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The BlackCattle Ultra August 29th 2026
Join us on a stunning 44 or 33 mile journey along the Cambrian Way through South Wales, starting in either Llanthony or Abergavenny, climbing some of the most memorable peaks of the area along the way to Cardiff. You’ll be rewarded with some gnarly climbs, breathtaking views, quiet woodland paths, purple heather covered moors and even a fairytale castle near the end; a hugely satisfying adventure. You’ll be back for more…
The Cambrian Way
Established in 1968, the Cambrian Way is a high level walking route through some of the most wild and beautiful areas of Wales, following rights of way and running from Cardiff all the way to Conwy in the north. Our ultra route follows the path from Llanthony Abbey in Monmouthshire all the way to Cardiff, ending at Cardiff Harlequins HQ in Radyr.
If you love running in peaceful solitude and you love your scenery to be wild and rugged, but you also like to feel fully supported with live tracking and three indoor aid stations (plus additional water stops every 6 miles) this is the event for you!
Points of interest along the way:
Llanthony Abbey
Garn Wen
Twyn y Gaer
Pen-y-Fal (Sugarloaf)
Blorens
Mynydd y Garn Fawr
Twr Ffoledd (Folly Tower)
Twmbarlwm
Mynydd Machen
Cefn On
Fforest Fawr
Castell Coch
44 mile - 71K Ultra
The race starts at the beautiful Llanthony Priory.
33 mile - 53K Ultra
This is not the “easy” option. The race starts 11 miles into the 44 mile route, in the pretty town of Abergavenny.
What you get:
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Professionally run event with
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Professional medical team
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Professional photographer
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Tracking devices - so your friends and family can 'dot watch' your progress
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Professional timing service
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Three indoor aid stations with warm food (two for the 33 mile route)
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Further water aid stations
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The same high quality experience as our other races
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Support for female entries through SheRaces charter compliance
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Locally sourced finisher’s memento (to reduce our environmental impact)
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Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd male and female, as well as 1st veteran male and female
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Coach transfer from Cardiff to the start (optional extra)
Why the name?
The race starts in the heart of the Black Mountains - and the local cattle are called Welsh Blacks. We are celebrating both the outstanding beauty of the area - and the local hardy breeds that cope with the Welsh mountain weather. The calves are so cwtchable, you'll want to take one home!
Reviews
Our simple aim is to put on the best races there are. These are just some of the comments from our first event:
"The kindness shown by everyone at the aid stations was just wonderful. Aid stations were well stocked which was so helpful"
"everything you could want from a trail race (and more!)”
“a spectacular event on Saturday! I couldn't have enjoyed it any more!”
Race details
Date: Saturday 29th August
44 mile ultra start: 7:00am
Registration opens: 6:00am (at Llanthony Priory)
Registration closes: 6:45am
33 mile ultra start: 9:00am
Registration opens: 08:00am (at Abergavenny)
Registration closes: 8:45am
There will be a kit check at registration – no kit, no entry. Full kit list information can be found here.
The venue for the finish line and race HQ is:
Cardiff Harlequins RFC
Diamond Ground
Forest Farm Road
Whitchurch
Cardiff
CF14 7JN
Costs
44 miles - £90
33 miles - £80
Start line transport
As these are point to point races, we have arranged for transport to get you to the start line at either Llanthony Priory or Abergavenny.
This is an option at additional cost for entrants - though you are welcome to make your own arrangements. This allows competitors to leave their vehicles at the finish line/race HQ for when they complete the race.
Navigation
Both courses will require self-navigation. The course will not be marked, but you'll be able to follow the Cambrian Way markers all the way to Tongwynlais, Cardiff where you will switch to the Taff Trail for the last few miles to the finish line. Look out for the distinctive Cambrian Way markers!
GPX files of the route are available here
Aid stations and refreshments
There will be three indoor aid stations for the 44 mile race, and two indoor stations for the 33 mile race.
The indoor stations will be at
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Abergavenny Community Centre - 11 miles (start for 33 mile race)
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Pontypool Pontymoil Church - 23 miles (12 miles for 33 mile race)
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Machen - 34 miles (23 miles for 33 mile race)
There will be further water points along the route approximately every 6 miles. Further details and confirmation will be provided nearer race date.
Kit
No kit = no race. The race is a serious undertaking in mountainous areas. Kit list can be found here
Cut-offs
Both courses will close at midnight at the the Harlequins ground. This allows a pace of 2.6mph which is similar to most popular ultras such as Lakeland 100.
Abergavenny cut-off: 11:30 (11 miles)
Pontypool cut-off: 15:30 (23 miles)
Machen cut-off: 20:00 (34 miles)
Race finish: 24:00 (44 miles)
Facilities
There are changing rooms and showers at the venue.
There will be flushable toilets at all the indoor aid stations
Travel
There is ample parking at the finish line/race HQ.
