bikesR4riding » Trails

Video: The Hidden Valley on Afan’s Penhydd trail, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:40:13 +0000

Here’s a piece of video of a great section of the Penhyyd trail in Afan. The section is called The Hidden Valley and is a lovely sweeping single track descent through tight switchbacks and tree lined trail. Great fun!

Taken on my Oregon Scientific ATC5K, handlebar mounted.

See video of the “Black Run” at Afan’s Whites Level trail.

Video: Black Run on Afan’s Whites Level

Paul D — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:18:44 +0000

Early start Saturday morning, headed over via North London to pick up Gavin on route to a day’s riding in the hills of Southern Wales at the Afan Forest Park, hosting what are arguably a handful of the best trails in Europe. With the Santa Cruz Blur and Spesh Enduro safely packed into the boot we headed west to sunny Wales.

Arriving a little later than planned due mainly to an unfortunate alarm malfunction, we decided to start off at the old Argoed trail centre starting off with the Penhydd trail, a 17 km Red graded trail (difficult) combining forest road climbs with tight, technical, switchback trails through mixed woodland, a great trail in the dry. We dusted it off in a reasonably swift 1 hour 26 minutes, video of this to follow.

Thankfully, the lack of mechanicals meant we made good time, enough to ride the 7 km picturesque pathway to the new trail centre in Glyncorrwg which hosts the Whites Level trail head. Whites Level is my favourite trail featuring a huge range of absolutely awesome man-made technical riding. Another 17 km, red grade trail featuring some very technical climbing, board walk, slabbed rocky descents, and a Black graded (severe) descent, the relatively new addition named the “Black Run”. I love it. The 7 hour round trip car journey was definitely worth it for the amazing 4 hours in the saddle!

The short video below shows the black run from a helmet camera mounted onto my handlebars. Forgive the shaky picture. Although it doesn’t do the Black Run justice it should give you an idea of it’s challenging technical riding. Hope you like it.

Taken on my Oregon Scientific ATC5K, handlebar mounted.

Look at video from “The Hidden Valley” at Afan’s Penhydd trail.

Trails: The Witch’s Trails, Scotland

Paul D — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:07:55 +0000

Legend has it that the Witch of Leanachan (“lee-nach-an”) fled to the hills of Aonach Mor in the 1800s. Keeping her spooky spirit alive, the world-famous Witch’s Trails continue to bewitch mountain bikers. There are 45km of trail to tackle.

Leanachan Forest also has plenty of unwaymarked forest road for you to explore. All the forest roads are indicated on the trail map.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: The Moray Monster, Scotland

Paul D — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:04:22 +0000

With 30km of fun-packed singletrack mountain bike routes, there’s something here to feed the monster in everyone!

Whether you’re totally new to off-road mountain biking, or a seriously expert rider looking for big thrills, there’s a trail here that’s just right for you, from an easy green-graded track to severe black-grade trails and orange-graded downhill and Northshore sections.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Newcastleton, 7Stanes, Scotland

Paul D — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:01:28 +0000

Close to the Scotland-England border, Newcastleton has trails for all levels. There is plenty of fun to be had here on routes shorter than at most of the other 7stanes.

The trails
The 0.4km Green skills trail – all on singletrack – is reached via a road climb from the trail head and is worth a quick blast whatever your riding level.

For those looking to stretch their legs a little more, the recently-upgraded 6km Caddrouns Blue trail is just the ticket. With 50% of the route on singletrack (built with less experienced riders firmly in mind), it’s a fun introduction to real mountain biking. The slightly longer Linns trail (8km) is a scenic route which sticks to forest roads.

For more thrills, a 10.5km red route whizzes through the trees on fast, narrow singletrack for nearly 3km near the start, crossing bridges and boardwalks, and the final exhilarating descent from Swarf Hill will have you going round for a second lap.

If that’s not enough, the orange-graded (bike park) North Shore trail should hit the spot. You’ll find This challenge for advanced riders is to the south of the skills trail.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Mabie, 7Stanes, Scotland

Paul D — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:00:32 +0000

Mabie forest, the original mountain biking venue in the South West of Scotland, lies just a few miles south of Dumfries and caters for beginners right through to the most expert of riders.

With a skills area, café, bike hire and shop on site, it is definitely not to missed.

