Stage Eight
10 September 2023
This year’s Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest cycle race, will feature its first return to the legendary Caerphilly Mountain climb since 2013 as part of a spectacular finale in South Wales.
Stage eight of the Tour will see the world’s best riders race from the picturesque Margam Country Park to the finish line in the shadows of Caerphilly Castle on Sunday 10 September.
Far from being a ceremonial end to the race, the battle to be crowned Tour of Britain champion will go down to the wire thanks to a stunning but challenging route supported by the Welsh Government.
The route will pass through the boroughs of Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, and Rhondda Cynon Taff. The sting in the tail comes in the form of a double ascent of Caerphilly Mountain, the gradient of which averages 10.1% across its 1.3 kilometres. An estimated 10,000 spectators lined the route of this much-loved climb in 2013, the last time it featured in the Tour of Britain.
Stage eight is supported in principle by Welsh Government as part of an agreement unveiled in 2022 that will see the Tour of Britain and its sister race, the Women’s Tour, each visit the country in alternate years through to 2026.
Spectators attending the stage start at Margam Country Park MUST pre-book a pass in advance of race day. Click here for more details.
Margam Country Park 11:15am
Porthcawl 11:41pm
Ogmore-by-Sea 12:01m
Cowbridge 12:31pm
Bryncae 12:50pm
Treorchy 1:32pm
Rhigos (category one) 1:44pm
Hirwaun 1:55pm
Aberdare 2:02pm
Bryn Du (category one) 2:11pm
Perthcelyn 2:33pm
Abercynon 2:38pm
Ystrad Mynach 2:50pm
Caerphilly – Castle Street (first passage of finish line) 3:02pm
Caerphilly Mountain (category one, first ascent) 3:05pm
Caerphilly – Castle Street (first passage of finish line) 3:13pm
Caerphilly Mountain (category one, second ascent) 3:16pm
Caerphilly – Castle Street 3:23pm
Click here for the full stage timetable
Host venue for the first time
As well as its natural beauty and rich heritage, Margam Country Park offers an exciting range of activities and events throughout the year. This makes it one of the best days out in Wales for all family members.
Margam Country Park was recently voted as one of the top 10 most popular parks and green spaces in Britain, the only park in Wales to receive this accolade.
The Green Flag awarded estate is home to the magnificent 19th-century Tudor-Gothic Margam Castle, the former Talbot family residence. The 12th century ruins of Margam Abbey are among the country’s finest architectural treasures. The restored 18th-century Orangery is renowned for being one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Wales.
The Fairytale Village and Adventure Playground offer the perfect excuse for families to make memories together while little ones let off steam.
Animal lovers will enjoy the farm trail, with regular opportunities to meet the farmer and feed the alpacas.
The famous Margam deer herd is frequently seen by visitors roaming through approximately 500 acres of parkland. The herd dates back to Norman times.
An exciting programme of seasonal events is arranged annually, catering for a variety of audiences and genres.
Thrill seekers can get their adrenaline rush at the only Go Ape Treetop Challenge in Wales. There’s also a range of activities such as go-karting, canoeing, kayaking, and archery available at Margam Park Adventure.
From relaxing walks through the ornamental gardens to the thrill of mountain biking, it’s easy to enjoy a variety of activities in the wonderful environment the Park provides.
It’s no secret that Neath Port Talbot boasts a spectacular dramatic landscape, and Margam Country Park is a fine example of that.
Yn ogystal â harddwch naturiol a threftadaeth gyfoethog, mae Parc Gwledig Margam yn cynnig detholiad cyffrous o weithgareddau a digwyddiadau gydol y flwyddyn. O ganlyniad, dyma leoliad un o’r diwrnodau gorau yng Nghymru i’w mwynhau gyda’r teulu.
Yn ddiweddar enwebwyd Margam fel un o blith deg uchaf y parciau a’r llecynnau glas mwyaf poblogaidd ym Mhrydain, a’r unig barc yng Nghymru i ennill y fath glod.
