Cwmcarn Trail Centre — divine singletrack in the valleys of South Wales

Nestled in the valleys of South Wales, Cwmcarn offers a trail centre with a real punch! Technical challenges await both going up and down, with a range of red-rated, downhill and natural trails that are best suited to more experienced mountain bikers.

Two red-rated trails offer exploration either side of the valley, with the 8 mile (13 km) Twrch trail and the slightly longer 8.8 mile (14.2 km) Cafall trail. Both offer rocky, technical climbs with flowing descents that make the most of the elevation gain. Prepare to be wowed by the views from these open trails if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day.

There are two downhill trails to ride, too: the original Y Mynydd and the newer Pedalhounds track. You can either pedal up to these using the trails, fire roads and Cwmcarn Forest Drive or book onto the uplift service. If you enjoy the competitive side of mountain biking, look out for local racing series on these tracks.
Opened in 2021, the blue-rated Pwca trail is a more accessible option for beginner and novice riders.

Rated as a three-dot trail, Y Mynydd is the harder of the two, and should only be attempted by experienced, capable mountain bikers using full-face helmets and body armour. Long travel bikes are also highly recommended.

As well as the established trails, there’s an incredible network of off-piste, natural and steep trails to explore, if you wish. You can find these signposted at the sides of the main trails.

Riders will be pleased to hear that there’s a visitor centre and cafe on site too. Raven’s Cafe has a good range of drinks, snacks and meals with indoor and outdoor seating. You can also find public toilets and showers just a short walk from the car park and bike wash. There’s a bike shop, Ps Cycles, for any last-minute purchases or mechanical help.

If you’re visiting from further afield and would like to make a weekend of it, you can camp at the trail centre. There’s a choice of camping pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as glamping pods and luxury lodges. Do make sure you book in advance though, as it can quickly get booked up.

For riders who’d rather take the uplift than pedal, check out Cwmdown (cwmdown.co.uk) for more details on how to book.