The trails
The green-graded Big Views and the blue-graded Woodhead loops are a great introduction to mountain biking and Mabie’s striking surroundings. Mostly on forest roads, with a few sections of easy singletrack, there are plenty of ups and downs, but the gradients are not too steep.

The 23km Purple Trail – Lochbank Loop is a mixture forest road and some b-class public road (hence its forest road and similar grading). Making the most of the hills, the route has its fair share of climbing, but just like the Big Views Loop the rewards are there. Enjoy the peaceful roads through the forest and revel in the views that you come across.

The skills area lies a short distance from the cafe near the trail head. If you are a new or intermediate rider, its blue- and red-graded features are ideal for practising your skills before riding the trails or prior to moving up a trail grade. The area includes a fantastic 300m freeride line with plenty of sections for you to practise your jumping technique.

The red-graded Phoenix Trail is a classic mountain bike route – great riding through mixed woodland and wonderful scenery. This 17km ride has testing climbs, fast descents, berms and water splashes. If you like fast, flowing, twisty trails with a few rocky, rooty sections and some jumps, this is your mountain bike heaven.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Learnie Red Rock, Scotland

Paul D — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:57:07 +0000

The Red Rock trails at Learnie: 16km of trails for all skill levels, combined with some of the best views from any mountain bike trails, anywhere!

There are green, blue, and black graded trails, with a bike park and a dirt jump area (both graded orange). Even our green grade singletrack is not ‘billiard table’ smooth – it gives a sufficient challenge for those wanting more than just forest road-type mountain biking.

For full details,visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Laggan Wolftrax, Scotland

Paul D — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:52:46 +0000

Run with the pack at Laggan Wolftrax and enjoy nearly 35km of the most up-to-date, year-round singletrack available in the country.

Set in the outstanding natural highland beauty of Strathmashie Forest, Wolftrax provides a green-graded beginners’ trail, the thrills of a big-and-bermy Bike Park, a fast red-graded route packed with features and a black-graded trail that’s possibly the most technical of its type in Scotland.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Kyle of Sutherland, Scotland

Paul D — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:34:18 +0000

With stunning views over the Kyle of Sutherland, the inner Dornoch Firth and Bonar Bridge, the Kyle of Sutherland Mountain Bike Trails offer 17 km of trail for a range of skills.

There are blue, red and black graded trails combining in-forest riding, technical features and forest roads.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Kirroughtree, 7Stanes, Scotland

Paul D — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 04:30:33 +0000

Kirroughtree, home to some of the best technical singletrack in the country is also a favourite family venue with a wide range of trails, seasonal café and a great kids’ play area.

The Trails
The green-graded Bargaly Wood trail uses a mix of minor public roads, wide tracks and one short section of easy singletrack to take you around the scenic Bargaly Glen.

When you’re ready for the next step up the trail riding ladder, try the 2 km blue-graded Taster Loop. You can also practice your technique in the skills area, which has blue, red and black- graded options.

More challenges await on the Larg Hill blue route, with long sections of narrow, flowing singletrack ending in a superb plunge through magnificent woodland. The optional Doon Hill extension adds 4km and some great views.

After a moderate start, The red-graded Twister trail gets more demanding, with rock step-ups, drops, berms and jumpable sections, all on the tight and twisting trail that’s typical of Kirroughtree.

To top it all, the black-grade Black Craigs route ups the ante, adding 14km of challenging riding on to the red route. For many the highlight is ‘McMoab’ – huge slabs and ridges of exposed granite, linked by boulder causeways. Skill and bags of nerve required…

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Innerleithen, Scotland

Paul D — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 03:24:25 +0000

All trails at Innerleithen are designed for the experienced mountain biker. The easiest trail at Innerleithen is the Black graded Traquair cross-country route. It is also a Mecca for downhill mountain bikers, with 4 downhill trails, all with different characters. Innerleithen is really a venue for the thrill seeking cyclist only.

For full details, visit www.scottishmountainbike.com

Trails: Highland Wildcat Trails, Golspie, Scotland

Paul D — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:20:17 +0000

Superb trails built into the hillsides over looking Golspie and the North Sea. A privately operated mountain bike centre with superbly built trails. Well worth the trip north. A small £4 donation per rider is required.

For full details, visit www.scottishmountainbike.com

Trails: Glentrool, 7Stanes, Scotland

Paul D — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:16:03 +0000

In contrast to the big country circuit, there are two green-graded routes at Glentrool: The Glen and the Palgowan.

