[ton]

did this fantastic ride in early September. proper top drawer fantastic. however, I wouldn't fancy the 1st half of the 1st day in a soggy November............

[mikehowarth]

Gents, woke up this morning to a massive pool of oil on the drive way

Had to drop the car in to the garage this morning, but I don't think the prognosis is great, guessing a head gasket given i've been topping the coolant up a bit over the past few weeks. Could be in a few days, so may be struggling to make it down on Friday.

I'll keep you updated as I know more.

[Scattamah]

Fingers crossed for a positive outcome for ya, Mike. Cheers for the headsup.

Greetz.

S.

[Scattamah]

For those following this thread, I'll be in Knighton this Saturday morning ~6am* for a start....or if I hear from anyone interested in this and they'd be a touch later, I can be there just before 10am (no trains in between).

Weather doesn't look too bad...should be a good 'un.

[This may vary now I have a ride to the station instead of the train - sing out people if this is going to be more than just a solo attempt]

Greetz

S.

[mikehowarth]

Have a good one Scattamah, still out of action I'm afraid.

I'll catch up with you in the Shropshire hills soon!