As part of our 10th Anniversary celebrations, Pegasus Ultra Running introduces a brand new event, WYVUM 30. The Wye Valley Ultra Marathon is a trail race along the beautiful Wye Valley which visits the majestic ruins of Tintern Abbey and ancient woodlands along the way.
The base for our adventure is Chepstow, a place where history meets the trails. From the medieval castle above the confluence of the River Wye and River Severn, to the wooded slopes of the Wye Valley, there’s plenty to explore from this characterful border town. Expect winding woodland paths, riverside stretches and climbs that reward your efforts with cracking views – with plenty of excuses to stop, catch your breath and take it all in.
Those who don’t fancy the full WYVUM 30 route can choose the WYVUM HALF. All the fun, half the distance, give or take!
Start Location
Chepstow, Wales
Finish Location
Chepstow, Wales
Start Time
0800 Saturday 6th March 2027
Elevation Profile
5,540ft
Checkpoints
Two fully stocked aid stations Midpoint water station & drop bag point
We use plotaroute.com for supplying our maps as this means we can provide last minute updates that are readily available and allow you to download them in the best format for your navigation device.
Note: plotaroute.com does have pop-ups. Pegasus Ultra Running will never charge you for downloading or accessing our route files
CHEPSTOW AND THE WYE VALLEY
WYVUM 30 is a single-loop course through the Wye Valley, one of the most ecologically diverse woodland areas in southern Britain. From Chepstow, the route follows part of the Wye Valley Walk to Monmouth and returns on the Offa’s Dyke Path national trail.
The journey upstream from Chepstow is made almost entirely of paths through ancient woodland, passing Giant’s Cave, traversing the 365 Steps, passing Lovers Leap, the serene Tintern Abbey and Cleddon Falls. We’ll pass a hill called Pen-y-Fan (no, not that one!) before crossing the River Wye at Redbrook and following the opposite bank towards Monmouth. The HALF route peels off here and loops back to Chepstow, allowing the full route to continue northwards to Monmouth.
We return downstream via another national trail, the Offa’s Dyke Path, first climbing to the Kymin, a charming 18th Century round house and naval temple with panoramic views across Monmouth and into Wales. We’ll dip back to Redbrook and then into Highbury Woods nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an EU Special Area of Conservation due to its rare woodland flora. At this time of year, bluebells and wild garlic may be flowering. Cadora Woods and Bigswere Woods nature reserves are next on the route before we dip down to the riverside and follow the Wye to Brockwier.
Devil’s Pulpit, a narrow pillar of limestone on the Offa’s Dyke Path has magnificent views over Tintern Abbey. Legend has it that the devil tempted the monks below by preaching from here but today you’ll only be able to spot tourists. Perhaps they could be persuaded to join us for a run?
The route continues south to finish at Chepstow. Well done! There are plenty of waterholes here for a congratulatory beverage, or you could have a celebratory picnic in the grounds of Chepstow Castle.
The route has a total elevation of 5,540 feet but doesn’t feel like it. WYVUM 30 is more gentle and more sheltered from weather than many Pegasus events which is why it has been selected to open our season. Test your legs, expand your mind and explore the countryside as spring descends upon the Wye Valley.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Chepstow is home to the oldest stone castle in Britain, at the confluence of the great Welsh rivers Wye and Severn.
Chepstow is the traditional start line of Stable Adventure’s Wild Horse South Wales 200 ultramarathon.
The Wales Coastal Path terminates in Chepstow. The fastest known time for running all 870 miles was once held by Rhys Jenkins, founder of Pegasus Ultra Running. He completed the entire route in 20 days 10 hours, a record that stood for three years.
The Wye Valley Walk covers 136 miles from Mid Wales, where HOWUM explores the origin of the Wye, to the Severn Estuary.
Rockfield Studios in Monmouth (on the route of BOWUM) was where Queen recorded Bohemian Rhapsody and Oasis recorded What’s the Story Morning Glory?
The Offa’s Dyke Path is a 177 mile walking trail which crosses the Welsh-English border 20 times. Don’t forget your passport!
SARA, the Severn Area Rescue Association, provides voluntary lifeboat, search and rope rescue services from a station in Chepstow.
MANDATORY Kit
Running shoes or hiking boots (trail shoes recommended).
Waterproof jacket.
Water bottle or similar (1-litre minimum).
Mobile phone (fully charged).
GPX route downloaded to a device (GPS, phone or watch).
Head torch or similar light source.
Survival bag.
A reusable cup – suitable for hot and cold drinks.
Backpack, race vest or similar to carry all other mandatory equipment.
More details are provided in the race manual.
Included with your Entry
No cut-off times.
A glorious finisher’s medal.
Pre- and post-race care.
Race manual packed with information (and a few rules!).
Three checkpoints – two fully-stocked aid stations and a midpoint water stop.
Access to drop bags at midpoint.
Professional medical cover.
Amazing support from “The Teulu”, the Pegasus & Stable Adventures volunteer family.
Fancy volunteering?
Want to experience an event from the eyes of “The Teulu”, the Pegasus & Stable Adventures volunteer family? Drop us an email to info@pegasusultrarunning.com and we’ll be sure to get in touch.
WYVUM HALF is a 14.5-mile trail race along the beautiful Wye Valley which visits the…