The Glen is a short (6km) trail which shares the easy singletrack of the first half of the blue route, takes you around the Palnagashel Glen and descends on forest roads back to the visitor centre.

The Palgowan is longer. Starting on the same singletrack as The Glen route, it takes you north on forest roads and a farm track to Palgowan before returning via a climb and long descent around Glencaird Hill. A short cut along the minor public road back to Glentrool Village is available if you want to miss out the climb.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Kirkhill, Scotland

Paul D — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:29:07 +0000

A favorite location for Aberdeen’s local riders; Kirkhill is small but has plans to expand. Kirkhill has a Fun Park and a cross country trail through the forest. A great place to stop off and cycle if you are passing through the area.

For full details, visit www.scottishmountainbike.com

Trails: Glentress and Innerleithen, 7Stanes, Scotland

Paul D — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:15:45 +0000

Glentress and Innerleithen in the Tweed Valley have a massive reputation for some of the best mountain biking in the UK and beyond.

Glentress is probably the best biking centre in Britain, winning several awards. It has brilliant trails of all grades, a top-notch café, a bike shop with bike hire, changing and showering facilities, and a great atmosphere.

Innerleithen, situated just a few miles south east of Glentress, is home to some of the UK’s finest downhill and freeride trails, as well as a cracking red-graded XC route.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Fort William Downhill, Scotland

Paul D — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:53:52 +0000

The 3km Downhill run at the Nevis Range – Fort William, is accessed by a Gondola Cable Car, which lifts riders and bikes to over 200ft above sea level. Open from May until September and only, from 11am to 3pm. Contact the Nevis Range if you’re travelling a long distance as the track is sometimes used for competitions or closed for maintenance. Only recommended for skilled riders, and helmets are compulsory. Full body armour and a full face helmet is recommended.

For full details, visit www.scottishmountainbike.com

Trails: Drumlanrig, Scotland

Paul D — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:46:10 +0000

Drumlanrig is home to the Scottish Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships. All the trails are very natural in feel with plenty of roots and mud in the wet, through beautiful broadleaf woodland. the car park has the beautiful back drop of Drumlanrig Castle.

For full details, visit www.scottishmountainbike.com

Trails: Dalbeattie, 7Stanes, Scotland

Paul D — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:42:32 +0000

There’s a broad range of trails on offer and it’s the granite rock that defines the riding here. While the green-graded Ironhash trail offers easy biking mostly on forest roads, the blue-graded Moyle Hill route will have your tyres crossing short sections of rough rock and narrow trail – but the riding is fun rather than difficult.

On the red-graded Hardrock trail things go up a gear, and the surface becomes both rougher and rockier, with several notably challenging stretches. It’s the black-graded sections, however – The Slab, the Terrible Twins and Volunteer Ridge – that get people talking and the heart racing.

Recent trail building has increased the amount of singletrack in the routes and, at the trail head, a skills area with differently-graded loops gives a taste of Dalbeattie riding for those new to the area or to mountain biking. The skills trails total 1.5km in length and are on 100% singletrack.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Carron Valley Mountain Bike Trails, Scotland

Paul D — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:29:29 +0000

Fast, fun and purpose built for year round use – the Carron Valley Mountain Bike Trails are guaranteed to entice you back for more!

The natural beauty of the area, combined with panoramic views, offers “big country” biking in the heart of Scotland within easy reach of the major cities.

The 10.5km of red-graded trails have something for everyone. Linked trail sections provide the option of a short, fun route, or something longer and more challenging on singletrack and forest road.

For full details, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Trails: Balnain Bike Park, Scotland

Paul D — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:08:37 +0000

Balnain Bike Park is muscle-stretching, lung-bursting fun. It’s the cycling equivalent of a skateboard park, just as testing of your skills and every bit as energetic.

Runs and jumps, North Shore, singletrack, skinnies, the fun box, aerial structures such as the seesaw that rotates as you pass over it: use them to the limit for a real adrenaline rush!

The park also has a skills development area. It’s a great way to try out some of the manoeuvres you’ll need before putting them to the test.

Aside from the skills development area, the park is for experienced mountain bikers and is graded double black. See the trail grades page for a full description of this grade.

