Wales Gravel Camp
Length
Trip Style
Dorm rooms, tent/van camping
Location
Staylittle, Wales
Terrain
Dates
Gravel
Distance
Friday 25th July to Tuesday 29th July
2 daily route choices
40 or 70km per day
Challenge
Price
From £340
Gravel Camp - Basecamp
4 nights, 4 riding days
Accomodation
Wales was our most requested new destination for 2025, and it’s easy to understand why!
The Cambrian Mountains, our home for this Gravel Camp is considered to be the last great wilderness of wales, and a gravel riding playground.
Based from beautiful Staylitte Lodge, in the heart of the hills, we’ll spend 4 days exploring some of the the finest and wildest gravel that routes that Wales has to offer.
Each day will feature two loop ride options that return to our secluded basecamp, so no bikepacking gear or packing is required. Back at basecamp we’ll share tasty communal dinners, and there’ll be chance to join a bunch of social, skills and wellness sessions, or just relax and enjoy the incredible surroundings
Highlights
✔ Our first trip to our most requested destination!
✔ Two route options everyday means it’s good for a range of riders
✔ Beautiful basecamp with beds, camping, and gorgeous hang out areas
✔ Guided group rides if you want them, or ride with your pals
✔ Some of the UK’s best gravel riding
✔ Stargazing in a designated dark skies area
View Dates & Book
2025 Dates
25 - 29th July
Interested in future dates?
Pricing Info
£395 for a standard dorm spot or campervan spot, or £340 for a tent spot. Book now with a £150 deposit. Full balance due 60 days before the trip.
Click on your preferred trip date to be directed to our secure booking partner WeTravel who will process and manage your booking. We recommend paying with bank details to avoid card processing fees.
Optional Add Ons
Room upgrades
No bunk bed - Take one of 5 double beds within the dorm rooms - £20 supplement
Private Room (2 available) - £100 supplement
Twin Room (2 available) - £50 supplement per person
Borrow navigation device - Hammerhead Karoo navigation devices (£10) can be hired from us
Minimum trip number
This trip is confirmed to go ahead! No minimum trip number applies.
Cancellation policy
You can secure your spot by paying a £150 deposit which is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the trip. Cancellation between 60 days and 28 days, you’ll get 50% back. Cancellation within 28 days is non-refundable, but you can transfer your booking to another person should you find one. View the full booking terms and conditions here.
Itinerary
Location: Staylittle Lodge,
From our beautiful secluded basecamp in the heart of the Cambrian mountains, we'll spend four days exploring the local trails on day-ride loops that showcase some of the best off-road riding in the UK.
Each day, we'll provide a couple of specially curated gravel routes to choose from, and you an choose what and how you want to ride. There'll be full day epics for those who seeking a challenge, and a more mellow route for those still finding their gravel legs. Choose to ride with a guided group, alone, or with buddies. Wherever and however you ride, you'll be taking in some of the UK's most gorgeous landscapes and we'll all regroup back at basecamp to share dinner, skills and wellness sessions, and cosy film nights.
Expect the usual Sisters In The Wild vibes at basecamp - communal meals, campfires, and chances to share and build some new skills. This weekend is as much about building community and sharing the experience with good people as it is about epic rides.
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Meet at our basceamp at Stay Little Lodge from 2pm, set up camp, and settle in. We’ll have a quick local shakedown ride , before coming back to base for dinner and a talk about the weekend ahead.
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Our next 3 days will begin with breakfast at basecamp, with group departure times set for our two route options each day. Riders are free to choose if they want to ride with the groups or set out independently or with pals.
We’ll finish back at basecamp with communal dinner, in our cosy lodge or al fresco with mountain views.
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One last breakfast together at basecamp before we say goodbye! We’ll wrap up mid morning, with time to pack up tents for homeward journey. You’re also welcome to leave the evening before.
What’s included?
Included
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Our trip will be guided by our British Cycling and First Aid qualified Sisters in the Wild cycling guides, who will be riding with the group. There will be a minimum of 1 cycling guide per 8 riders on our guided rides.
