Mountain Biking in Wales

Mountain Biking in Wales offers a wide range of world class riding locations with something for everyone. From relaxing forest trails to adrenalin pumping downhill runs!

Bike Park Wales offers 14 gravity fed trails from green to gnarly black, with an uplift service to make it easier to ride more trails. The bike park is a great alternative to the more rugged natural routes of Snowdonia.

Coed Llandegla

Coed Llandegla has become one of the UK’s leading mountain bike trail centres. Its 650 hectare forest site is home to trails graded from green for families to the most challenging black. Run by Oneplanet Adventure, the centre is a must for MTB enthusiasts of all levels, with berms, switchbacks and boardwalk sections to put a smile on the face of less experienced riders while adrenaline junkies will get their thrills from faster single track routes complete with steep drops and rock slabs.

There are also plenty of trails suitable for families and novice riders, and these have been crafted with a view to keeping the bike in its natural environment and creating an exciting ride that will appeal to all. As well as mountain biking, the forest is popular with trail runners and walkers, so please respect their right of way and be courteous to anyone you meet on the paths.

The forest has a cafe and bike shop which is open from 9am to 5pm daily, serving breakfast, lunch and drinks. It also has a wide range of hire bikes available for the ultimate mountain bike experience.

Oneplanet Adventure, which runs the centre, has a number of different MTB skills courses available, as well as freeride, pump track and downhill tracks. They also offer a full MTB coaching service and bespoke packages for businesses looking to bring their staff out on the trails.

MTBing is growing in popularity and Oneplanet have noticed this with a big increase in people wanting to learn the skill and enjoy the benefits that the sport brings. They have recently invested in a new training area with berms, jumps and rock slabs which will allow their MTB instructors to teach the basics of jumping and descending to beginners.

Located to the west of Wrexham, the Coed Llandegla forest offers the ideal location for MTBers of all abilities. Its network of mountain bike trails are renowned for being fast and flowing, and there is something for everyone with a variety of routes from green to black. For those looking for a bit more challenge the more challenging red and black trails provide an excellent opportunity to hone your skills.

The forest is very popular with mountain bikers from across the UK, and many of them are seasoned pros. The site hosts a series of events throughout the year to celebrate the sport, and is the home of the Welsh National MTB Series. Among the event highlights are the MTB World Cup in May and the British Downhill Championships in September. The championships are the pinnacle of international MTB racing and attract some of the world’s top competitors.

Bwlch Nant yr Arian

While the Cambrian Mountains may not be a mountain biking mecca like the Alps, they offer some of the best riding in Wales. With swooping singletrack and rugged, technical terrain, these trails will test both your skill and your endurance.

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the Welsh countryside on two wheels, head to a trail centre near you. They provide a safe environment for you to learn the basics of mountain biking, as well as expert guides who can help you advance your skills. They also host events throughout the year, from family friendly MTB races to 'town and gown' criteriums.

With trails graded from green to black, you can find a challenging ride to suit your abilities. There’s also a regular uplift service, making it possible to ride up to 15 downhill runs in a day. Described as the ‘ski resort of the bike world’ by some, BikePark Wales has something for everyone and is sure to draw in crowds at large-scale events.

Situated high above the Melindwr Valley, Bwlch Nant yr Arian is one of the most picturesque forests in the region. The trails take you through the forest, past a reservoir and across rocky ridges, delivering an unforgettable experience. The trails are a mix of swooping single track and more challenging, rocky sections and are suitable for riders with reasonable fitness levels.

The forest also features a number of walking and horse riding trails and is a popular destination for families with children and dogs. Its biggest attraction, however, is the daily red kite feeding sessions which are an incredible sight.

With a variety of trails for all abilities, this forest is a great place to start your MTB journey. With a range of MTB courses and lessons available, it’s easy to progress your skills. The trails are a mix of forestry paths and swooping singletrack, with some steep climbs and fast descents. There are also some tough, rocky routes which will challenge even the most experienced rider.