For full details, visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/

Trails: The Ae 7Stanes, Scotland

Paul D — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:58:51 +0000

Ae’s green- and blue-graded trails are ideal for entry level riders and families, while its red-graded and downhill routes are for the more experienced rider.

An entry level mountain bike trail, the Green Route is aimed mainly at families with young children. It’s a 9km loop which runs up the Ae valley to a lovely viewpoint overlooking the Water of Ae. A beautiful place to stop and picnic with lots of rocks around the river.

The Blue Route shares much of its route with the Green trail – the difference is a 4.5km section on forest road, giving a trail length of 13.5km in all. It’s suitable for those families looking to take in a little bit more of the forest than just the short green-graded valley route.

The red-graded Ae Line – Scottish Power Renewables Trail is a challenging, high quality ride through quiet coniferous forest. This route has an aggressive freeride style to it with some large and sometimes intimidating trail features in addition to very steep climbs and descents.

Ridden at speed, things get very exciting, but if you are more cautious you can keep your wheels on the ground all the way round. For many, the highlight of the route is the final descent of Omega Man, with its multiplicity of jumps.

The 1.6km Ae Downhill route provides a bigger challenge. Graded ‘Bike Park/ Extreme’, its seriously gnarly rocky sections, slippery roots and huge drops will satisfy the most demanding of riders. If that’s not enough, try The Shredder, similarly graded, which starts next to the DH track.

For full details, visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry

Trails: The Fire Tower Trail, Scotland

Paul D — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:50:20 +0000

The Fire Tower Trail, by Lochgilphead in West Argyll, has a little bit of something for everyone, from gentle tracks to radical free-riding.

The descents are awesome – but what comes down must first go up, so there are some challenging climbs as well. Fortunately the climbs give you an excuse to sit down and take in the stunning views before enjoying 7.4km of singletrack.

The routes available are graded blue, red and black. See the trail grades page for full descriptions of these grades.

Riding distances depend on where you start from, but the main loop beginning at Achnabreac is 19km long.

For full details, visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/

Trails: Penhydd, Afan, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:57:14 +0000

This is a very varied trail which combines forest road climbs with tight, technical, switchback trails through mixed woodland.

The open, flowing singletrack also crosses young plantations opening up fantastic views.

Big climbs followed by technical descents mean that this trail can be difficult and is exposed to bad weather on high ground.

Trail name: Penhydd
Centre: Afan
Distance: 17km
Climbing: 550m
Time: 1.5 – 3hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Yr Afon, Coed y Brenin, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:51:57 +0000

This is a new trail taking in some of the most picturesque parts of the River Mawddach. You will pass the gold mines of Gwynfynedd and go along the length of the river valley. One for all the family to enjoy. It’s a relatively low level route on forest roads with no singletrack sections, but includes a short section of constructed track leading from the centre. It also includes a heavily pot-holed longer section of private road. There are a couple of rocky, steepish climbs which may be difficult for some families to ride up.

Trail name: Yr Afon
Centre: Coed Y Brenin
Distance: 10.8km (short cut 7km)
Climbing: 100m
Time: 1 – 3hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Whites Level, Afan, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:49:32 +0000

My personal favourite, Whites Level is the most technical of all the trails in Afan Forest Park and is 90% purpose-built singletrack.

A 6km sheep-track climb gives fantastic views of the Afan Valley, extreme exposure on tight singletrack means ultimate thrills and long, demanding descents with rocky steps to negotiate, all leading to one outrageous trail.

If you are up for it try out the optional new Black Run, graded black/severe!

Trail name: Whites Level
Centre: Afan
Distance: 17km
Climbing: 550m
Time: 1.5 – 3hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: The Wall, Afan, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:46:35 +0000

Some of the best singletrack descents in the UK, this trail essentially traverses the North side of the Afan Valley on singletrack, varying from fast, open and flowing to tight, technical and rooty.

Great views of the valley and coastline open out at different points, and in places the steep-sided slopes can feel exposed.

The approach to the singletrack shares a section of the low level family cycleway and the disused railway line, so please ride with consideration for the many other forest users.

Trail name: The Wall
Centre: Afan
Distance: 23km
Climbing: 450m
Time: 1.5 – 3hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Temtiwr, Coed y Brenin, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:44:20 +0000

This short but technical trail tests all a rider’s skills and abilities – not for novices. It gives the experienced rider a taste of just what to expect from mountain biking at CyB. The 5 sections of singletrack all have the “grin factor”. You’ll definitely get the urge to give the other trails a try.

