Guided mountain bike holidays in Wales

A mountain bike holiday in Cymru isn’t like your average break. It’s less about sun loungers and more about breezing down forest trails, crossing wild hillside and earning your views the adventurous way.

Cymru is a wonderland for those who enjoy spending their downtime on two wheels. Our beautiful countryside is crisscrossed with bike trails, some of which can be circumnavigated in a couple of hours, while others can keep even the fittest cyclists busy for days.

Add in well-equipped trail centres, friendly local guides, and communities that welcome riders year-round, and it’s easy to see why Cymru tops the list for mountain bike holidays in the UK.

Read more: Mountain biking in Cymru

• Is a guided mountain bike holiday right for you?
• Multi-day mountain biking tours
• Mountain bike holidays in North Wales
• Mountain bike holidays in Mid Wales
• Mountain bike holidays in South Wales
• Mountain bike holidays in West Wales
• Accessible mountain bike holidays
• Plan your mountain biking tour of Cymru
• Book your guided mountain bike holiday

guidedWhat convinces travellers to trade their sun hat for a crash helmet? According to Phill Stasiw, founder of Mountain Bike Wales, it’s a combination of factors.

“Some people enjoy the challenge of this type of break. Others come to meet likeminded people who love cycling. But for the most part, it’s about being outdoors in the stunning Welsh scenery, which often takes visitors’ breath away.”

You don’t need to be a Lycra-clad pro to take a guided mountain bike holiday in Cymru as most tours attract a friendly mix of abilities.

Holiday providers cater for all levels. New riders can be coached through their first off-road experience while at the other end of the scale, multi-day itineraries crossing Cymru can be extremely challenging, for even the more experienced riders. Some providers also offer electric all-terrain bikes, to help riders get out into the wild when their fitness might limit how far they could travel otherwise.

multiFor those who like a long-distance bike ride, these mountain biking tours in Cymru, arranged by Mountain Bike Wales, offer both challenge and discovery.

• Trans Cambrian Way: A three-day, 112-mile (180 km) journey across the heart of Cymru, winding around lakes and climbing through the peaks of the Cambrian Mountains, carrying riders from Tref-y-clawdd (Knighton), on the Cymru-England border, all the way to the southern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia)

• Sarn Helen Tour: A Herculean, six-day ride from coast to coast, from Conwy in the north to the beaches of Gower in the south, following what is believed to be an ancient Roman road. The route takes in some of Cymru’ most celebrated landscapes, including both Eryri and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
• Traws Eryri: A four-day, 140-mile (225km) off-road trail challenge between Machynlleth in Mid Wales and Conwy in North Wales. Ride along remote ancient trackways high up in the mountains and through Eryri’s native forests, visiting four mountain biking centres along the way.

Each region of Cymru offers its own brand of rideable terrain, so you can take your pick of whichever takes your fancy.

northWith ziplines streaking overhead and giant trampolines spanning vast underground caverns, North Wales has developed a reputation as a hotspot for thrill-seekers, and the region’s off-road bike trails certainly don’t disappoint.

• Gwydir Mawr a Bach: Formerly known as the Marin Trail, this 16-mile (25km) loop from Llanrwst, which rewards lung-busting forest climbs with jaw-dropping mountain views.
• Penmachno Trails: Two loops of flowing singletrack, managed and maintained by passionate local volunteers. While there’s no on-site guiding service, maps, advice and a repair point are available.

You’ll find plenty of rider-friendly accommodation in Penmachno, Bews-y-Coed, Llanrwst and Dolwyddelan, with something for all budgets.

For a fully guided experience, Adventure Tours UK organise small group mountain bike tours in North Wales, following the long-distance Traws Eryri route.

Read more: A two-day mountain biking and zip-lining adventure in North Wales.

midThe Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, as Cymru's first International Dark Sky Reserve, is famed for its starry skies. However, it’s also a rising star in off-road biking. The park’s wide valleys, forest tracks, and heather-topped ridges make it one of the most rewarding mountain biking destinations in the UK.

• Black Mountain Adventure: Based in the western Beacons, Black Mountain Adventure arranges guided and self-guided day trips that weave through scenic valleys and up to viewpoints such as Hay Bluff, or twist through forest trails to beauty spots like the Begwns, a National Trust site scattered with grazing livestock and purported Bronze-age relics. The centre provides bike and helmet hire and can also organise tailored multi-day mountain bike tours.
• Mountain Bike Wales: Based in Staylittle, Powys, Mountain Bike Wales runs a popular Summit to Sea tour, with a stop for a swim at the coastal town of Aberdyfi. It also guides riders through sections of the Mach Trails, a trio of well-worn cycle trails that curl their way around some of the highest peaks in the Cambrian Mountains.

southSouth Wales is home to the nation’s most populous cities, pulling in visitors to the bars and restaurants of Caerdydd (Cardiff) and the museums and historic houses of Casnewydd (Newport). But it’s also a paradise for off-road riders.

