The Best MTB Trails in South Wales
Today | By billy1979South Wales is a mountain biker’s paradise. From lift-accessed downhill parks to flowing forest singletrack, this region offers trails for every skill level. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline-fueled descents or scenic cross-country loops, South Wales delivers.
Here’s our guide to the best MTB trails in South Wales.
Credit: Bike Park Wales
1. Bike Park Wales - The Gravity Capital
Location: Merthyr Tydfil
Trail Types: Downhill
Difficulty: Beginner to Expert
Bike Park Wales is the crown jewel of South Wales MTB. With purpose-built and professionally maintained, the park offers 40+ mountain bike trails covering everything from smooth beginner flow to steep, technical black and pro-level downhill lines.
Credit: Natural Resources Wales
2. Brechfa Forest - Endless Singletrack
Location: Abergorlech
Trail Types: Cross-country
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
Brechfa Forest is a hidden gem for XC and is home to 3 fantastic mountain bike trails that guarantee a smile from all calibre's of rider! With trails ranging from the Blue graded Derwen trail that provides an excellent introduction to riding at Brechfa onto the red graded Gorlech trail with big climbs but amazing rewards from the long sweeping descents on offer.
Credit: Dirt Farm Wales
3. Dirt Farm Downhill Bike Park - A bike park paradise!
Location: Abergavenny
Trail Types: Downhill
Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
Dirt Farm Downhill Bike Park is a top destination for gravity riders in South Wales. Purpose-built jumps, berms, and technical descents cater to intermediate and advanced riders. The red flow trails keep the adrenaline high, while black technical lines challenge the most experienced bikers.
4. Cwmcarn Forest - Flow, Jumps, and Fun
Location: Caerphilly
Trail Types: Downhill & XC
Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
Cwmcarn Forest is a staple of the Welsh MTB scene and features five mountain bike trails, three cross-country and two downhill which are all free to use year-round. Cwmcarn is less than half an hour’s drive from the Prince of Wales Bridge and just 10mins from J28 of the M4.
5. Afan Forest Park - Epic Adventure
Location: Port Talbot
Trail Types: XC
Difficulty: Beginner to Expert
Afan Forest is home to over 100km of world class singletrack mountain bike trails spread throughout the forest with something for almost every rider! With trails for all skill levels, it’s ideal for a full-day MTB adventure.
Credit: Hafod Trails
6. Hafod Mountain Bike Trails - Flow and Fun in the Valleys
Location: Llansawel
Trail Types: Downhill
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
Located on the edge of Brechfa Forest, in South Wales, Hafod Mountain Bike Trails offers something for everyone. All our trails are accessed by a super-efficient uplift service, with easy to load trailers taking you right to the top, so it's all downhill from there!
Tips for Riding MTB Trails in South Wales
- Check Trail Conditions: Welsh weather can make trails slippery and technical.
- Bring the Right Gear: Full-suspension bikes are ideal for downhill trails; always wear a helmet and pads.
- Respect Trail Etiquette: Yield to walkers, stick to marked routes, and avoid muddy trails.
- Plan Your Day: Lift-accessed parks like Bike Park Wales differ from pedal-accessed forests like Brechfa or Afan.
Final Thoughts
South Wales offers a variety of MTB trails - from adrenaline-pumping downhill parks to scenic XC loops. Whether you’re chasing flow, technical challenges, or epic adventures, these trails deliver. Pack your bike, hit the trails, and discover why South Wales is a top destination for mountain bikers in the UK.