Warning: you will encounter a number of rocky sections including rock steps with a drop of 20cm/8”or more.

Trail name: Temtiwr
Centre: Coed Y Brenin
Distance: 8.7km
Climbing: 170m
Time: 0.5–1hr

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Tarw, Coed y Brenin, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:40:55 +0000

This is destined to become the forest’s iconic trail and one which you won’t want to miss! A technically challenging ride with twisty, rocky sections, fast flowing descents and views across to the Snowdonia range. It’s a “Top Dogger”.

Warning: you will encounter a number of rocky sections including rock steps with a drop of 20cm/8”or more.

Trail name: Tarw
Centre: Coed Y Brenin
Distance: 20.2km
Climbing: 460m
Time: 1.5 – 3hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Syfydrin Trail, Nant yr Arian, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:37:01 +0000

Ceredigion County Council, in partnership with Forestry Commission Wales and Continental, bring you the Syfydrin Trail, an epic ride in epic countryside.

This trail takes in all of the existing summit trail with its fantastic swooping, flowing singletrack, and adds to it by leading you out onto the high open hills with stunning views. It is a long and challenging ride in exposed and remote countryside, so go equipped for any eventuality, including plenty to eat and drink, spares, tools and clothing. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be back. It is safer riding with others. Much of the route is on technical doubletrack, which is used by vehicles, walkers and horse riders. Some of it is used as a waymarked horse riding route.

Trail name: Syfydrin Trail
Centre: Nant yr Arian
Distance: 35km
Climbing: 670m
Time: 3 – 5hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: The Summit Trail, Nant yr Arian, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:33:52 +0000

Forestry Commission Wales, in partnership with Ceredigion County Council and Summit Cycles bring to you the Summit Trail.

This is a demanding route with some technical singletrack descents and long climbs. Parts are open and exposed, watch out for the weather.

The ‘Summit’ Trail is a roller coaster ride of fantastic purpose built single track that weaves its way through conifer plantations, down steep side slopes and along deep river valleys.

Trail name: Summit Trail
Centre:Nant yr Arian
Distance:16km
Climbing:310m
Time:1.5 – 3.5hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Skyline, Afan, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:30:01 +0000

Skyline is a giant of a ride. Ensure you and your equipment are fully prepared for an epic skyline ride.

Sharing the same sheep-track ascent as White’s Level and continuing on long, forest road climbs with sweet, flowing technical singletrack descents you will be treated to stunning, skyline views of the Brecon Beacons, the Preselis, the Black Mountains and the South Wales coast.

This route will test your stamina and your nerve, with technical singletrack such as sections ‘On The Edge’ and ‘Excalibur’. Your reward will be out-stretched views and a nerve-tingling, rocky, 6 km singletrack descent back into Glyncorrwg. There are also 2 short-cut loops built into the trail.

You will experience exposure at altitudes up to 600 metres, and possible extreme weather changes. Again, be prepared.

Any regular mountain bike will be fine for these trails. Just make sure the gears are working and there’s plenty of life left in your brake blocks. As the trails are largely cut into stable base geology, there are only a few mud patches even in deepest winter but a Crud Catcher or similar will keep your face filth free.

Trail name: Skyline
Centre: Afan
Distance: 46km
Climbing: 2000m
Time: 4-7hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Raven Trail, Brechfa, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:19:47 +0000

The Black graded Raven trail, designed by Rowan Sorrell and Brian Rumble, raises Brechfa’s take on mountain biking to the next level.

Suitable only for proficient bikers, the trail effortlessly mixes up the more traditional narrow woodland singletracks with Brechfa’s signature brash descents: fast, undulating trail that sweeps between trees and flows sinuously into berms and over jumps.

This trail takes you out into the more interesting corners of the forest and creates a ride that involves the forest’s unique environment, from spooky mossy overhangs to the magnificent Douglas fir Northshore Bridge.

Trail name: Raven Trail
Centre: Brechfa
Distance: 18.5km
Climbing: 725m
Time: 1.5 – 2hr

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Radnorshire, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:17:05 +0000

A hidden gem on the Welsh border, Radnorshire has been a hot bed of off road activity for years, thanks to its unparalleled trail network.

