Cwmcarn Forest-Mountain Biking

There are two cross country mountain bike trails and two downhill trails (serviced by the onsite uplift provider) at Cwmcarn Forest.

Twrch Trail (15.5 kilometres, grade red).
The Twrch trail is one of Wales’ hidden gems, a singletrack loop climbing from dense woodland out onto open ridges with clear views of the Bristol Channel.

Nearly all the climbing on this trail is done within the first few kilometres. So the start is hard, some of it technical and it will really get your heart going (and test your determination). It’s well worth it though because the descent is very much like a rollercoaster ride; it’s fast, swooping and you’ll be exposed to some very steep hillside.

Cafall Trail (15 kilometres, grade red)

Climbing up to altitudes of over 600 metres, the Cafall Trail is graded red (for proficient riders only). Highlights include some tough climbs, tight hand-built singletrack sections and some fantastic technical descents.

Y Mynydd Downhill (1.9 kilometres, grade orange, bike park extreme) currently closed. For more information visit this website www.cwmdown.co.uk

Extreme downhill mountain bike trail for experienced riders only. The trail drops 250m through the steep hillsides of Cwmcarn.

An Uplift pass is available by booking with www.cwmdown.co.uk please note that Private Uplifts are not permitted.

Pedalhounds (1.4 kilometres, 203 metres, vertical drop, grade orange, bike park extreme)
The Pedalhounds downhill course opened in 2014. It follows the line of the old “club track” down a steep sided valley in the forest. It starts off with a handmade rooty section through the trees and soon picks up speed as it flows in and out of the wooded sections. Access to this trail is via the Cavall XC trail or by the uplift service. An uplift pass is available from Cwmdown.

NB: Please consult 'Mountain Biking Trail Guide' before starting this trail to make sure this trail is right for your level of experience and fitness.

Many of the trees in Cwmcarn Forest have been infected by larch disease (Phytophthora ramorum) and 400 acres of these infected trees will be cut down and removed. See the Natural Resources Wales website for the latest information. http://naturalresources.wales/out-and-about/places-to-go/south-east-wales/cwmcarn-forest/?lang=en