• BikePark Wales: Located on the outskirts of Merthyr Tudful, BikePark Wales is widely regarded as one of the leading mountain bike centres in the UK. The park offers around 40 graded trails, an uplift service to return riders to the summit, on-site hire and tuition, and a welcoming café for refuelling between runs. Check out our full guide to BikePark Wales.
• Cwmcarn Forest: With more traditional cross-country riding Cwmcarn Forest has two waymarked loops – the Cafall Trail and the Twrch Trail – deliver a mix of technical climbs and fast descents, with open ridge sections overlooking the Bristol Channel. This is a self-guided route, but bike hire, maps and advice are available from the visitor centre beside the main car park.
• WyeMTB: Situated in Trefynwy (Monmouth), WyeMTB was founded by two enthusiasts in 2010 and offers the whole gamut of guided mountain bike tours, from short, family-friendly jaunts to vehicle-supported, three-day adventures through the dramatic South Wales Valleys. The centre also runs free taster rides on Thursday evenings, giving newcomers the chance to experience the thrill of off-road cycling in a friendly group setting.

westWest Wales makes a brilliant base for a mountain biking holiday. The region is packed with self-guided routes that showcase its varied terrain.

• Crychan Forest: Near Llandovery, Crychan Forest has a network of ‘easy’ graded off-road trails that wind through peaceful woodland, ideal for steady exploration.
• The Stackpole Estate: Set within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, The National Trust's Stackpole Estate offers a challenging four-mile (6.5km) coastal ride with spectacular clifftop views.
• Afan Forest Park: The world-renowned Afan Forest Park mountain biking location, in the hills above Port Talbot and Abertawe (Swansea), serves up a selection of trails, ranging from relaxing Green to hardcore Black.
• Morfa Bay Adventure Centre: Those visiting with younger or less experienced riders will love this on-site track at Morfa Bay Adventure Centre, designed by elite mountain biker Rowan Sorrell (who has worked on trails in locations as diverse as Czechia and India). It’s a safe, purpose-built environment where beginners can test their skills under supervision, with bikes, helmets and pads all provided.

Check out more self-guided routes in the area on the Discover Carmarthenshire and Visit Pembrokeshire websites.

accessibleCymru has a number of self-guided trails suitable for hand cycles or adapted wheelchairs.

• The Green Rookie Trail: In Afan Forest Park, Green Rookie Trail is a gentle 3.6-mile (5.8 km) green-graded loop designed for newcomers and those using adaptive cycles or wheelchairs. It offers wide, flowing paths and picnic stops along the valley floor.
• The Derwen Trail: A 6.2-mile (10 km) forest-road-style route suitable for adaptive bikes and wheelchairs. Set in the gorgeous Beddgelert Forest, it’s ideal for riders of all abilities to enjoy woodland and ridge-top views.
• The MinorTaur Trail: Located at the Coed y Brenin centre, this is the most technical trail of the three, offering an exciting challenge for experienced adaptive riders.

There's a great page on the Natural Resources Wales website with narrated videos providing a comprehensive breakdown of a selection of accessible routes, including which type of specialised bike each trail is suitable for.

Adapted bikes can also be hired from selected venues, including Beics Antur Bikes in Caernarfon.

planCymru offers great riding conditions for most of the year.

Spring and early summer bring firm trails, mild temperatures, and blooming landscapes, ideal for longer days in the saddle. Temperatures can rise during June, July and August, so prepare accordingly if riding during the height of summer.

Autumn offers quieter paths and golden scenery. Weather conditions can vary between mild and sunny to cold and rainy, but there’s plenty to enjoy either way.

Winter riding rewards experienced cyclists with technical, muddy terrain and fewer crowds. Winter can be great for an exhilarating adventure, but it’s best to avoid in snowy weather.

Trail centres remain open year-round, but always check local weather reports before you set out.

• Waterproofs and warm layers (even during warmer months)
• Helmet and gloves
• Basic tools and spares
• Snacks and a refillable water bottle

While you can hire or purchase some equipment and supplies at many of Cymru's mountain biking centres, it’s always wise to come prepared.

• guidedMountain Bike Wales: Offer a range of guided itineraries that include quality accommodation, locally sourced meals, and professional support. Customised trips are available.
• Adventure Tours UK: Arrange small group mountain biking tours following the Traws Eryri. The trip includes four days of guided riding along the 140-mile route, with five nights’ comfortable local accommodation, plus some breakfasts and evening meals, as well as luggage transfers. They’ll even plant a native tree in their Welsh woodland for every rider.
• Black Mountain Adventure: Perfect for beginners, the 2-3 hour guided mountain biking sessions match riders to routes that suit their ability, with expert instructors on hand to share skills, guidance, and a few biking tricks along the way.
• WyeMTB: Offer bespoke guided rides across the Wye Valley, Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains, and Forest of Dean. Led by British Cycling-qualified guides, each ride is tailored to your group’s experience and preferred terrain. Choose from half-day sessions to multi-day adventures.