Matt's cycling challenge

Matt’s cycling challenge

During April, Landscape Architect Matt Northall, will be tackling a 1,400km bikepacking trip around the perimeter of Wales.

Matt, who is planning to cover 100km every day for a fortnight, will set off on the journey from his home on the Wirral, then head for Anglesey and follow the coast down to Cardiff. His route back up the Welsh Border will take in a ‘small’ detour through the Brecon Beacons before heading for home.

He said: “It’s going to be a challenging ride but I’m really looking forward to spending time in nature and exploring the stunning landscape of my home nation. Where possible I plan to wild camp most nights, following the bike packers’ number one rule of ‘leave no trace’.

“I love pitching up in the middle of nowhere next to a lake with just a bivvy (a waterproof sleeping bag) and a small stove for my morning coffee before a refreshing wild swim.

“Cycling must be one of the best ways to travel and it allows you to appreciate and absorb your surroundings. It means that you can stop whenever something captures your interest, whether that be a beautiful view, the smell of good food or a lively pub.

“A few years ago, I cycled 675km around the Netherlands with my Australian friend, Sam. As a landscape architect it is difficult not to appreciate well designed and excellently implemented infrastructure. Like a lot of European countries, the Netherlands has very well planned out active travel connections, making cycling one of the primary modes of transport.

“We need more bike friendly thinking in the UK. Recently, the Welsh Government announced that “all future roads must pass strict criteria which means they must not increase carbon emissions, they must not increase the number of cars on the road, they must not lead to higher speeds and higher emissions, and they must not negatively impact the environment'.

“Their plan is to increase funding for public transport and cycle/walking infrastructure.

“As a landscape architect and keen cyclist this news makes me proud. I believe that the holistic integration of mass transit and active travel in the rural areas of Wales is essential. Being able to cycle a short distance, board a bus/train with your bike, store it securely whilst doing some shopping is good for the environment and helps to support a local circular economy. It also has many health benefits; cycling is good for the body and the mind.

“Whilst bikepacking my way around Wales, I am hoping to meet lots of interesting people, sharing tales from my trip and hopefully encourage others to take on an adventure of their own.”