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4 nights in either a dorm bed, tent, or van spot at basecamp (bring your own tent).
Upgrades to private/twin rooms are available.
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Camping gear and navigation devices can be added to your booking for a small fee.
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Each participant will be provided with a specially curated collection of routes and route briefings via Komoot, and a free map bundle to access/navigate them.
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Breakfasts and dinners at basecamp are included everyday.
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We’ll host sessions around the rides at basecamp, including hands on mechanic skills, coaching opportunities, film nights and yoga.
Not included
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Lunch and snacks are not included. We’ll make sure you know where you can pick up food on the ride.
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Riders can bring their own bike, or hire locally and have it delivered to basecamp (see Bike Hire section)
Riders should be equipped with basic spares and tools for their bike. See packing list for info.
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Travel to basecamp is not included. See our Travel Info FAQs for travel help. We’ll also set up a whatsapp group for the trip to share rides and travel plans.
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Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our trips, and highly recommend that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.
If travelling overseas, your insurance must include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation your baggage and equipment. It should cover the specific activities (for example, multi day off-road cycling) involved on your SITW trip.
We also highly recommend taking out a policy which also includes personal liability (which includes cycling as an activity), cancellation and cover in the event you are unable to join your trip due to illness or injury, curtailment, loss of luggage or personal effects, or for any other reason.Laka, Bikmo and Yellow Jersey are well known cycling specific insurers.
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If you are travelling internationally, please check visa requirements before booking.
Accomodation & Food
Basecamp
Our basecamp will be the gorgeous Staylittle lodge in the heart of the Cambrian mountains, where there’ll be options for both inside and outside accomodation. There are 10 bedrooms, with a mix of privates and dorm rooms, with lovely space for tent camping outside, and a bit of space for campervans to park up. We’ll eat breakfast and dinners at basecamp, and there’s a lovely lounge for post ride hang outs, as well as a yoga studio that we’ll make use of for some classes around our rides.
Food
Breakfast and dinners are included everyday at our basecamp, and will be simple but filling and tasty affairs. Breakfast will generally be continental, with muesli, yoghurt, fruit and additional revolving treats. Dinners will be vegan friendly and plentiful. Lunch and snacks on the ride are not included, but we’ll share recommendations on where to pick nup supplies.
We’ll capture any dietary requirements at booking, but please email if you have any serious restrictions or allergies.
With two route options each day, a longer and shorter route, we have given this trip a range of 3/5 (shorter route) to 4/5 (longer routes) for challenge level.
About the riding
Challenge Level
Terrain
The routes are focused on exploring the best off-road riding that the area has to offer, and will be around 50% gravel, 50% tarmac. Most of the tracks will be fairly smooth, with short sections of linking singletrack and rougher terrain that might be a wee bit challenging in places. On the longer routes, there will be some more challenging descents, with looser, rockier terrain and steeper gradients that require some confidence and skill in riding. On the shorter routes, these are minimised, and with extra time we expect that some riders may need to walk short sections. We can expect a bit of bog and mud thrown in for good measure!
Climbing
Wales is hilly, and climbing in this area presents one of the biggest contributors to challenge level. Climbs can be steep, and though we’ll try to minimise climbing on the shorter routes, there’ll still be some punchy climbs. Expect elevation gains of around 600 - 800m on the shorter routes, and 1200+ on the longer routes.
Daily Distances
We’ll have two core routes per day, with the shorter route between 40 and 50km, and the longer between 60 and 80km. Shortcuts are possible on the shorter routes on some days, to make a route of around 30-35km.
Remoteness & Weather
Welsh weather can be notoriously unpredictable, and thats all part of the fun! A spirit to embrace whatever comes is needed for this trip, as parts of the route are relatively remote and without shelter. Our guides will of course make adjustments to the route if needed to keep everyone safe.
Support style
Our SITW Bikepacking trips aim to strike the perfect balance of freedom and support. Riders are free to ride the routes at their own pace or with the guide and group. Regardless, our team will be out on the routes to support and cheerlead.
