Wales has a long history of mountain biking in the UK, having always produced top flight riders and is home to the first trail centre in the UK, Coed y Brenin, so it feels a bit strange to say that Wales is enjoying a revival in the UK scene. However, Wales is the place for mountain biking in the UK at the moment. With a huge amount of uplift powered bike parks, such as Dyfi Bike Park, Bike Park Wales, and Revolution capturing most of the buzz, in this blog we want to look at the big mountain rides out there, and pick out some of our favourites to check out.
Snowdon, Snowdonia
It wouldn’t be right to write a blog about big mountain bike rides in Wales without including climbing Snowdon! This is truly an epic. The tallest mountain in Wales, and fully scalable with a mountain bike - does it get much better?!
The most common route is to climb via Llanberis Path, which is the "flattest" route and nearly all rideable with minimal sections that require pushing. Once reaching the summit and capturing the obligatory photo, most mountain bike riders descend via the Rangers Path. Over 500 metres of singletrack descent over boulders, drops and switchbacks. Following this, the final section is a flat out gravel path through Telegraph Valley.
There is a voluntary cycling restriction on Snowdon from 1 May to 30 September, meaning that no bikes are allowed between 10 am and 5 pm. In truth, this actually makes for a better day out, meaning you get to enjoy the mountain at sunrise and get down before the trails get too busy, encouraging you to open it up just a little bit more!
Fancy climbing Snowdon? For more information about our Snowdon climb in our Ride Snowdon Special, check out THIS blog.
Views for Days on the EPIC Rangers Path, Snowdon
Elan Valley, Mid Wales
The Elan Valley is home to so much good riding that you could take a few days to enjoy the area and barely repeat yourself. Our favourite route starts in Rhayader and links the Garreg-ddu Reservoir with Caban-coch, before heading up the valley and hills as far as the Claerwen Dam (an impressive sight in its own right!). There’s a lot to like about this particular area of the trail, including the epic gulley drop to Garreg-ddu, and the aptly named climb Puke Hill.
The middle quietens down, making use of an old rocky road hugging the banks of the Afon Claerwon, before ramping up again with a big climb to Rhos-y-Gelynnen, before a full-bore, techy descent back down and into the Llanerchi Woods.
This ride is BIG, so be under no illusions as to what you’re getting into.
Pont Scethin, Snowdonia
Pont Scethin is a classic MTB trail, with breathtaking views in all directions. A 25km loop with tough climbs and fast descents, as well as views out towards the sea, it has something for every rider. Able to be ridden in either direction, we’d recommend going anti-clockwise to make the most of 2 great descents, one in the stream section near Cwm Scethin, and a set of switchbacks in the south of the loop.
Similar to a lot of great trails in Wales, you’re never too far from a welcoming pub at the end of the ride, and Pont Scethin is no different, with the George III a short drive from the endpoint at Bontddu for that well-earned drink.
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Black Mountains Classic, Brecon Beacons National Park
Another truly epic loop in the Welsh mountains. 3 climbs and 3 descents, prepare yourself for a long day in the saddle (and you’ll want to savour the views anyway) as the trail covers over 36km of the rugged Welsh landscape. The descents are so varied - sandy singletrack, long, punishing rock gardens and short and steep sections - all taking place amongst some epic scenery that only the Welsh mountains can offer up.
The Gap, Brecon Beacons National Park
Staying in the Brecon Beacons National Park for this final big mountain bike ride in Wales, The Gap is a techy trail to challenge the best of us. The are two routes available, either along the tamer Taff Trail, or alternatively the more challenging Bryn Ore Tramroad.
The trail starts in Talybont on Usk, which is a little hub of mountain biking, with great accommodation, bike-friendly local businesses and bike washing and shower facilities available. The Gap (Bwlch ar y Fan) is the highlight of this trail, from a technical riding point of view, as well as the scenery on show.
As with all of the above routes, weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so always make sure to pack warm clothing, tools and food before heading out.
Smashing through a rocky descent in the Black Mountains
Why Visit Wales Mountain Biking?
Wales is absurdly good for mountain biking. The high, open peaks and steep wooded valleys of Wales lend themselves perfectly for trail building, and the proximity of all the major areas makes it a great place to plan a long weekend of mountain biking. Whether you want gravity-fed, uplift-powered days shredding bike parks or huge days in the saddle exploring the ruggedness, Wales has it covered. Want to bring your family along? There are so many amazing coastline towns, like Tenby and Cardigan, to explore that you can make a full holiday out of it and still find time to spin some laps on your mountain bike.
Trail Centres to Visit in Wales
We’ve covered our favourite Big Mountain rides in Wales, from Snowdonia, through Mid-Wales and into the Brecon Beacons, but there’s lots of gnarly man-made riding in Wales, too.
Our picks are;
- Coed Y Brenin
- Antur Stiniog
- Dyfi Bike Park
- Bike Park Wales
- Revolution
These really just scratch the surface of trail centres to explore. MBWALES offer far more information HERE.
