Mountain biking in Wales: Explore MTB Wales centres and trails

We’ve got mountains of mountains. Our landscape of skyscraping summits and steep valleys is perfect for adventurous riders.

Plan your next mountain bike trip in Wales with our guide to where to find family-friendly scenic saunters, novice trails and practice areas, uplift shuttles, breath-taking purpose-built singletrack loops and epic world-class cross-country trails.

When it comes to mountain biking, Wales has a huge range of trails and centres across the country, designed for every ability. Family-friendly loops wind through forests and coastlines, while world-class downhill and freeride runs test even the most experienced riders.

From the North Wales mountains to the South Wales valleys, you’re never far from a great trail. Whether you’re planning your first MTB Wales weekend or looking to tick off some legendary bike parks, each centre offers something unique.

Afan Forest Park is one of the UK’s best-loved mountain bike areas. Expect sweeping singletrack, steep forest descent, test your nerves in the saddle across more than 80 miles of track within this easily-accessible forest park. Look out for the bone-shaking Skyline Trail, which offers hundreds of metres of highs and lows, and the specially-built, multi-purpose White's Level Trail. Explore the tracks from either Canolfan Ymwelwyr Parc Coedwig Afan (Afan Forest Visitor Centre) or the Glyncorrwg Ponds Mountain Bike Centre, both equipped with cafés, bike hire and showers on site.

Sitting high in the mountains just inland from Aberystwyth, Bwlch Nant yr Arian boasts long purpose-built singletracks designed to test even experienced riders.

Challenging rides like the 22-mile Syfydrin trail serve up spectacular scenery alongside cycling thrills, with dizzying views of the Mynyddoedd Cambria (Cambrian Mountains) and Bae Ceredigion (Cardigan Bay).

Choose one of three rides at Brechfa, all allowing you to see the best of this beautiful forest. For the inexperienced, the Derwen trail is named after the oak woodland it journeys through. The harder Gorlech route runs on an all-weather surface, and the Raven run tests your skills on challenging corners.

If downhill is your thing, Antur Stiniog's gravity-fed park delivers with a mix of flowy reds and technical blacks. This adrenaline-filled centre of cycling excellence, in the former slate-mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, provides a speedy uplift service that whizzes you to the top of the network of seven rocky trails, so you can save all your energy for the breathtaking descents.

The UK’s first dedicated mountain bike centre, Coed y Brenin offers trails for all abilities, including gentle family loops and technical black runs weaving through dramatic woodland.

Beics Brenin bike shop and hire centre has a large fleet of bikes ranging from hardtail mountain bikes, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned riders to explore the forest, to full-suspension bikes and e-mountain bikes, ready to tackle tough terrain.

The Penmachno Trails, managed by a passionate community group, are made up of these two looping trails which stretch for 19 miles, blending technical climbs, forest singletrack, and big-view descents.

Top tip: Once you’ve hit the trails, try the bike-friendly Eagles pub in Penmachno village for a well-earned breather.

Coed Llandegla's incredibly popular set of runs snake through a 650-hectare site of hills and forest, offering four types of trails colour-coded from family-friendly green up to challenging black. 

The shorter trails will keep you guessing and test your fitness, while the longer ones are full of technical tests and scintillating steep drops.

South Wales’ biggest and best purpose-built downhill riding centre, BikePark Wales serves up dozens of thrilling trails for riders of every level. Experienced bikers can tackle the giant leaps of Enter the Dragon and rocket along Vicious Valley, while newbies can find their feet on the Badger’s Run. There’s also an uplift service, cosy café and well-stocked bike shop.

Read more: Mountain biking at BikePark Wales

CwmCarn Forest is a favourite for riders seeking challenging singletrack and thrilling descents. Home to the renowned Twrch and Cafall trails, this centre offers red and black graded routes winding through dramatic valleys, with stunning views over the Bristol Channel. Facilities include bike hire, a café, and a dedicated cycle shop, making it ideal for a full day out.

Set in the heart of the Black Mountains, Dirt Farm Wales is a gravity-focused bike park designed for intermediate to expert riders. Expect machine-built jump lines, technical descents, and panoramic mountain views, with full uplift service and push-up access available. It’s a must-visit for those looking to progress their skills and experience some of Wales’ most exciting downhill riding.

Whether you’re new to mountain biking in Wales or chasing black-run adrenalin, the Standard Definition of UK MTB trail grades as detailed on the NRW website can mark it easier to find the right ride for you.

Try shorter, green or blue-graded routes at Coed y Brenin, Nant-yr-Arian or Llandegla. Expect flowing tracks, gentle gradients, and plenty of scenic rest spots.

Read more: Beginner mountain bike trails in Wales

Red and black routes across Wales challenge your stamina and skills – from Afan’s legendary The Wall to the rocky descents of Antur Stiniog.

Read more: Top mountain bike trail in Wales for intermediate and experienced riders

Most major centres hire bikes and protective gear, with some also offering e-bikes for hire – ideal for beginners planning an MTB Wales holiday or those without their own kit.

Explore: Search for bike hire via our activity database.

If you don’t fancy going it alone, professional guides or a guided mountain bike holiday can make your MTB Wales adventure more enjoyable.

• Plan your adventure with British Cycling's guide to what to carry when mountain biking
• Check trail grades and weather before you go.
• Carry spares, tools, and waterproof layers.
• Respect trail closures and follow local signage.
• Support local cafes and bike shops along your route.

Whether you’re in the mood for mountain biking or road cycling, see our other cycling content for more on road cycling and MTB Wales routes and centres.

Explore: Search for mountain bike centres in Wales via our activity database.