Cwmcarn Mountain Bike Trails

Cwmcarn Forest in Newport, South Wales 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.

Cwmcarn Forest Mountain Bike & Cycle Trails

Pwca Trail (Blue 2.3km)

Designed as a fun, flowy descent for beginners or a warm-up lap, the 2.3km Pwca Trail is a playful introduction to Cwmcarn's offerings before progressing to the red and black graded trails.

Twrch Trail (Red 13.4km)

High-quality, challenging trail featuring purpose-built single-track throughout. Offers varied riding from flowing hardpack to technical, rooty sections that perform well in all conditions. The route alternates between demanding concentration along steep wooded slopes and open sections with spectacular views of the Bristol Channel and surrounding hills.

Cafall Trail (Red 13.4km)

Climbing up to altitudes of over 600m, this trail gives you a real sense of adventure. With some tough climbs and tight hand-built singletrack sections, combined with some fantastic technical descents, it’s definitely for those with some experience.

Pedalhounds Trail (Black 1.4km)

Access to the Pedalhounds Black-graded trail is either via the Cafall XC trail or the onsite uplift service. It is an optional linear cross-country trail but requires much higher advanced riding skills and equipment than a Red-graded XC trail.

Y Mynydd Downhill Trail (Orange Extreme)

Y Mynydd Downhill isn't for the faint-hearted. Loads of berms, a few switch backs, doubles, a tunnel, rock steps, the bridge, hip jump, then there's the quarry gap if you've got the guts, and the bottom section which is just nuts, totally flat out.

Pump Track

The pump track is located near to the car park and provides a perfect warm up before heading out on the trails or hone you skills.

Off Piste Trails - Risca Bike Park

Cwmcarn features numerous unofficial off-piste trails collectively known as Risca Bike Park. The region boasts an extensive network of natural trails including popular routes such as Busy Lizzie, Wacko-Jacko, and Mayhem. These trails descend from the summit of the Cwmcarn trail system and are constructed and maintained by Risca Riders.

Directions

Take M4 into Wales (or M50 / A40 / A449 if you're coming from the north). Leave motorway at junction 28, heading north on A467 past Risca and Crosskeys towards Abercarn. Turn right at fifth roundabout, Cwmcarn Forest centre is signposted from here.

Nearby MTB Trails in South Wales

If you’re visiting Cwmcarn Forest, consider combining your trip with other top South Wales mountain bike destinations:

• Bike Park Wales
• Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Trails
• Afan Forest
• Margam Park MTB Trails