Black Cattle Ultra Gwartheg Duon

The BlackCattle Ultra: An Epic Journey Through South Wales
Join us on August 14, 2027, for an unforgettable adventure along the Cambrian Way. The BlackCattle Ultra offers two challenging routes: a grueling 44-mile trek and a slightly more manageable yet still formidable 33-mile option. Both courses wind through some of South Wales' most breathtaking landscapes, from historic Llanthony Priory to the charming town of Abergavenny.
The route follows the Cambrian Way, established in 1968 as one of Wales’ premier long-distance trails that stretches all the way from Cardiff to Conwy. This ultra race covers a significant portion of this trail, offering runners an immersive experience through rugged terrain and serene countryside dotted with historical landmarks.
Participants will encounter steep climbs up Pen-y-Fal (Sugarloaf) and Mynydd y Garn Fawr, traverse purple heather-covered moors at Twyn y Gaer, and enjoy the tranquility of quiet woodland paths. The race concludes near Cardiff Harlequins HQ in Radyr after passing through picturesque locations such as Castell Coch.
The 44-mile route begins at Llanthony Priory, while those opting for the 33-mile course start their journey from Abergavenny. Both routes feature self-navigation along well-marked trails until Tongwynlais before switching to the Taff Trail towards Cardiff’s finish line. The race is designed with the runner in mind, offering live tracking and three indoor aid stations (two for the shorter route) equipped with warm food and medical support.
The event celebrates both the natural beauty of Wales and its hardy cattle breeds like Welsh Blacks found in the Black Mountains region where the race starts. Entrants will enjoy a high-quality experience complete with professional timing, extensive photography coverage, and locally sourced finisher's mementos to reduce environmental impact.
Registration opens at 6:00 am for the full distance runners starting from Llanthony Priory and closes by 6:45 am. For those embarking on the shorter route from Abergavenny, registration starts at 8:00 am and ends at 8:45 am.
The race features strict kit requirements to ensure safety in mountainous areas. Participants must adhere to a detailed checklist available online. Cut-off times are set to allow for pacing similar to other major ultras like the Lakeland 100, with specific checkpoints along the way marking progress and ensuring on-time completion.
This event is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to explore Wales’ stunning landscapes while supporting local initiatives focused on environmental responsibility and inclusivity. Join us for a day of adventure and camaraderie as we traverse some of South Wales' most captivating terrain.
Costs:
- 44 miles: £95
- 33 miles: £85
Additional services like start line transport to the beginning points or race-day photography can be purchased separately.
The BlackCattle Ultra is a celebration of nature and community, inviting runners from all backgrounds to experience the beauty and challenge of South Wales.