Located in Gethin Woods near Merthyr Tudful (Merthyr Tydfil), BikePark Wales sits in the heart of the South Wales Valleys. If you love riding fast, flowing trails, then this is your dream mountain biking destination.
The purpose-built mountain bike park combines all-weather tracks, graded routes for every level, and the UK’s first year-round uplift service – getting you back to the top in minutes.
What is BikePark Wales?
How do you define a bike park? It’s a surprisingly difficult question to answer, as there are so many intangible features that come into play to create a unique feel at a good bike park. BikePark Wales, however, is a great example that ticks all the boxes.
You’ll find:
- Over 40 purpose-built trails designed for all abilities (you can find BikePark Wales trail maps on their website).
- A 491m summit uplift that means more downhill, less pedalling.
- Bike hire (handtails, full-suspension, and e-bikes).
- A café and outdoor terrace with local food and drinks.
- Showers, changing areas, and parking.
- EV charging points.
- Coaching and guided rides from nationally renowned, highly acclaimed coaches – suitable for all abilities.
Whether you’re a beginner finding your flow, or a downhill regular chasing your personal best, BikePark Wales brings it all together in one location within easy reach of Abertawe (Swansea), Caerdydd (Cardiff), and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
Plan ahead: Uplift passes and bike hire are best booked in advance via the BikePark Wales website.
Trails for every level
One of the great things about BikePark Wales is that it’s designed to be accessible to all types of riders. It welcomes people who can ride a bike but never considered coming to a dedicated bike park.
When you visit, you’ll see a real mix of committed downhill riders on the more challenging runs, as well as families and children enjoying the gentler green trails. In short, BikePark Wales is a fully inclusive place where everyone can enjoy a two-wheeled adventure.
Beginners and families
The green and blue trails are perfect introductions for those new to mountain biking. Flowing berms, gentle gradients, and wide surfaces help you build confidence while soaking up the valley views. Coaching sessions and e-bike hire are also available.
Alongside Kermit is the green graded Badgers Run, a 1km loop through broadleaf woodland on relatively smooth and flat terrain that’s ideal for families to start on.
Next to the entrance of the family trail you’ll find the 'pump track'. This loop is designed to improve technical riding skills and can be enjoyed by everybody from a youngster just learning two wheels to a professional dirt jump rider.
Explore: Beginner mountain bike trails in Wales.
Intermediate and advanced riders
Red-graded routes step up the challenge with tighter turns, table-tops, and forest singletrack. The uplift gives you maximum time on the descents – ideal for improving technique and fitness.
For downhill pros and advanced riders, the black and pro-lines deliver pure adrenaline: steep rock gardens, gap jumps, and technical switchbacks carve through Gethin Woods.
What is the summit uplift?
There are two ways to get to the top of the hill at BikePark Wales, which is another feature that creates that unique bike park feel.
For those wishing to challenge their fitness a singletrack trail will take you to the top of Myndd Gethin at 491 metres under your own steam.
Riders wanting to maximise the fun factor and concentrate on descending can use the minibus uplift service which transports rider and bike to the very summit of the hill safely and comfortably. Don’t forget to book in advance via the BikePark Wales website to avoid disappointment.
Riders using the uplift can enjoy up to 10 downhill runs in a day.
Planning your visit
Where is BikePark Wales?
BikePark Wales’ location is just outside Merthyr Tudful, about 30 minutes north of Caerdydd via the A470. Postcode: CF48 4TT.
- By car: Follow signs for BikePark Wales once off the A470.
- By train: Merthyr Tudful station is a short taxi or bike ride away.
When to visit
BikePark Wales is open all year, with trails maintained for wet-weather riding. Spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures and quieter slopes.
What to bring
Helmet, gloves, waterproofs, tools, spare tube, and plenty of snacks. Full-face helmets and pads are required for red and black routes.
Some kit can be purchased at the on-site shop, as can snacks at the café, but we recommend coming prepared!
What’s nearby?
Make a weekend of it! Combine your BikePark Wales adventure with more biking fun at CwmCarn Forest in Casnewydd (Newport), another legendary South Wales mountain biking centre, or head to Afan Forest Park in Castell-nedd (Neath), to explore more than 80 miles of tracks within this easily-accessible forest park.
Read more: Mountain bike heaven in Wales
Great local accommodation and places to eat can be found in nearby Merthyr Tudful and Aberdâr (Aberdare).
Explore: Search for places to stay near Merthyr Tudful and Aberdâr on our database.
Tips for your ride
- Plan your adventure with British Cycling's guide to what to carry when mountain biking
- Check trail grades and weather before setting out.
- Take a look at the BikePark Wales trail map on their website.
- Warm up with an easy run before tackling harder descents.
- Respect closures and trail etiquette.
- Support the on-site café and local businesses.
Further information
- Visit the BikePark Wales official website for passes, trail map, booking, and FAQs.
- Search for bike hire in Wales on our activity database
- Search for mountain bike centres in Wales on our activity database