With the help of the excellent Rough Rides website you can unlock the secret singletrack of mile after mile of deserted moorlands before heading back for a well earned pint in the real ale renowned town of Kington.

Not the worn rubble roads of the English parks, this patch just escaped being designated a welsh national park back in the sixties, and some say it’s better for it, certainly quieter.

To escape the stresses of the modern world, albeit for the briefest of times, this is the place.

There are twenty three downloadable routes from four different starting points, for GPs users also downloadable as tracklogs files.

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Penmachno, Betws y Coed, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:08:15 +0000

The Penmachno Trail is a challenging trail with some steady climbs taking in some more spectacular scenery. The trail uses plenty of forest roads but also includes some decent singletrack incorporating bridge crossings, elevated wooden sections (not North Shore) and stream crossings.

Trail name: Penmachno
Centre: Betws y Coed
Distance: 22km
Climbing: 600m
Time: 2 – 3hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Pendam Trail, Nant yr Arian, Wales

Paul D — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:02:31 +0000

This route combines sections of the ‘Summit’ and ‘Continental Tyres Syfydrin’ trails to give you a taste of the fantastic riding and scenery available. Although it is the shortest route at Nant yr Arian, it includes lots of sweet singletrack and some hard climbs, parts of it are technically challenging so take care. Watch out for other users of the trail, it includes sections of public road and tracks shared with horse riders.

Trail name: Pendam Trail
Centre: Nant yr Arian
Distance: 9km
Climbing: 220m
Time: 1 – 2hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: MBR, Coed y Brenin, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:59:53 +0000

This predominantly open and flowing trail offers long sweeping descents through spectacular scenery. The new section of the Pink Heifer is something special. Once at the bottom, expect to climb and then descend the “Beginning of the End”, the most technically challenging section of the trail.

Warning: you will encounter a number of rocky sections including rock steps with a drop of 20cm/8”or more.

Trail name: MBR
Centre: Coed Y Brenin
Distance: 18.4km
Climbing: 410m
Time: 1.5 – 3hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails, The Marin Trail, Betws y Coed, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:56:14 +0000

The Marin Trail is a proper mountain bike trail in every sense of the term. Big climbs, big descents, brilliant singletrack and truly awesome scenery make this a trail to remember. Most, but not all, of the climbs are on forest roads and tracks giving you time to take in the views of the mountains of snowdonia, and all of the descents are on the sweetest singletrack.The singletack varies from very tight, technical and rocky to wonderfully open and flowing, from dark forest to exposed ridgelines.

Trail name: Marin Trail
Centre: Betws y Coed
Distance: 25km
Climbing: 450m
Time: 2 – 4hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Machynlleth, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:39:46 +0000

The old Welsh capital in the south of Snowdonia, Machynlleth has a unique Alpine atmosphere and rich trail menu.

The original Mach 1-3 trails take you as far out into the wilderness as you want to go on natural, but no less challenging trails. Meanwhile the more recent cli-machx trail winds you high into Dyfi forest before firing you down superbly technical singletrack descents that seem to go on forever.

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Hiraethog, Dolgellau, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:35:11 +0000

Another hidden gem on the Dolgellau drive thru route, the forgotten forests, reservoirs and moors of the Myndd Hiraethog area are perfect for those like some solitude with their singletrack.

The Ride Hiraethog website means you can hit the best trails right from your first visit, though we guarantee it won’t be your last once you’ve found what’s there.

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Gorlech, Brechfa, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:32:07 +0000

Named after the river Gorlech, what this trail delivers in views and scenery it certainly backs up with terrain and excitement.

Taking design and construction to new levels, the trail is a hard, fast, all weather surface which becomes more and more exciting as your skill level and speed progresses.

Soon you’ll be railing the perfectly sculpted berms and huge switchbacks, jumping the step up jumps and tabletops and grinning all the way to the bottom of the exhilarating final descent.

The Gorlech red route firmly puts Brechfa on the MTB Wales map as another top destination.

Trail name: Gorlech
Centre: Brechfa
Distance: 19km
Climbing: 1071m
Time: 1.5 – 3hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Dragons Back, Coed y Brenin, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:24:38 +0000

Previous mtb experience is recommended should you decide to tackle this trail. Long climbs, tight singletrack and long, fast descents have made this ride into one of the most revered throughout Europe.
Enjoy, but show it respect!