Mae’r ystâd, sydd wedi ennill Baner Werdd, yn gartref i Gastell Margam, cyn-gartref Tuduraidd-Gothig y teulu Talbot, o’r 19eg ganrif. Mae adfeilion 12fed ganrif Abaty Margam ymysg trysorau pensaernïol mwya’r wlad. Cydnabyddir mai’r Orendy, adeilad o’r ddeunawfed ganrif a adnewyddwyd yn llwyr, yw un o leoliadau mwyaf poblogaidd Cymru i gynnal priodas.
Yn y Pentref Tylwyth Teg a’r Maes Chwarae Antur cewch esgus perffaith i greu atgofion fel teulu wrth i’r plant lleiaf losgi tipyn o egni. Gyda bythynnod bychain, darnau gwyddbwyll enfawr, a chastell chwarae cawraidd, dyma wlad hud a lledrith go iawn.
Bydd pawb sy’n hoffi anifeiliaid wrth eu bodd â’r llwybr fferm, gyda chyfleoedd lu i gwrdd â’r ffermwr a bwydo’r alpacas.
Bydd ymwelwyr yn debygol o weld gyr ceirw enwog Margam, sy’n crwydro’r 500 erw o barcdir. Mae’r gyr yn dyddio’n ôl i adeg y Normaniaid.
Trefnir rhaglen gyffrous o ddigwyddiadau tymhorol bob blwyddyn, gan ateb gofynion cynulleidfaoedd ac arddulliau amrywiol.
Gellir bodloni carwyr cyffro yn yr unig Her Brigau Coed Go Ape yng Nghymru, heb sôn am lu o weithgareddau fel go-cartio, canŵio, caiacio a saethyddiaeth yn Antur Parc Margam.
O fynd am dro ymlaciol drwy’r gerddi ffurfiol i gyffro beicio mynydd, mae’n hawdd mwynhau amrywiaeth o weithgareddau yn amgylchedd bendigedig y Parc.
Dyw hi ddim yn gyfrinach fod gan Gastell-nedd Port Talbot dirwedd ddramatig a syfrdanol o hardd, ac mae Parc Gwledig Margam yn enghraifft ragorol o hynny.
Host venue for the fourth time
Nestled in the heart of South Wales, Caerphilly is a charming and historically rich town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, captivating heritage, and modern attractions. The town’s most iconic feature is the magnificent medieval Caerphilly Castle, a colossal fortress built in the 13th century, and remains the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain after Windsor Castle.
The castle boasts a striking moat and imposing towers, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore its well-preserved interiors, climb the towers for breathtaking views, and learn about its fascinating past.
Beyond its historic allure, Caerphilly boasts a tranquil and scenic landscape, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The surrounding countryside is dotted with lush green hills, serene country parks, and charming walking trails.
There are lots of exciting attractions within the surrounding county borough including the famous Llanchiach Fawr Manor House, the Winding House in New Tredegar, and nearby Cwmcarn Forest Drive.
Much like all the surrounding communities in the region, Caerphilly has a vibrant community that embraces its Welsh heritage. The town hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous ‘Little Cheese’ event named after the renowned Caerphilly Cheese that originated from the area. During the stage, the peloton will race through the bustling streets of the town, passing by the soon-to-open Ffos Caerphilly market, looping around Caerphilly Castle, racing past the Tommy Cooper statue (a tribute to the comedian who was born in the town), and embarking and then descending Caerphilly Mountain while experiencing panoramic views across the Welsh valleys.
There’s no better way of watching the action at this year’s Tour of Britain than with our hospitality packages!
Secure a front-row seat at our stage starts and finishes, topped off with delicious food and drinks specifically chosen for cycling fans.
Fans can now book their hospitality passes for the Margam Country Park start and Caerphilly finish via Sportsbreaks.com, the official hospitality partner of the Tour of Britain.
Additionally, our expert team can build bespoke packages throughout the Tour to suit your needs. Contact Seb Roberts for more information.
