Once upon time a group of hardy men decided to recreate an ancient Neolithic route untertaken by the Marreg tribe. This route took the travellers over all of the peaks of the Preseli mountains in search of the now extinct Alpedido. The year was 1999. It had been over two thousand years since this route had been completed.

The question was: "Will these brave men ever succeed?".

The start at St Dogmaels

Riverside trails

Coming in to Whitland

Route History

The Marreg was 'rediscovered' in 1999 by a group of mountain biking friends. Pioneered by Mar tin and Reg, they set off from Foel Drygarn, not knowing what kind of day that would have. They lost two riders on the way, Hoggy ran out of puff and Dai Jones crashed.

There is a video of this effort here.

The starting team

Dai's practise crash, before the big one

Hog, having a tough day

Martin on Foel Eryr

Dougy on Carningli

Dai Webb joined for the final few miles

Run Route

Run Route Description:

The route winds it's way from Foel Drygarn to Carn Llidi near Whitesands. There are mandatory tops to visit on the way.

The running route is different to the mountain bike route, it uses more of the Pembrokeshire Coastal path from Fishguard, onwards.

Run route:

Start at Foel Drygarn and head to the coast. Follow the coast path to Whitesands. Simple... however the following peaks must be topped along the way:

Mountain	Height	W3W
Feel Drygarn	363m	W3W
Carn Menyn	365m	W3W
Foel Cwmcerwyn	536m	W3W
Foel Eryr	460m	W3W
Carn Ingi	346m	W3W
Mynydd Dinas	307m	W3W
Garn Fawr	213m	W3W
Carn Penberry	213m	W3W
Carn Llidi	213m	W3W

Run Route Files:

Run Route Map:

Run completors:

Domi Kimber
Mike Monroe
Mick Smith
Mark Dixon
Mark Hayward
Sanna Duthie
Tim Plumb (2x)
Martin Everett
Andrew Clement
Shan Jones

The current fastest know run time is 10 hours, 46 minute.

Please email us if you have completed the route and we'll add you to the list.

Bike Route

Bike Route Description:

The route winds it's way from Foel Drygarn to Carn Llidi near Whitesands. There are mandatory tops to visit on the way.

Choosing the right bike is tricky. The record was set on a gravel bike, but riding across the Preseli Ridge on a rigid bike can be quite a bone shaker. A mountain bike would be the most comfortable option, though it might be a bit slower on the road sections after Goodwick. Keep in mind that the same bike must be used for the entire route — no bike swaps allowed.

Bike route:

Start at Foel Drygarn and head to the coast. Follow the coast path to Whitesands. Simple... however the following peaks must be topped along the way. In each instance you'll need to jump off your bike for the last few metres. Carn Penberry is an exception, where the last 100 metres or so will need to be on foot, bashing through some heather to a pretty unfrequented top!

Mountain	Height	W3W
Feel Drygarn	363m	W3W
Carn Menyn	365m	W3W
Foel Eryr	460m	W3W
Carn Ingi	346m	W3W
Mynydd Dinas	307m	W3W
Garn Fawr	213m	W3W
Carn Penberry	213m	W3W
Carn Llidi	213m	W3W

Bike Route Files:

Bike Route Map:

Bike completors:

Martin James
Reg Bevan
Richard Jones
Basher Lewis
Michael Douglas (2x)
Jaime Bohata (2x)
Anthony Griffith
Nigel Ryder (2x)
Tim Plumb (3x)
Martin Everett

The current fastest known bike time is 6 hours, 1 minute. Time is measured from the top of Foel Drygarn to the top of Carn Llidi.

Please email us if you have completed the route and we'll add you to the list.

The Marreg