Cwmcarn doubles up on Mountain Bike Trails
Friday 21 February
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Cwmcarn Forest launches two new mountain bike trails which sees its trail offering double to four trails.
To add to the existing Twrch Trail and Y Mynydd downhill trail come two new trails that promise to thrill all mountain biking enthusiasts. The new trails at Cwmcarn are part of the Cognation project that has heavily invested in mountain biking throughout the South Wales region over the past three years. South Wales now has a reputation as the leading place to ride in the UK. Cognation is a partnership project between Neath Port Talbot CBC, Merthyr Tydfil CBC, Caerphilly CBC and Natural Resources Wales and is part-funded by the EU's Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government with match funding coming from the Welsh Governments Heads of the Valleys and Western Valleys Strategic Regeneration Area and partner organisations.
The new 'Cafall' cross-country trail offers a different experience with technical challenges that are not for the faint hearted! With 15 kilometres of trail that take in different views including a fantastic view across to Twmbarlwm. The new downhill trail is less extreme than the current Y Mynydd downhill trail and will suit mountain bikers of an intermediate level making it more accessible to a wider range of mountain bikers.
Cllr Ken James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Sustainable Development said, "Cwmcarn Forest has long since been popular choice for extreme sports enthusiasts, particular those who enjoy mountain and downhill biking. The launch of these two new trails will double our offering, and really help us put Caerphilly county borough on the map as a destination of choice for visitors and thrill seekers alike". He continued, "It is the fantastic tourist destinations, like Cwmcarn Forest, that our county borough boasts which brings visitors and adventurers, and ultimately business, to our local area".
Peter Cloke, Forest District Manager of Natural Resources Wales, said "Cwmcarn has always been a popular mountain bike destination with two downhill trails - Y Mynydd Black and Red and one cross country trail - Twrch. However, with the addition of the new cross country and downhill trails Cwmcarn is sure to be must on most bikers ride list ensuring South Wales remains one of the top mountain biking destinations".
To celebrate the launch of Cwmcarn's new and exciting trails, Cwmcarn Visitor Centre's 'Raven's Café' are offering the first fifty mountain bikers to ride the trails a free hot drink and cake. Just show your helmet in the café to see if you are a winner! Cwmcarn Forest Visitor Centre has exciting plans over the coming months with a new menu at Raven's Café coming soon and the launch of a new retail section within the centre offering gifts and home accessories.
A purpose built mountain bike shop unit, toilets and changing rooms is due to open shortly, adding to the mountain bike offering. In time for half term is the launch of a new 'Wildlife Explorer Challenge' for children. This fun and exciting activity will give children the opportunity to find out more about the wildlife and nature surrounding them as they walk through the Nantcarn valley and obtain etchings at various marker posts. For more information on the new mountain bike trails and Wildlife Explorer Challenge, contact Cwmcarn Forest Visitor Centre. Tel 01495 272001, or email [email protected].
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