Guiding
There will be two ride options each day, with SITW guides out on each of the route options. Each evening, we’ll put out sign ups for the next days rides, and set group starts for those who want to ride with a guide/group. We'll share all the routes and route information everyday and you are free to choose whether you want to ride self-supported or with a led group. If you choose to ride with a guided group, we'll be riding at a pace that suits that whole group. We’ll have a whatsapp set up for regrouping at scenic picnic stops, cafes and pubs along the way.
All riders should equipped with their own navigation and not rely on following a guide for directions. We’ll share a a specially curated collection of routes and route briefings via Komoot, to enable navigation and planning your days.
Support
Our guides are qualified first aiders and experienced mechanics and can help troubleshoot issues on the trail. Due to the nature of the routes, there is not a dedicated support vehicle for this trip. Our guide teams can help you trouble shoot getting back to basecamp or to a bike shop. This may include public transport, taxis, or waiting for a fellow rider or crew member to pick you up at the end of the ride.
Bikes & bike hire
Bike hire is not included as standard in this trip, and riders are welcome to bring their own bike or hire locally.
Recommended bike
A gravel bike with minimum 38mm tyres, and a good amount of grip, or a rigid or hardtail MTB are both good choices for this trip. If you are newer to off-road riding, a hardtail can be good for building confidence on the off-road sections, though may feel slower on the tarmac sections. The most important thing is that your bike is in safe working order.
Bike hire
Bike Hire can booked locally and delivered to basecamp for you, via a local bike shop Wheelsism who work closely with our venue. The cost is from £35 per day, and you can book directly with the shop.
Tel 07388 690513
Email bikerental@wheelism.co.uk
Travelling with your bike
If travelling by train, be aware that different train lines have different rules on carrying bikes on trains, with some requiring pre-booking, or special packing rules. Please check before booking your travel.
If flying with your bike, please check your airlines bike carriage policy for weight and size restrictions. Your bike box/bag can be stored whilst on the trip.
What spares and tools to bring
2 x spare tubes and patches
Small pump
Tubeless plugs/spare sealant if running tubeless tyres
Multitool with what you need for your bike e.g. allen keys
Spare set of brake pads (specific for your bike)
We also recommend bringing a few spares that are specific to your bike. We don’t expect you to know how to fit these! But having them to hand can mean our team or local bike shop is better able to get you back on the road.
Chain quick link
Spare derailleur hanger
Extra brake pads just in case!
FAQs
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Our basecamp is in an incredible location, but not super well served by public transport. The closest station is 1 hour cycle away. We’ve had great success with our whatsapp group to help arrange sharing rides and travel plans. We’ll send a whatsapp group in advance.
Driving
Follow signs from the village of Staylittle. There is ample parking on site and close by.
Train Travel:
If travelling by train, there are two stations:
Caersws (22 min drive/1 hour cycle)
Machynlleth (25 min drive/1hr 15 cycle)
It's roughly a 4 hour journey from central London changing at Birmingham New Street if travelling from South East. Trains run every hour from Shrewsbury. For up to date coach and rail timetables visit Trainline.
There are no buses between the train stations and lodge. Local taxis can be booked to meet you if you need.
Caersws (Llani Cabs) - 07495306840
Mchynlleth (Mach Taxis) - 01654 702048
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You can secure your spot by paying a £150 deposit, and this deposit is not refundable. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the trip by bank transfer. Cancellation between 60 days and 28 days, you’ll get 50% back. Cancellation within 28 days is non-refundable, but you can transfer your booking to another person should you find one. View the full booking terms and conditions here.
We highly recommend taking out travel insurance at the point of booking to cover in case of cancellation or curtailment.
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Our Gravel Camp has room for up to 36 riders indoors, and additional space for campers.
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We will try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions for meals that we prepare. If you have serious allergies, please email us before booking on hello@sistersinthewild.com.
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Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our trips, and highly recommend that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.
