Drover Cycles is inviting riders to take on the Herefordshire Devil sportive on Saturday 24 October 2026, with a brand-new route taking in autumn landscapes, apple orchards, black-and-white villages and the roads around Hay-on-Wye and the Black Mountains.

Based at Ewyas Harold, the event offers short, medium and long-distance options. The routes have been trimmed for 2026 so riders can enjoy the challenge and still return safely before darkness falls, but Drover Cycles says they should not be underestimated.

Three routes through Herefordshire and the border country

The short route covers 71.4km with 1,236 metres of elevation and costs £30. The medium route costs £35 and the long route costs £40.

Long-route riders head east for a 70km loop towards Hoarwithy and the River Wye, returning to Ewyas Harold for an early feed stop before rejoining the main route.

Medium- and short-route riders head north towards the Golden Valley and the River Wye. The short route continues towards Hay-on-Wye, while the medium route crosses the ancient crossing at Bridge Sollars and skirts the Foxley Estate before reaching the feed station at Weobley.

The routes pass through hamlets and villages, with half-timbered houses and apple trees characteristic of this part of Herefordshire. Riders also make a brief foray into Wales, following part of the route used by the 2026 Tour of Britain Women’s race, before reaching a welcome stop at Drover Cycles in Hay-on-Wye.

From there, the final leg heads back into the hills, climbing over the northern flanks of the Black Mountains. It is a demanding finish, but one that offers some of the most dramatic scenery of the ride.

What is included?

Entry includes fully signposted routes marked with Drover Cycles’ fluorescent pink arrows, plus a GPS file and paper map for back-up route finding. Feed stations will offer sweet and savoury food, hot and cold drinks, mechanical assistance and first aid support.

There will also be a goody bag, hot food, cake and a drink at the finish, broom-wagon support and an emergency contact number. Event HQ at Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall has parking, toilets and changing facilities.

The short route has one feed station, the medium route has two and the long route has three. All feed stations include toilets, mechanical assistance and food and drink.

Event details

• Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
• Registration: from 7.30am
• Departures: between 8.00am and 8.30am
• Event HQ: Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall, Pontrilas Road, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire HR2 0EL

Enter the Herefordshire Devil sportive.

Bike hire from Drover Cycles

Drover Cycles is also offering bike hire for the event. Advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Find out more about bike hire from Drover Cycles.

This post highlights Drover Cycles, a Brecon Beacons Tourism member. Event details and entry information are supplied by the organiser.