Does anyone know what the 50km course is like in terms of technical challenge and steep climbs? I have a not so fit, relative beginner who wants to do either the 30km (which shouldn't be too techy) or the 50km, if it isnt too scary.

If its the same as previous years then technically wise its pretty easy. There is alot of climbing in it though and depending on conditions it can feel even harder. I would still say the 100K at Selkirk was far easier then the 75K at Builth!

Lots of people will be walking up the climbs, even from quite early on.

Make sure you get ahead of the bunch at the mass start otherwise you will have all the singletrack ruined by the 'shit there's a steep hill, better slam my brakes on and cause a bottle neck' gang.