With two months to go, our Fundraising team are busy refining maps, designing medals and – very importantly – planning snack stops for Castles & Cathedrals 2025.
Last time, more than 130 cyclists took part, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Shelter Cymru’s cycling challenge, and this time, the team are hoping even more riders will get involved.
Events and Community Fundraising Officer Tom Davies, who has been planning the routes with keen cyclist Haydn Pryor, described the scenery as “spectacular”.
Castles & Cathedrals will take place on Sunday 13 July, starting and finishing at the Cathedral School in Llandaff, Cardiff, before winding through the Vale of Glamorgan.
Tom said: “Our much-loved cycling sportive is back for 2025 and we’ve got two brand new routes to choose from. Join us in our fight for home.”
A sportive is a cycling event over a medium to long distance that is open to the public. It’s not a race, but a personal challenge ride, allowing cyclists to test their stamina on signposted roads.
The shorter route will cover 36.1 miles, with 2,494ft of ascent, starting out towards Fairwater and Peterson-super-Ely, before heading to Cowbridge, then back to Cardiff via Pontyclun.
Riders on the longer route will cover 70.1 miles, with 4,940ft of climbing, leaving the city via Radyr, out to Merthyr Mawr, Southerndown and Llantwit Major, before returning via Cowbridge.
Tom said: “There’ll be refreshment stops along the way, with a warm welcome and your finisher’s medal waiting for you when you cross the finish line.
“We’re aiming for an awesome day and rider safety is our top priority. There’ll be medical support, incident support vehicles and mechanical support on route.”
Mortgage advice and protection provider, Sterling Southgate, will be sponsoring the medals and Shelter Cymru cycling jerseys are available to buy from our online shop.
Last year, Shelter Cymru helped 21,531 people who were facing and experiencing homelessness in Wales, by offering free, confidential and independent advice.
Tom added: “Every penny raised will support our work, helping families and individuals when they need us the most. By taking part, you’re helping to ensure our vital work can continue.”
Tickets are available from £38.62. To find out more and sign up, visit castlesandcathedrals.org.uk
23 May 2025
By Liz Day
