For a cyclist, Wales is criss-crossed by country lanes and perfect for exploring, with thousands of miles of superb riding conditions. Relaxing forest routes and valley trails to get away from it all; the adrenalin rush of ultra technical mountain descents; or tortuous hand carved single track - it's all here in Wales.

And for mountain biking, Wales’ landscape is the perfect setting with its mountains, wooded valleys and rugged trails. 

The National Cycle Network

The National Cycle Network in Wales (Sustrans) includes over 1200 miles (1931 km) of country lanes, canal towpaths and disused railway lines. Exploring by bike is a great way to experience the wonderful Welsh countryside as well as combining visits to attractions, historic sites, towns and of course well deserved pub and café stops in all areas of Wales. There are so many routes to choose from which can be found on their route directory. Each route can be sorted depending on region, route type and distance to match your clients' requirements and energy level.

Mountain bike centres

These centres are purpose-built mountain bike complexes with excellent facilities, designed to provide thrilling rides regardless of the track standard your clients seek – black, red, blue and green. There are a number across Wales, below is only a selection. Visit our listing for group information on Mountain Bike Wales or go to their website for more about Mountain Bike Centres.

Afan Forest Park, near Swansea
The trails at Afan Forest Park have been carved out of hillsides once surrounded by coal mining and has been transformed into a biker’s heaven. The park is home to five world class trails boasting over 62 miles (100 km) of single track trails. There is also the Afan Bike Park which allows riders to improve their riding skill and have hours of winding, swerving fun with berms and jumps.

Afan Forest Park mountain biking

Antur Stiniog, Blaenau Ffestiniog
The park at Antur Stiniog offers six downhill trails graded blue to black with mountain bike uplift. The park has a state of the art fully equipped downhill centre complete with café, shop, showers, bike maintenance and bike wash. There is also an outdoor shop and an information centre in the centre of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Two mountain bikers at the start of a track looking down to the quarry and village.

Quarry trail at Antur Stiniog

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Aberystwyth
Located in the forest on a mountain not far from the coast of Aberystwyth, Bwlch Nant yr Arian offers stunning high-level wilderness riding. With trails heading out into the epic scenery of the Cambrian Mountains, this is a fantastic area for those who like their riding rugged. Just be prepared for everything from true mountain climbs to river crossings and technical rocky descents. There is a visitor centre, shop and a c
afé on site.

Mountain biker at Nant yr Arian bike park.
A mountain biker doing a jump amongst forestry.

Bwlch Nant yr Arian

Coed y Brenin, near Dolgellau
As the UK's first dedicated mountain bike trail centre, the single track network at Coed y Brenin has gradually evolved from natural forest trails to the extensive network of all-weather routes. The gradual refinement of trail construction techniques here, along with a stunning location and mix of broadleaf trees, means that the routes retain a very natural ‘old school’ feel, which is unique to Coed y Brenin. This isn’t your average, gravel trail network, weaving through densely planted Sitka spruce.

A cyclist amongst tall forest pine trees, with the sunlight beaming through.
Mountain bikers practicing jumps on humps surrounded by pine trees.

Coed y Brenin forest

Cwmcarn Forest, near Newport
The fastest way for southern based riders to get their fix of single track fun and downhill action, Cwmcarn Forest is less than 30min from the Severn Bridges and 10min from the M4. Both red graded trails will keep your clients firmly focused on their riding and whilst stopping for a breather will see views towards the Bristol Channel. Hot meals and refreshments can be found at Cwmcarn Visitor Centre.

Two mountain bikers overlooking a wooded valley.

Cwmcarn Forest

Elan Valley, near Rhayader, Powys
The reservoirs, Victorian dams, and open hills is the perfect location for mountain biking and cycling - one of MBW's mountain bike bases. The extensive network of trails at Elan Valley weave in and out of mountains, valleys and woodland. The graded trails range from red, blue and black loops from 5.6 miles (9 km) to a more enduring 37 miles (60 km), depending on your clients’ skill and endurance. Bike hire is available for all abilities, including a selection of e-bikes. There is a visitor centre and a café on site.

Cyclists on a path near a reservoir heading toward a water bridge.
A mountain biker doing a jump amongst forestry.

Mountain biking at Elan Valley

Llys-y-Frân Lake, Pembrokeshire
There are 8.7 miles (14 km) of trails at
Llys-y-Frân Lake including the purpose built Pump Skills Track for mountain biking enthusiasts. The three trails range from the easy Family Route and the more difficult Reservoir and Woodstock routes. The mountain bike trails are designed to suite all abilities and to challenge and build confidence in the sport. The routes are waymarked and colour coded. Cycle hire is available at the Outdoor Activity Centre and Waterside Cabin, along with changing rooms. There is also a repair shop and a bike wash station.

As well as our extensive cycle trails, we also have a specially designed and constructed purpose-built mountain biking pump track and skills area which is perfect for all ages. Here is a taster of what you can expect. #ChooseYourWelshWaterAdventure Yn ogystal â'n llwybrau beicio helaeth, mae gennym drac pympio a sgiliau beicio mynydd wedi eu dylunio a'u hadeiladu'n bwrpasol sy'n berffaith i bobl o bob oedran. Dyma flas o beth y gallwch ei ddisgwyl. #DewiswchEichAnturDwrCymru

Posted by Llys y Frân on Thursday, September 2, 2021

Mountain bike parks and bike trails

Bike parks have a range of trails for all abilities and offer an up-lift service so that bikes can be transported to the top. As per traditional mountain bike trails the routes are graded and your clients will have lots of fun managing the descents, leaps and obstacles. Mountain Bike Wales list the locations of bike parks and bike trails on their website.

More inspiration

Road cycling holidays in Carmarthenshire
As cycling becomes more popular, Discover Carmarthenshire has created three new road cycling holidays. Expertly crafted, they will help cyclists discover new routes of beautiful scenery which include castles, market towns, mountains and some of the longest beaches in Wales.

The three Bikecations include two weekend breaks to discover either castles or mountains. The third is a week long leisurely holiday which allows cyclists to choose from a range of circuits. The routes are around 30 miles long, with suggested attractions to visit and places to stop for food and drink. Clients will also be able to search for bike-friendly accommodation.

Some of the main attractions to discover during the Bikecations include National Botanic Garden of Wales, Dylan Thomas’ BoathouseLlanddeusant Red Kite Feeding StationNewton House and Dinefwr, Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Carreg Cennen, Aberglasney Gardens, Plas Llanelly House, Kidwelly Castle and Hywel Dda Garden and Heritage Centre.

A grand walled mansion amongst colourful gardens.
Outside steps surrounded by lush green banks leading to castle.
A walled entrance leading to a grand mansion.

Aberglasney Gardens, Kidwelly Castle and Newton House

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