The ACME Grand: West To The Sea 1000

1008Km cycling event starting from Witham, Essex. With controls at Haddenham, Barton-le-Clay, Towcester, Evesham, Hay-on-Wye, Aberaeron, Port Talbot, Barry, Chepstow, Pershore, Towcester, St Neots, Buntingford and Witham.

Even further west to Cardigan Bay with some new climbs though less overall than previous Welsh Grand routes. Car parking for a £5 donation at the Labour Hall, Witham.

Along the route

Key: Cafe Convenience Store Restaurant Service Station Supermarket

Witham is a historic market town located in Essex. The town has roots going back to Roman Britain, where it is believed that a settlement existed along the Roman road from Colchester to London. Its position along the River Brain made it a center for milling, and later industries like brewing and textile production.
Costa Coffee  Morrisons  The Battesford Court  Toast  Witham Café

Haddenham is a large, picturesque village in Buckinghamshire, located about 5 miles southwest of Aylesbury. The village is known for its duck ponds, timber-framed cottages, and thatched roofs, giving it a distinctive and historic character.
Co-op  Emily’s Coffee  Morrisons Daily  Smarts Fish & Chip Shop  Tickety Brew

Barton-le-Clay is a large village in Central Bedfordshire, England, located at the foot of the Chiltern Hills within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It has a population of around 5,000–6,000 and offers a mix of rural charm and commuter convenience.
Barton’s Fish & Chips  Co-op  Morrisons Daily  The Mill house coffee shop

Towcester is a historic market town located in Northamptonshire. It lies in the heart of the English countryside and serves as a pleasant blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. The Towcester Mill Brewery is a local brewery offering a selection of hand-crafted ales, often using traditional brewing methods.
Co-op  Fabrice Café  Premier Stores  Shell Service Station  Tesco Superstore  The Forum Café

Evesham is a historic market town in Worcestershire, located in the scenic Vale of Evesham along the River Avon. With a population of around 23,000, it’s known for its horticultural heritage, particularly fruit and vegetable growing, and its beautiful surrounding countryside. The town has medieval roots and was once home to a major abbey, now in ruins. Evesham is popular for its riverside parks, annual blossom trail
Costa Coffee  Herbies Cafe  Nostalgia Café  Tesco Petrol Station (24hrs)  The Boathouse Cafe Bar  The Old Swanne Inne

Hay-on-Wye is a small, charming market town on the border of England and Wales, in Powys, known internationally as the “Town of Books.” With a population of around 1,500, it sits on the River Wye and on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog).The town is famous for its second-hand bookshops, literary culture, and the annual Hay Festival, which attracts writers, thinkers, and visitors from around the world.
Angie’s  Cafe Hay  Co-op  Londis  Spar  The Cosy Cafe  The Globe

Aberaeron is a small, colourful Georgian coastal town in Ceredigion, West Wales, known for its pretty harbour, pastel-painted houses, and strong Welsh identity. With a population of around 1,200, it offers a peaceful lifestyle, scenic walks along the Wales Coast Path, and a strong sense of community. It’s popular for tourism, honey ice cream, and local seafood, but it remains relatively quiet and authentic outside peak seasons.
Costcutter  Llond Plât  McCowans  Murco Service Station  Paradise Pizza

Port Talbot is an industrial town in Neath Port Talbot, South Wales, located on the coast of the Bristol Channel. With a population of around 37,000, it is best known for its large steelworks, which is one of the biggest in Europe and a major employer in the area.
Applegreen (24hrs)  Gossip Cafe  Plaza Cafe  Premier  Tesco Express  The Docks Cafe

Barry is a seaside town in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, located about 9 miles southwest of Cardiff. With a population of around 55,000, it’s the largest town in the Vale and a mix of residential, industrial, and coastal areas. Historically a coal port, Barry is now known for its beaches (especially Barry Island), promenade, and family attractions. Popularised by shows like Gavin & Stacey, Barry blends seaside tourism with local community life. It’s more urban than many Welsh coastal towns but offers a mix of amenities, affordability, and access to both countryside and city.
Premier Stores  Tesco Express  The Buck  Tuck In Café

Chepstow is a historic town located in Monmouthshire, in the southeastern part of Wales, near the border with England. It lies on the River Wye, which forms the natural boundary between Wales and England. The town’s most famous landmark is Chepstow Castle, which was built around 1067 by the Norman Lord William fitzOsbern.
Tesco Petrol Station (24hrs)  Tesco Superstore  The Bell Hanger

Pershore is a charming market town located in the Worcestershire county, in the West Midlands region of England. The River Avon flows through the heart of Pershore, offering picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere. Pershore Abbey is the town’s most iconic landmark, with a history spanning over 1,000 years.
Chicago Pizza  Coffee & More  Koffee & Cake  Tesco Express  Texaco

St Neots is a historic market town located in the district of Cambridgeshire. The River Great Ouse, which runs through St Neots, has played an important role in the town’s development. The river is not only historically significant as a transport route but also provides the town with picturesque waterside views.
Costa Coffee  Esso  Market Café & Restaurant  Premier Stores  Shell Service Station (24hrs)

Buntingford is a small yet charming market town located in Hertfordshire, nestled on the edge of the River Rib. Buntingford was granted its market charter in the 16th century, and the Market Hill remains an important feature of the town.
Budgens (24hr)  Co-op  No’ 6 Café  The Buntingford Coffee Shop

Key Information

Facilities

	GPS files available from organiser		Mudguards required
	Parking at start		Toilets at start
	‘shoestring’ event, few or no facilities or AUK controllers

Route Detail