Mountain bike trails for beginners

The Minor Taur at Coed y Brenin is a silky-smooth, easy-rolling singletrack that cuts a twisty line through the forest, offering fun and thrills as well as great views over the tumbling Afon Mawddach. Comprising of a few interchangeable sections of well-waymarked trail, there really is something here for everyone.

You can hire bikes from Beics Brenin.

Melindwr is Wales’ newest blue grade trail, and a superb addition to a wonderful remote trail centre that should be on every mtber's hitlist. Twisting singletrack with big berms and rollers galore, and great views if you can take your eyes off the trail long enough to enjoy them. Time your ride right and see the spectacular red kite feeding display in Bwlch Nant yr Arian too.

Rough and ready forest roads linked into a choice of two smaller loops or a single longer one, right in Beddgelert Forest in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia). There are mountain views in all directions, including over to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself, and the stunning Llyn Llewelyn makes the perfect spot for a picnic or packed lunch.

Plug and Feathers is the UK’s first uplift accessible, Green grade, beginners trail. Stinny’s latest creation offers a perfect introduction to ‘gravity biking’ with over 2km (1.25 miles) of flowing descent with plenty of fun features along the way. The uplift in Antur Stiniog Mountain Bike Centre is quick and efficient, the hospitality is great and they even rent DH bikes if you don’t have your own.

Well waymarked, well-surfaced paths that start at the northern end of Trawsfynydd Lake and loop lazily around it, with just one notable uphill section, that can be pushed and is worth it for the views over the surrounding mountains. Ideal for kids but a good workout for all. Bike hire is available on site. 

A real mountain bike trail despite the grade - and ideal for beginners. The Derwen Trail winds its way through a magnificent oak canopy from which it takes its name (derwen is Welsh for oak), climbing easily up into one of the largest expanses of natural woodland in South Wales. It’s a great outing on its own, and a great way to build skills and endurance, but combined with the longer blue route that climbs from the northern end of the trail, it makes a perfect and adventurous day out.

Kermit is the UK’s longest beginner downhill singletrack trail. Kermit is completely unique, starting at almost 500 metres above sea level with epic views of Pen Y Fan and the Brecon Beacons, the smooth ribbon of singletrack flows downhill through mixed woodland for 5km (3 miles). The trail was designed to flatter riders’ skills and create a fun ride suitable for riders with good bike handling skills but previous experience of off-road riding is not necessary if you book onto the 'Ticket to ride' guided tours. 

If you aren’t already raring to go then how about unlimited lifts back to the top to ride again? BikePark Wales (BPW) truly embraces the ski resort model with its vehicle uplift service, cosy café and rental service. New riders simply need to book the correct package and let BPW look after everything else.

The Green Trail is a waymarked route of approximately 5km (3miles) developed specifically with families in mind. After cycling around the reservoir, the route meanders back through the forest before the final descent sweeps you back down to the visitor centre where they sell award-winning bacon butties.

Oneplanet Adventure offer bike hire if you need it. 

The Rookie Green Trail is a wide and meandering trail designed specifically for families and beginners. Picnic areas can be found along the route and there’s even an optional skills area for those wanting to develop their technical riding. The Rookie trail has all the ingredients for a great family day out.

There are a few places you can hire bikes from - check out the Afan Forest Park website for more info.

Another great amble around a huge expanse of water - the Brenig Trail starts and finishes at the Visitor Centre and heads out into a landscape that feels far more remote than it really is. Just one noticeable climb, and a short section on a quiet road, but overall, great for families or those starting out and looking for somewhere wild to turn the pedals. Combine with the Alwen reservoir trail (see below) to create a route of about 24km.

Bike hire is available from the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre.

The Alwen Trail is a lovely, purpose-built singletrack that links with forest roads and tracks to wind its way around the Alwen Reservoir and through Clocaenog Forest with one noticeable climb about halfway. The trail starts at the Alwen dam and climbs out of the trees and onto open moorland offering some great views over a little-known pocket of Wales. The trail can be combined with the Brenig trail by starting and finishing at Llyn Brenig visitor centre to create a ride of about 24km.

Newborough is a real gem. A magnificent pine forest that rubs up against a superb stretch of coast. The Corsica Trail is never difficult but is totally enthralling with just 2 short uphill sections. There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic and no shortage of other tracks to explore too.

Search for more mountain bike centres in Wales in our activity listings

For more detailed information about mountain biking in Wales, check out the Mountain Bike Wales website.