What is bikepacking and how does it differ from regular cycling trips?

Bikepacking is all about loading the essentials for a multi-day, self-supported adventure onto your bike and heading into quieter, wilder places. Instead of sticking to busy roads, you follow quiet lanes, forestry tracks, bridleways and old unpaved routes that lead you deeper into nature. Modern gravel bikes and clever bikepacking bags have opened up routes that would once have been difficult to access, making these journeys far more comfortable and achievable for anyone keen to get off the beaten track.

Do we stay in the same accommodation each night?

No. Each trip follows a point-to-point journey, with a new place to stay each night. You’ll finish back where you started, but the route takes you through different landscapes and communities along the way.

Do we carry all our own kit?

Yes. A big part of bikepacking is travelling self-sufficiently. Everything you need fits into the bikepacking bags provided. Stick to the kit list, pack light, and you’ll be surprised how straightforward it is.

Why don’t you offer luggage transfers?

Carrying your own kit is part of what makes bikepacking so rewarding. We could move your bags for you, but it would take away the sense of independence and dilute the adventure. The challenge is part of the appeal, and most riders finish feeling proud of what they’ve achieved.

How much can I bring, and what bags do you provide?

Space is limited, so you’ll need to keep things minimal. Before your trip you’ll receive a detailed kit list, a bag for your belongings, and a video explaining exactly how to pack your bike. This means you know what to expect well in advance and can prepare with confidence.

Do I need any specialist cycling equipment?

No specialist gear is needed beyond your normal clothing. We supply the bike, bikepacking bags and (if applicable) all camping equipment. We do recommend padded cycling shorts and a decent waterproof jacket. If you prefer to use your own cycling shoes, pedals or helmet, you’re welcome to bring them.

How fit do I need to be for a bikepacking holiday?

Our routes are designed to be testing but enjoyable for riders with a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness. Expect hills and sections of unpaved track, but distances are manageable. If you’re not a regular cyclist, some preparation helps—especially for long days in the saddle on rolling terrain. Check the difficulty rating on each trip, and get in touch if you’re unsure which level suits you.

Do I need off-road cycling experience?

Not at all. You just need to be a confident cyclist. Around a quarter of most routes use “gravel” surfaces, such as forest roads, bridleways or farm tracks. These aren’t technical mountain bike trails—just rougher than tarmac. If you ever reach a section you’d rather not ride, there’s no shame in hopping off and pushing.

What’s included in the trip price?

Your booking covers the bike, bikepacking bags, accommodation, camping kit (if applicable), a preloaded GPS navigation device, guidebook, backup support and a pre-trip information video. You only need to arrange your travel, your personal clothing, and your food and drink during the trip.

What kind of bikes do you use?

We provide Temple Cycles gravel bikes with high-quality components. They’re quick on the road, comfortable over rougher sections, and purpose-built for the type of mixed-terrain riding our routes involve.

Can I bring my own bike?

You can. However, we recommend using our bikes as they are selected for the exact terrain you’ll encounter. It also avoids the hassle of transporting your own bike. If you do choose to bring your own, we offer a discount of £10 per person, per day.

What does ‘self-guided bikepacking’ mean?

Self-guided means you’re in charge of your own adventure. Instead of a guide riding with you, you get a GPS unit loaded with your route and a detailed guidebook full of local insights. You can ride at your own pace, stop where you like and follow the journey in your own style.

Your GPS device shows your exact location and the line you need to follow—much like a sat nav. We also supply a paper map. If you still manage to drift off-route, just give us a call and we’ll help get you back on track.

What if we get a puncture or mechanical issue?

Punctures are rare thanks to the high-quality tyres we use, but they can still happen. You’ll have the basic tools and instructions to fix one yourself. If you’re not confident or a more significant issue arises, call us and we’ll come to you. We may be up to two hours away, so it’s worth learning the basics.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

Trips run in most conditions. Unless there is a severe storm and safety becomes a concern, your adventure will go ahead. Wales is known for the odd shower - even in summer - so a good waterproof jacket is essential. It’s usually mild enough that any damp moments are quickly forgotten once you’re warm and dry in a pub.

What do we do in an emergency?

In a serious emergency, call 999 or 112 first. After that, let us know so we can support however we can. Thankfully, incidents are very rare.

What standard of accommodation can we expect?

You choose between B&Bs or camping.B&Bs: Small guesthouses, pubs or hotels with bike-friendly hosts, a solid breakfast and walking access to a pub.Camping: Simple, friendly sites with the essentials—hot showers, toilets, firepits—usually within walking distance of a good pub.

