Wales by Bike: 7 scenic routes for two-wheel enthusiasts
April 11, 2025
Wales is a true paradise for two-wheel enthusiasts. Picturesque landscapes, diverse routes and professionally prepared bike parks attract both families looking for quiet rides and advanced mountain bikers eager for adrenaline. In our guide, we present 7 of the best biking routes in Wales that will allow you to discover the beauty of the region from the saddle of your bike. From gentle paths through forests and along lakes to challenging singletrack in the mountains, there's something for everyone. Get ready for an unforgettable experience, breathtaking views and a dose of adrenaline as you explore these unique biking trails.
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Trails for everyone -. from beginners to experts
Wales offers biking trails suited to different levels of cycling, making it an ideal destination for families and experienced riders. Let's start our journey with BikePark Wales, which is a true paradise for mountain bikers. Located in Merthyr Tydfil, the park offers more than 40 trails of varying difficulty. There are both gentle trails for beginners and challenging singletrack for advanced riders. BikePark Wales stands out for its excellent infrastructure, including a lift system that makes it easy to reach the top of the trails. It's an ideal place to start your mountain biking adventure or hone your skills.
For those looking for a more natural experience, Coed y Brenin Forest Park is a must-stop. This vast forest area in Snowdonia offers more than 150 kilometers of marked biking trails. The park is famous for its pioneering single tracks, which set the standard for MTB trails throughout the UK. Coed y Brenin isn't just a place for the advanced - you'll also find gentler trails, ideal for families with children. The visitor center offers bike rentals, a workshop and a café, making it a great base for day trips.
Another place worth noting is the Afan Forest Mountain Bike Trails. This vast forest complex in South Wales offers more than 100 km of trails of varying difficulty. Afan Forest is famous for its long, flowing singletracks that lead through scenic valleys and hills. It's the perfect place for those who want to combine cycling with enjoying the beautiful scenery. Trails such as 'Y Wâl' and 'W2' offer a real challenge for experienced riders, while the gentler paths around the lake are ideal for families and beginners.
It's worth noting that each of these places has its own unique features. BikePark Wales focuses on downhill trails and offers the best infrastructure for beginners. Coed y Brenin stands out for its variety of trails and the beauty of its natural environment. Afan Forest, on the other hand, offers the longest trails, ideal for those who enjoy longer trips. Admission and equipment rental prices vary from place to place, but are generally affordable, especially compared to popular ski resorts. It's worth checking current prices on the parks' official websites before visiting.
Discover the natural beauty of Wales on two wheels
Continuing our cycling journey in Wales, we can't miss the Gwydir Mawr & Bach route, also known as the Marin trail. It's a place that impresses with its variety of terrain and beautiful views of the Snowdonia mountains. The approximately 25-kilometer route offers a mix of fast descents, technical sections and smooth singletrack. Gwydir Mawr & Bach is ideal for intermediate and advanced riders who want to get a real taste of Welsh MTB. It is worth noting that this route requires good fitness, especially due to the challenging climbs.
For those looking for a real adrenaline rush, Antur Stiniog Bike Park in Blaenau Ffestiniog is a must-stop. This bike park is famous for its slopes of varying difficulty, from blue for beginners to black for experts. Antur Stiniog is distinguished by its unique terrain - the trails were built on the slopes of a former slate mine, which gives them a raw, industrial character. The park offers a system of lifts, which allows you to make multiple runs in a day. It is an ideal place for those who want to improve their downhill skiing skills.
Another place that deserves attention is the Dyfi Bike Park. Founded by the Atherton family, professional mountain bikers, this park offers some of the most challenging trails in the UK. Dyfi Bike Park is a paradise for advanced riders looking for a real challenge. The trails are long, technical and offer many natural obstacles. The park is famous for its well-designed downhill lines and jumps, which allow experienced riders to take their skills to the highest level.
Last on our list, but certainly not least, is the Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Center. This place offers not only great biking trails, but also breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. MTB trails in Bwlch Nant yr Arian range from easy family loops to challenging singletrack. Particularly recommended is the 'Summit' route, which leads to the top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the area.
When comparing these sites, it's worth noting their diversity. Gwydir Mawr & Bach offers the most natural mountain riding experience. Antur Stiniog focuses on downhill trails and is ideal for those who want to improve their skills in this area. Dyfi Bike Park is for true enthusiasts, offering the most challenging trails. Bwlch Nant yr Arian, on the other hand, stands out for its beautiful views and trails suited to different levels of expertise.
Admission prices to the bike parks range from about £5 to £40 per day, depending on the location and type of ticket (with or without a lift). It's a good idea to check current prices on official websites before visiting. Keep in mind, too, that conditions on the trails can change depending on the season and weather, so it's always a good idea to check up-to-date information before you go.
Plan the perfect cycling adventure in Wales
Summarizing our tour of the best cycling trails in Wales, it's worth considering how to plan the perfect trip that will allow you to fully enjoy these unique places. Each of the places featured has its own unique features and offers different experiences, so choosing the right route depends on individual preferences and skills.
For families with children and novice riders, the Coed y Brenin Forest Park and Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Center are the best choices. Both places offer gentle trails, beautiful views and good infrastructure, including bike rentals and cafes. Coed y Brenin stands out with more trails and is more extensive, allowing for longer tours. Bwlch Nant yr Arian, on the other hand, offers additional opportunities for wild bird watching, which can be an attraction for the whole family.
Intermediate riders will find the most challenges at BikePark Wales and Afan Forest Mountain Bike Trails. BikePark Wales offers the greatest variety of trails and the best infrastructure, including a system of lifts, allowing for multiple descents in a day. Afan Forest, on the other hand, is famous for its long, natural singletrack, which allows for longer trips in a beautiful setting.
For advanced riders and adrenaline seekers, the best options will be Antur Stiniog Bike Park and Dyfi Bike Park. Both places offer challenging downhill trails and technical singletrack. Antur Stiniog is distinguished by its unique post-industrial terrain, while Dyfi Bike Park is famous for its professionally designed trails and jumps.
When planning a trip, there are several important considerations to take into account:
- equipment: Most bike parks offer bike and safety equipment rentals, but it's always a good idea to check availability and prices before you arrive. For your own safety, it is advisable to use a helmet and pads, especially on more challenging routes.
2 Weather: Welsh weather can be capricious, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast and prepare appropriate clothing. Some parks may close trails in case of bad weather.
3 Reservations: During high season, especially on weekends, popular bike parks can be crowded. Consider booking tickets in advance, especially if you plan to use the lifts.
4 Transportation: Most bike parks are located in remote locations. It's worth checking access and parking options before you go.
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Skills: Always choose routes appropriate to your skills. Most parks offer trails of varying degrees of difficulty, color-coded similar to ski trails.
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Time: It is advisable to set aside a full day to fully experience each of these places. This will allow you to leisurely explore the various trails and enjoy additional attractions.
Regardless of the destination you choose, a cycling adventure in Wales is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. The beauty of natural landscapes, professionally groomed trails and friendly atmosphere make Wales one of the best places in Europe for mountain biking. Remember to always ride responsibly, respect nature and other trail users. Have a great adventure on the Welsh trails!
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