Many participants find it valuable to explore the route before the event to understand more about the nature of the challenge, to know what to expect and to practise running on rough, mountainous terrain. It’s also a good opportunity to test kit and navigation techniques as a dress rehearsal before the main event!

Below is some helpful advice from the Dragon’s Back Race® team on what to think about when you are planning your visits to Wales:

*Why not explore the route before the event and test out your kit and navigation skills ©No Limits Photography*

GPX files

Note that the route is draft until the final GPX files are released in the month before the event. Prior to this, the course is subject to change.

GPX files of the draft route (finalised before the race – see the communications schedule) are available for download here.

Useful articles:

Take a look at our guidance article about following the route.
Take a look at our guidance article about training for the race.

Be prepared:

Make sure you are well prepared before you head into the Welsh mountains:

Consider your own safety – does somebody know what you are doing and where you are going?
Check out our mandatory kit list for the race – make sure you have what you need.
Check the weather forecast before heading out, and be prepared for the fact that the weather on the summits can be very poor and changeable. MWIS do really good mountain weather forecasts.

Support and assistance:

If you would like to join a group and/or run with a qualified guide who has knowledge of the event and the route - then check out RAW Adventures who are providing the official race ‘recce’ trips.

Maps from previous editions are available in our shop - You will receive your official event map at race registration in Conwy.

*Visit Wales before the event and be prepared for the challenge ahead! ©No Limits Photography*

Important - be aware:

Be fully aware of the law with regard to accessing the countryside:

Much of the Dragon’s Back Race® route is along Public Rights of Way, public highways and over Open Access land.
Some parts of the route are across privately owned land - see “Sections of the Route with Restricted Access” below.
Do not cross any walls or fences apart from at crossing points such as stiles or gates. If you have to, then you are off the race route!
Do not go through any agricultural fields unless there is a Public Right of Way, and then follow the intended route carefully.
Be respectful of residents and other land-users. This includes being quiet/silent when passing dwellings, especially early or late in the day.
Dogs should be kept on leads anywhere where you might encounter livestock – especially around farms.
There are good resources to help you understand more:

Especially recommended – The Countryside Code
Information about the various access laws
Information about the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
Consider the environment – check out our article about the ecological importance of the countryside around the route.

Sections of the Route with Restricted Access / of note:

You should not assume that because the Dragon’s Back Race® route follows a certain line or path that it is allowed for anyone to do so at any time – there are instances where we have arranged special access for the race, and it would be inappropriate or illegal to access the route at any other time. Therefore, you must ensure that you are aware of where you can and can’t go. See below for some examples of sections of the route with restricted access.

Note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is your responsibility to check what you are doing and follow the guidance above.

Area around Overnight Camp 1 – There is no access to the farm track or fields except during the race:

Day 2 – Approaching Maentwrog – Ensure you follow the race route / Public Rights of Way here – it is very easy to go down a private track leading the residential house just above the the ‘t’ of Ffestiniog in the map extract below:

Day 2 - Support Point (Cwm Bychan) – ensure you follow the race route here to get you through the crossing points and avoid climbing any walls:

Area around Overnight Camp 2 - there is no access to the campsite or fields except during the race (or as a paying visitor):

Day 3 – Around Maes Coch - ensure you follow the race route / Public Rights of Way here – it is very easy to go wrong:

Day 3 – Descending from CP4 - ensure you follow the race route / Public Rights of Way here – it is very easy to go wrong:

Day 3 – Area around CP9 Support Point – there is no access to Llynlloedd Farm except during the race – you will need to stick to the A489 heading east, take the first left and then Public Rights of Way to rejoin the race route.

Area around Overnight Camp 3 – there is no access to the farm fields except during the race:

Area around Overnight Camp 4 - there is no access to the farm fields except during the race:

Area around Overnight Camp 5 - there is no access to the farm fields except during the race:

Day 6 – Descent from Mynydd Meio - ensure you follow the race route / Public Rights of Way here – it is very easy to go wrong.

Overnight Camp 6 – Cardiff Castle and Bute Park have public access, but you will not be able to enter the castle through the North Gate except for during the race.
Day 6 - We are aware of ongoing access issues on Mynydd Eglwysilan open access land from approximate grid reference ST108932. We are working to resolve this, but be responsible with regards to taking access - please don't trespass onto private land - if in doubt avoid the area for now.

Where to stay?

Vanner Campsite near Dolgellau (end of day two)
Llanllwyda Campsite near Cadair Idris (part way through day three)
Tal-y-Llyn Campsite near Cadair Idris (part way through day three)

Guidance on exploring the race route pre-event