HOWL Trail 2027

The Heart of Wales Line (HOWL) trail is an enchanting journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in Britain, weaving between railway stations along the historic Heart of Wales Line. Spanning across Shropshire, Powys, Carmarthenshire, and parts of Brecon Beacons National Park, this route offers runners and walkers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm.
The inaugural HOWL trail race series features three distinct distances: 50 miles, 26 miles, and 16 miles. Each distance promises an adventure worth remembering, with rolling hills and picturesque scenery that will captivate every participant.
HOWL50 (Starting in Llandrindod Wells)
This ultra-distance event is designed for both newcomers to the world of ultramarathons and seasoned athletes looking for a new challenge. The 50-mile route winds through diverse terrain, offering an estimated walk time between 12-24 hours or a run time ranging from 8-15 hours.
Registration takes place at Lakeside Cafe in Llandrindod Wells (LD1 5HU) from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. A brief race overview will be given at 8:45 AM, followed by the start of the race at 9:00 AM sharp.
Participants can park their cars for £5 at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms (SY7 9RS), with all proceeds going to support local conservation efforts. For those traveling by train, there is a Heart Of Wales Line service that departs from Craven Arms Station at 6:22 AM and arrives at Llandrindod Wells at 7:27 AM.
The route includes two manned checkpoints: CP1 near the Llanbister Rd railway halt (about 15 miles in) and CP2 located within Bucknell Primary School around mile 19. The final leg of the race is a challenging yet rewarding 16-mile stretch to reach the finish line at Craven Arms.
HOWL26 (Starting in Knucklas)
Ideal for those seeking an introduction to marathon distances or seasoned athletes looking to push their limits, this 26-mile route offers breathtaking scenery and varied terrain. Estimated walking times range from 6-12 hours while runners can expect a more brisk pace of around 4-8 hours.
Registration at the Knucklas Community Centre (LD7 1RR) is scheduled between 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM, with race briefings and start times set for 8:45 AM and 9:00 AM respectively. As before, parking fees are £5 at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
Train enthusiasts can catch a Heart Of Wales Line train from Craven Arms Station at 6:22 AM to reach Knucklas by 6:51 AM. From there, it's just a short walk of about three minutes to the start point.
This route includes one manned checkpoint in Bucknell around mile eight before continuing on for another 16 miles to complete the race.
HOWL16 (Starting in Bucknell)
For those interested in half-marathon distances or looking for an introduction, this 16-mile trail is a perfect fit. Estimated walking times range from 3-6 hours while runners can expect to finish within 2-4 hours.
Registration at St Mary's Primary School in Bucknell (SY7 0AA) begins at 9:00 AM and concludes by 10:00 AM, with race briefings starting at 10:15 AM before the official start time of 10:30 AM. Parking is available for £5 at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
Participants can take a Heart Of Wales Line train from Craven Arms Station to Bucknell, arriving by 9:16 AM after an early departure from Craven Arms at 8:47 AM or catch subsequent trains throughout the day if needed.
The HOWL trail races are not just about conquering distances; they offer runners and walkers a chance to explore beautiful landscapes filled with rolling hills, lush forests, quaint villages, and historic landmarks. Whether you're an experienced athlete looking for new challenges or someone eager to dip your toes into longer distance events, the Heart of Wales Line Trail Races promise unforgettable experiences.
For assistance in preparing for this event, participants can reach out at [email protected]. Additionally, XCover is available for purchase should unforeseen circumstances prevent participation.