Looking for mountain biking holidays in Wales? Lucky you - you've arrived at Mountain Bike Central. It doesn't matter whether you're a downhill animal or have never even done a bunny hop, here in South West Wales we have what are 'officially' recognised as some of the best purpose-built mountain bike trails in the world. (Sez who? Sez the Colorado-based International Mountain Biking Association.)
Whatever your level of commitment to the fat tyre faith, the mountain bike centre at Afan Forest near Port Talbot has fantastic trails for all levels of ability. They're waymarked and you can also get trail maps, so you can't get lost. They're graded so that you don't take on more than you can handle. And they're bloody brilliant!
With its extreme terrain, South West Wales is a heaven for mountain bikers as Orlando and Aline discover. In a battle of the bikes, they go head to head to see who will be crowned king or queen of the Wales trails.
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Mountain biking at Afan Forest will suit all levels of experience - there are technical forest single tracks as well as easy, undulating fire roads. The trails wind their way through the forests of the steep sided valleys and climb to spectacular viewpoints. You can see much of South Wales laid out before you, and right across the Bristol Channel to Somerset. Combining scenery and exhilaration is what a mountain biking holiday is all about.
By bringing your bike to South West Wales, or hiring one, you will discover fine riding on the Gower Peninsula, in Brechfa Forest near Carmarthen, on the Preseli Hills and in the lovely Gwaun Valley of Pembrokeshire.
One thing is for sure, mountain biking in South West Wales, you'll never get bored.
How & where
Afan Forest is just minutes off the M4. It has everything you need for a day out on your mountain bike including car parking, visitor centre and a café for 'après ride' refreshment. There's even a mountain bike wash to keep your pride and joy shiny bright.
You'll also find waymarked trails in Brechfa Forest which tend to be less busy than Afan Forest. Brechfa's high plateau like top and deeply cut river valleys offer both a green trail (the perfect 'taster' route) and the top class technical Gorlech trail (red route) to for hard riding. Whilst the various bridleways of South West Wales are there to be explored (remember you can't ride on footpaths!).
There are several operators in the region who offer guided rides and tuition to make mountain biking holidays in South West Wales that little bit better. Depending on your skill level they'll teach the basics of off-road riding using state-of-the-art equipment. Then you'll head off into the hills and put it all into practice
Check out the operators lists on the right hand side of this page. These guys can certainly give you the mountain biking experience you are looking for.
Top Tips
You can enjoy mountain biking in South West Wales any time of year and whatever the weather. The trails at Afan Forest and Brechfa are designed to be 'weatherproof' and are not unduly affected by bad weather, it all ads to the fun (snow could be a problem though).
Mountain biking holidays in South West Wales are not just all about hitting the hills full on. Take time for a break on those long climbs. You may spot anything from deer and squirrels to buzzards and maybe even a red kite. And it makes a good excuse to get your breath back.
More info
Check out http://www.mbwales.com/ which is dedicated to mountain biking in Wales, and for operators go to www.visitwales.co.uk/active/.