**Where to Ride

Bikemagic Trail Guide: Cli-Machx, Machynlleth, Wales

Destination: Cli-Machx, Machynlleth, Wales

All you need to know about Cli-Machx and the reason everyone goes there is that it’s the longest singletrack descent in the UK. Ride it once and I guarantee you’ll be hooked, looking for more speed, more air and the perfect line.

How to get there

Head north from Machynlleth on the A487 towards Dolgellau and turn right to Ceinws (follow the bunny hopping cyclist signs). Cross the river and follow signs to the left and uphill. Alternatively, have a pleasant 7 km bimble along National Cycle Route 8 from Machynlleth.

Facilities

Lots of trees. Apart from the Tafarn Dwynant pub in Ceinws that serves food, you’ll have to head back to Machynlleth.

Trails

On the marked 15 km trail, “that descent” is what everyone talks about but there are also some really challenging and fun rocky and technical climbs that always are a bonus at a man made trail. Once you’ve gained your height though, you plummet into the gloom of the forest for the opening rock infested first salvo of the descent.

Holding your nerve and your line is a real challenge, especially in the wet. It’s only graded Red but, hit it too fast and you’ll soon find your talent running out. The bottom section, Tony the Tiger, is Black graded and the vertiginous berms require guts and commitment to ride well. There’s also loads of unmarked riding in the forest so take a map or a friendly local.