Black Cattle Ultra 44mile

The Black Cattle Ultra 44 mile is a point-to-point trail ultramarathon starting at Llanthony Priory, deep in the Black Mountains, and finishing at Cardiff Harlequins RFC. The route follows the Cambrian Way south from the Priory, crossing mountainous terrain and wooded vales before passing through Abergavenny, where the shorter 33 mile race joins the course. From there it continues through Pontypool, Risca and Machen, tackling further hills along the way, before a final ridge section along Cefn Onn and a descent past the fairy tale Castell Coch into Cardiff. The course is unmarked, following Cambrian Way markers before switching to the Taff Trail for the last few miles, so self-navigation is required throughout. The terrain is a genuine mix of mountain paths, forest tracks and village lanes, with three indoor aid stations along the way and a midnight cut-off at the finish.