Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre
Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre
Highlight • Rest Area
Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre
Mountain biking
5.0
(159)
Cycling
5.0
(2)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
Hiking
5.0
(1)
Tips
March 2, 2019
Mountain biking
August 1, 2019
Mountain biking
January 23, 2022
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre
4.6
(26)
653
riders
46.0km
04:13
820m
820m
Prepare for a demanding mountain biking adventure on the W2 Black loop, a difficult trail covering 28.6 miles (46.0 km) with a significant 2690 feet (820 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to spend around 4 hours and 12 minutes navigating its diverse terrain. The route winds through the dense woodlands of Afan Valley, offering thrilling descents and challenging rocky sections. Look forward to fast-flowing singletrack and technical lines, including the unique Energy Boardwalk at White's Level, which provides reliable traction. As you climb, expansive vistas open up, showcasing the vast landscape from the ridges.
Accessing the W2 Black loop is straightforward, with the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre serving as a primary starting point. Here, you will find essential amenities such as a cafe, bike shop for any last-minute needs, bike hire, and convenient toilets and showers. Alternatively, parking is also available at the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre and Campsite. This route is best suited for advanced mountain bikers who possess good fitness and technical skills.
This challenging route is a highlight within Afan Forest Park, known for its world-class mountain biking. The W2 Black loop is officially graded as "black severe" or "black diamond," indicating its technical demands and suitability for experienced riders. Its varied features, from the Energy Boardwalk to the ridge-top views, make it a notable and rewarding experience for those seeking a true test of their abilities in a beautiful forest setting.
4.6
(16)
443
riders
13.4km
01:13
280m
280m
Get ready for a challenging mountain biking adventure on the Penhydd Red loop, starting from the Afan Forest Centre. This route covers 8.3 miles (13.4 km) with a significant 927 feet (283 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 1 hour and 12 minutes to complete. You will encounter varied and demanding terrain, including forest road climbs and flowing singletrack descents, with sections like 'Sidewinder' navigating rocky, narrow woodland trails and 'Big Dipper' offering a roller-coaster-like experience with numerous berms. The trail provides fantastic views of the Afan Valley and the coastline, winding through woodlands and across open moorland.
This red-graded trail is considered difficult and is best suited for proficient mountain bikers with good off-road skills. It demands greater energy levels, technical skill, and confidence, serving as a progression from easier routes. The trail surface is generally well-maintained and gravelly, making it rideable in most weather conditions. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the technical features and the expansive vistas from the higher ground.
The Penhydd Red loop is a key part of Afan Forest Park, recognized as one of the UK's most exhilarating mountain biking destinations. It successfully blends
4.9
(18)
306
riders
6.23km
00:38
160m
160m
The Blue Scar Trail in Afan Valley offers an easy mountain biking experience, covering 3.9 miles (6.2 km) with an elevation gain of 512 feet (156 metres), typically taking around 38 minutes to complete. You will find varied terrain, including a fun packed swoopy return down one side of the valley, and well-surfaced sections suitable for year-round riding. As you climb, you are rewarded with amazing views of the valley, showcasing the flowing singletrack and exposed trails on open hills that characterize Afan Forest Park.
To begin your ride, head to the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre, which serves as the starting point for this and several other trails. While the trail is generally well-suited for year-round riding, be aware that some boardwalk sections may require careful navigation due to potential drops. The route includes a demanding fire road climb out of the visitor center, so be prepared for some effort early on.
This trail is designed as a progression route, ideal if you are competent on green trails and looking to advance to more challenging routes. Graded as blue/moderate, it can feel quite technical for its rating in places, featuring rocky terrain and tight corners that help you develop your skills. The Blue Scar Trail is part of the revamped Penhydd trail system and its name reflects the valley's rich mining heritage, offering a unique blend of history and outdoor adventure. It is also considered suitable for adaptive cyclists, with resources available to help assess its suitability for your specific needs.
Details
Informations
Elevation 140 m
Weather
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Monday 8 June
14°C
8°C
44 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h
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