What are the food options?

Food isn’t included except breakfast for B&B bookings. Lunch is usually picked up en route—cafés or packed lunch. Dinner is up to you, with plenty of pub and restaurant options. For campers, dinner is typically in the nearby pub. Breakfast may be from a local café if there is one, but we also provide porridge sachets plus a stove for hot drinks. Lunch is sourced on the go.

What if I’ve never camped before?

No problem. Our camping kit is lightweight, reliable and easy to use. We’ll show you how everything works and can send a tent-pitching video beforehand. If you get stuck, fellow campers are nearly always happy to help - and of course, you can call us anytime.

Can I bring my own camping equipment?

We strongly suggest using the kit we provide. It’s chosen specifically for its low weight and packability, ensuring everything fits onto your bike. Bulkier personal gear often won’t fit.

What is the maximum group size?

There’s no strict maximum, but if your group is larger than eight, please contact us before booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Is there a minimum age?

Riders must be over 18 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian who can assess their ability. Please contact us in advance if you plan to bring under-18s, as we don’t yet supply child-specific bikes.

What time do we need to arrive for the briefing?

Exact details vary by route and will be emailed to you beforehand. As a general guideline, please arrive at the start point in your cycling gear and ready for your briefing and bike fitting at 10am.

Tywi & Cothi Loop Bikepacking Adventure

Protecting The Playground

We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.

Book With Confidence

All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.

Two days of gentle riding through Carmarthenshire’s river valleys give this route an easy-going feel, with quiet country lanes, short stretches of gravel and a relaxed pace throughout. Designed as a mellow introduction to bikepacking, it offers plenty of time for café stops, short walks, swims and time spent exploring small towns. The roads undulate, with occasional short climbs, but the distances stay well within reach for riders with reasonable fitness.

You’ll travel through farmland, woodland and historic estates, following the Tywi and Cothi rivers as they wind toward Brechfa and back to Llandovery. With camping or B&B options available, this is an ideal weekend break for riders who want something scenic, peaceful and achievable.
This is a self-guided route, with detailed navigation, full kit provision and backup support on hand should you need it.

Key Details 🗝️

Duration: 2 days
Terrain: Tarmac 92% | Gravel 8%
Accommodation Options: Camping or B&Bs
Start/Finish: Llandovery
Distance: 58 miles, 1100m ascent
Difficulty Rating: Mellow

Route Overview 🗺️

This loop begins and ends in Llandovery, linking the Tywi Valley, Dinefwr Estate, Brechfa Forest and the wider Cothi Valley. The terrain is mostly quiet tarmac with small sections of easy gravel and low traffic throughout. With steady riding and modest elevation, it’s a route designed for taking your time, enjoying the landscapes and making the most of the rural scenery.

Accommodation 🏕️ / 🛏️

You can choose between simple rural campsites or comfortable B&Bs. More info can be found in the 'accommodation' tab.

Food 🍽️

Meals are at your own expense, with recommendations provided. Breakfast is included for B&B guests. Campers receive a Firepot porridge pouch and hot drinks for breakfast due to remote locations. Lunch can be café-based or packed, and dinner is always available within walking or cycling distance, with advance booking arranged in areas with limited choice.

Logistics & Getting There 🚆

Meet in Llandovery at 10am, dressed to ride with your kit packed in the provided dry bag. Bike setup and briefing take around 1–1.5 hours. Expect to finish in Llandovery by 3pm on Day 2. Train travellers should allow two hours before onward travel. The town has rail links via Swansea and Shrewsbury, and the start point is within walking distance of the station. Drivers can request advice on suitable long-stay parking; vehicles are left at your own risk. Items not needed for the ride can be stored until your return.

Difficulty Rating 💪

Rated Mellow, this is the most accessible route in the range and suits riders with a reasonable level of fitness. Expect gentle undulation, occasional short, steeper sections and 3–5 hours of riding each day. With modest distances and plenty of places to pause, the route encourages a relaxed pace with opportunities for café stops, short walks and river swims.

Preparation 🚴‍♀️

If cycling isn’t already part of your routine, light training such as commuting, weekend rides or spin classes will make the experience more comfortable. Building time in the saddle is the most helpful preparation.

Why Choose Us 💬

This shorter loop showcases some of Carmarthenshire’s most peaceful landscapes, giving you time to enjoy the Tywi and Cothi Valleys at a relaxed pace. Designed to be accessible without sacrificing scenery, it offers gentle climbs, easy gravel and quiet rural roads. All logistics, equipment and support are handled, so you can focus on enjoying a mellow weekend immersed in the countryside.