If travelling overseas, your insurance must include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation your baggage and equipment. It should cover the specific activities (for example, multi day off-road cycling) involved on your SITW trip.
We also highly recommend taking out a policy which also includes personal liability (which includes cycling as an activity), cancellation and cover in the event you are unable to join your trip due to illness or injury, curtailment, loss of luggage or personal effects, or for any other reason.Laka, Bikmo and Yellow Jersey are well known cycling specific insurers.
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If off-road bikepacking is new for you, that’s great! A bit of preparation and practice can help you get the most out of the trip. We’d recommend working towards some hilly off-road rides of around 50km. Climbing is a significant feature in these routes, so getting some practice in hilly rides is a good idea.
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Sorry, no. Please do not arrive at basecamp any earlier than the event start time on day 1. We will need to leave our basecamp by 10am on the final day.
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Welsh weather can be notoriously unpredictable, and thats all part of the fun! Whilst we’ve been blessed with some great weather on our Wales trips, rain and cooler temperatures can come any time of year. It’s best to be prepared for all eventualities. Pack your shorts and your woolies!
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We’’ll share a detailed packing list as part of the Trip Joining Info.
Camping stuff (if tent camping)
You can hire most of this stuff:
Tent (available to hire)
Sleeping mat (available to hire)
Sleeping Bag (available to hire)
A bowl, cup and spork
Headtorch
Bike Stuff
The basics
Off-road bike
Helmet that adheres to current British safety standards
Navigation device (available to loan from us)
Bike lights (just in case!)
A lock for securing your bike at the hostel
A simple lock for the ride (optional)
Capacity to carry at least 1.5 litres of water.
Bikepacking bags
Small rucksack to supplement if needed.
Bike tools/spares to carry
General:
Spare tube (x 2) and patches
Small pump
Tubeless plugs/spare sealant if running tubeless tyres
Mutitool with what you need for your bike e.g. allen keys, chainbreaker
Small amount of chain oil
Specific stuff to your bike.
We don’t expect you to be able to fit these yourself (though kudos if you can!). But carrying these parts will mean that our guide, or a local bike shop can is more likely to be able to get you moving again.
Chain quick link (these are specific for your bike’s chain)
Spare derailleur hanger (specific to your bike.). This website can help you find the one you need for your bike.
Cycling clothes
Comfy shorts and quick dry t-shirts or cycling top. We recommend 2 sets that you can wash/swap through the trip, plus a warm layer set.
Shoes: We recommend only using clip in shoes/pedals if you’re already confident in off-road riding.
Light rain jacket
Gloves
Extra layers in case of poor weather, especially on
downhills e.g. leggings, mid layer, windbreaker
Glasses (optional but recommended – downhill bugs and
gravel dust)
Socks (1 for riding and 1 for evening?)
Cycling cap/hat to keep the sun off your face
Something to swim in
Clothing for basecamp:
Long clothing that protects against midges is a good idea :)
Midge heat net
Long leggings/trousers
A long t-shirt
Lightweight jacket e.g puffy jacket
Buff or hat depending on weather
Light weight sandals for evening (optional)
Shorts/tees if warm!
Underwear
Slippers for inside
Personal stuff:
Any personal medication needed
Water purification method – e.g. around 20 tablets, or a filter
Mini toiletteries (travel toothpaste, toothbrush etc)
Battery pack/cables to keep phone and nav device charged
Cash/card
Earplugs....just in case!
Lightweight towel for swims.
Sun cream/SPF lipbarm
Electrolytes if it’s gonna be warm!
Midge repellent spray
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Yes, this can be booked with your ticket.
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Yes, this can be added at booking.
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We recommend checking out the country-specific information
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If travelling internationally to the UK, Please check the specific requirements for your country.
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Any stuff you don’t need for the trip can be left in our guides vehicle during the trip (left at your own risk).
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Absolutely! We find the majority of people come to our events solo (and usually leave with a gang of new riding buddies!). We'll have guided group rides heading out on both routes on all days.
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