Wales Gravel Camp - Sisters in the Wild, Staylittle Lodge, Staylittle

A gravel basecamp in the Cambrian Mountains, often called the last great wilderness of Wales. Based at Staylittle Lodge, riders spend the days exploring some of the wildest gravel routes in Wales on loop rides from basecamp, with no bikepacking gear or daily packing needed. Stargazing in a designated dark skies area. Sisters in the Wild trips are for women and FLINTA riders.

Day 1: meet at Staylittle Lodge from 2pm, set up camp and settle in. Safety check your bike, take a quick spin if you like, then dinner and a briefing on the days ahead.

Days 2 to 4, loop rides: breakfast at basecamp, then two route options each day with set group departure times. Ride with a guided group, on your own or with friends. The shorter routes are 40 to 50km (shortcuts of around 30 to 35km on some days) with 600 to 800m of climbing, the longer routes 60 to 80km with 1,200m or more. Back at basecamp for communal dinner, skills and wellness sessions, and film nights.

Day 5: one last breakfast together, wrapping up mid-morning. You can also leave the evening before.

The riding: around 50% gravel and 50% tarmac, mostly smooth tracks with short sections of linking singletrack and rougher ground. The longer routes have looser, rockier and steeper descents that need some confidence. Expect bog, mud and steep punchy climbs. Challenge is rated 3 out of 5 on the shorter routes and 4 out of 5 on the longer ones.

Bikes: a gravel bike with tyres of at least 38mm and good grip, or a rigid or hardtail mountain bike. Bike hire can be delivered to basecamp by local shop Wheelism, from £35 per day, booked directly with the shop.

Included: British Cycling and First Aid qualified Sisters in the Wild guides (at least 1 guide per 8 riders on guided rides), four nights at basecamp in a dorm bed, your own tent or a van spot (private and twin room upgrades available), breakfast and dinner every day (vegan-friendly dinners), curated Komoot routes and briefings with a free map bundle, and post-ride sessions including hands-on mechanics, coaching, film nights and yoga. Camping gear and navigation devices can be added for a small fee.

Not included: travel to basecamp, lunch and snacks, bike hire, basic tools and spares, and travel insurance, which is compulsory.

Price and booking: from £425. Dates are open for pre-registration on the Sisters in the Wild website.

Source: https://sistersinthewild.com/events/wales-gravel-camp