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Derwen Green, Brechfa, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:20:55 +0000

Named after the oak woodland it effortlessly flows through, the Derwen trail gives the inexperienced off-road rider a unique introduction to the world of mountain biking.

Clinging low to the valley sides, the trail eases you in with steady climbs and fun descents. Weaving through the forest you will encounter some lovely scenery and flowing terrain in what has until now been one of Wales’s best kept secrets.

Trail name: Derwen – Green
Centre:Brechfa
Distance:9.2km
Climbing:506m
Time:1.5 – 2hrs

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Green Derwen, Brechfa, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:15:36 +0000

A loop off the Green Derwen trail, the blue Derwen trail climbs a steeper bank before taking in a longer, faster descent that will have you pumping and whooping all the way to the valley bottom. The blue route is also a stepping-stone to the steeper and more technical red Gorlech route.

Trail name: Derwen – Blue
Centre: Brechfa
Distance: 4.7km
Climbing: 307m
Time: 0.5 – 1hrs

For map and full details, visit MTBWales.com

Trails: Cwmcarn, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:10:38 +0000

The fastest way for southern riders to get their fix of singletrack and DH action, Cwmcarn is less than half an hour from the Severn bridge.

The wild contouring singletrack of Whyte bikes sponsored Twrch trail, rolling in and out of forests will keep you focused on the trail, but stop and you’ll be looking out over the Bristol Channel.

Cwmcarn is also the ultimate park and play centre for serious gravity slaves.

The Y Mynydd Downhill track is unique in the UK for offering a year round uplift service (details at www.cwmdown.co.uk). [Private Uplifts are not Permitted]

There’s also a purpose built freeride park, full of jump packs, berms, wall rides and a complete corkscrew for getting your eye in before hitting the full descent.

For maps and full details, visitn MTBWales.com

Trails: Coed Trallwm, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:02:19 +0000

The beautiful Elan valley has been a part of the British mountain bike landscape since the first Red Kite Bash events of the 1980s.

Now the superb natural trail network of the area surrounding the tiny but dynamic town of Llanwrytyd Wells is joined by the small but perfectly formed centre at Coed Trallwm. A superb area to explore for a weekend or more.

Llanwrytyd Wells might be tiny, but it’s a massive presence in mountain biking. Home to super experienced trail guide and event organiser Clive Powell, the legendary bike friendly Neuadd arms, the World MTB Bog Snorkelling championships and the Real Ale Wobble you won’t find a town more geared to knobbly tyres.

Further up the valley Coed Trallwm – with it’s warmly welcoming visitor centre – provides an ideal starting point for exploring both their own trail network and the miles and miles of wild bridleway riding in this stunningly scenic area.

For more information on Coed Trallwm including local accommodation go to: http://www.coedtrallwm.co.uk

For maps and full details, visit MTBwales.com

Trails: Coed Llandegla, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:53:30 +0000

The Mountain Biking Centre at Coed Llandegla Forest opened during late summer 2005 and has already proved to be extremely popular with mountain bikers from across North Wales.

The forest has mountain biking trails suitable for beginners and family groups, more challenging routes for experienced bikers including a new black run, and a choice of picturesque walking trails. All tracks are completely enclosed within the forest, with no main roads to cross. Within the Visitor Centre there is a café and a variety of facilities for bikers such as a jet wash, and all this just 7 miles from Wrexham and 14 miles from Chester.

For maps and full details, visit MTBWales.com

Trails: Clwyds, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:47:32 +0000

Spreading out either side is a stunning, normally deserted network of untamed trails and quiet roads. Thanks to the excellent Ride the Clywds website these can be woven into superb starter rides or epics that’ll exhaust even the most hardened weekend warriors.

For maps and full details, visit MBWales.com

Trails: Beast of Brenin, Wales

Paul D — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:39:45 +0000

This long distance route promises to be both physically and mentally demanding and should not be attempted unless fitness and skill levels allow. Go prepared with adequate fluids, clothing and bike spares. Expect to come back tired, muddy and exhilarated!

Trail name: Beast of Brenin
Centre: Coed Y Brenin
Distance: 38.2km
Climbing: 1015m
Time: 3 – 6hrs

For maps and full details visit MountainbikingWales