Destination: Cwmcarn, near Crosskeys, Wales

Full on downhill action with an uplift service just off the M4 and only half an hour from the Severn Crossing is what draws riders to Cwmcarn but there’s a good XC trail too for those who prefer to earn their downhills.

How to get there

From J28 of the M4, head north on the A467, following signs for Cwmcarn Forest Drive. Keep going straight ahead until the fifth roundabout. Turn right and the right at the next roundabout. Cwmcarn Forest Drive is the second turning on the right.

Sat Nav: NP11 7FA

Facilities

Full trail centre facilities including cafe and bike washes. Also, for the gravity minded, a pre-bookable uplift service.

Trails

The Y Mynydd Downhill is split into two runs, the 2-light run and the 3-light run, which merge about a third of the way down the mountain. The 2-light is easier and less steep. The whole course is rollable and you can easily go round the big jumps but, if you like to fly, you’ll have a blast.

The red graded Twrch trail is 15.5km of quality all-weather XC riding. There are some really challenging techy climbs and the tight corners of the Airstream descent are superb

Nearest bike shop

PS Cycles, Abercarn www.pscycles.co.uk/

Other info

Parking is £1.00 for the first two hours and £3.00 for the whole day. The uplift service operates from Wednesday to Sunday. For timetable and prices go to the CwmDown website below.

Useful links

http://mbwales.com/en/content/cms/centres/cwmcarn/cwmcarn.aspx
http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest/mountain-biking/mountain-biking
http://www.cwmdown.co.uk/
www.forestry.gov.uk/website/wildwoods.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/WalesCaerphillyCwmcarnForestCwmcarnForestCwmcarnForestDriveandVisitorCentre

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