If you’re not familiar, TETty loop is a new addition to the Trans Euro Trail route in Wales. Trans Euro Trail itself is a dirt track stretching all over Europe, put together by a group of volunteers. And the old Wales part – from South all the way to North, and this new part is a 3 days worth of traveling loop, all in South of Wales. You can read more about it on the TET website, link at the bottom!
All this loop was designed to be done in roughly 3 days with smaller bikes in mind, obviously we are not quite the ones who ride small bikes, so we picked whatever we had, and that was me on AJP PR7, 1 boy on mighty Yamaha XT660Z Tenere, and another two on posh KTM 790’s.
Apart from a few places, we didn’t have any big problems with any of them, however the size of the bikes was a bit of a problem in some of the places..
We gave ourselves 4 days to get it done, as it’s quite a few miles away from where we are, so first day to get there and do some riding, and on the last day, finish it off and head home… At least that was the plan!
Day 1 on the TETty
On the first day we bumped into a water crossing, with no clear way out and only a narrow bridge! We planned to push out bikes over the bridge, however we met another few riders on smaller bikes, and we were told that one of the riders tipped over while pushing the bike on the bridge and broke his collarbone!
We tried to get one of the ktm’s on the bridge, but it was very clear that even if it fitted there, that would have been a very tight fit, so we turned around as judging by the map, that lane had to end soon after the bridge, so wasn’t worth the sweat. Same day we managed to get through a few very narrow and extremely overgrown lanes where literally it was impossible to tell if riding still on the trail or already off.. One very nice water crossing, a bit difficult for some, as the way out was a bit steep, plenty of gravel and then a step back to get back on the tarmac.
Managed to pick up a nail on the way too, and that was my very first flat! Sorting it out was not a problem, and not long after we were back on the track. Obviously that didn’t go without a banter, and because I told one guy before the trip that I never had any troubles running tubes, naturally he made fun of it..
Camped in one of the campsites near by the trail, nothing special about it apart from the very nice fire pit!
Short Day 1 Youtube Video Here
Day 2 on the TETty
This day was a bit of a challenge, as one trail really gave us some beating. Steepish, rocky, and bloody long descent with plenty of curves, and in the end steep climb up. Every single one of us kissed the ground on it. Managed to rip the strap off my panniers too..
After a few lanes that were very narrow, overgrown and badly rutted, we started to think that, if we are lucky, maybe, just maybe we will get to the coast by the end of this 4 day trip! Some lanes were super slow, and progress was far from what we planned. I didn’t even imagine that we would get to see the coast the same day, so that was a bit of a surprise!
Anyway, the beach we got to was super nice! Weirdly no sand, just big white round rocks everywhere, very beautiful!
Camped in the campsite nearby, luckily we had our own pitch, and our own shower block! Oh, and our own fire pit! Probably the best campsite I have ever been!
Short Day 2 Youtube Video Here
Day 3 on the TETty
The 3rd day was a very long day for us, with lots of different trails… past a few very nice towns, and beaches! Like almost like a trip within a trip to explore the Welsh coast! Trails themselves were not so impressive, as most were very overgrown… on some, to ride them properly would be best to stand up on the pegs, but because of overgrown branches that was a bit impossible…
Overall, I think this day was the most eventful, as this day we went through a few fords, had to find our way around 3 fallen trees, one was a fairly big one too! Seen 3 or 4 beaches. I had another puncture, and that went with banter too, one of the riders calling it “red indian tube, A-pach-E tube!” Very smart joke that was!
And at the end of the day we struggled to find where to camp, but one of the farmers let us stay on his farm for the night, surprisingly, as most farmers we met on our way were upset about the increased number of travelers around.
Short Day 3 Youtube Video Here
Day 4 on the TETty
This day was short, but very interesting! First few overgrown trails, then some proper nice trails! Some really nice foggy valleys that looked super nice from a distance!
Trail that goes through the forest was really hard to find our way out, as all the sat navs kept showing different directions. It was in the spot where the route splits like a fork, with few branches to the sides too… eventually we found the way out just to bump into the lane that was like an analogy to the famous bastard lane.. a lot smaller though.
When the rain started pouring on us, a few more overgrown lanes, we skipped one lane as it was awful and very time consuming.
There was one part on the trail that was very interesting to roll down, as it was pure rock and very steep one too! Not sure if it would be doable in reverse at all…
Anyway, it was long after we came back to the spot where the loop started, and called it the end of the trip! It was a great experience for all of us, and a steep learning curve for some!
Short Day 4 Youtube Video Here
Final Notes about the TETty
It wasn’t easy at some parts, and some parts not quite as fun as expected, but to be honest – I would do it again! After all, it’s part of the adventure – heading to the unknown!
and…Hopefully after another couple of years of use, all overgrown lanes will be a bit more friendly and not so scratchy too!
Read more about Trans Euro Trail on official TransEuroTrail.org website.
