Mountain Biking in Afan Forest Park
Twisty, rooty, rocky and in places wildly exposed, the
singletrack in Afan Forest Park is the enthusiasts dream.
The trails here have been carved out of hillsides once scarred
by coal mining, but now the valley has been transformed into
singletrack heaven by Forestry Commission in partnership with Neath
Port Talbot Council, Wales Tourist Board and the local community
group Glyncorrwg Ponds Co-operative.
Afan Forest Park is home to 4 world class trails, the ‘Penhydd’,
‘The Wall’, ‘Skyline’ and ‘White’s Level’, boasting over 100 km of
singletrack heaven. Afan Forest Park was the only UK trail
destination to feature in the ‘What Mountain Bike Magazine’ as one
of the ten best places to ride “before you die”, December 2004
issue.
Grading of Routes
Easy: These routes are suitable for all bikes with wide broad
tyres. They are nearly all on roads with a gravel surface.
Medium: Suitable for mountain bikes only. Steep climbs and
sections of technical riding.
Difficult: Demanding routes including long and/or steep climbs
and long sections of technical riding, which are mostly less than
18 inches wide.
Personal Safety
- Ride within your ability
- Ensure your bike is safe to ride and be prepared for all
emergencies.
- Always carry some sort of identification.
- Always tell someone where you are going.
- Reflective materials on your clothing of bike can save your
life.
- ALWAYS wear a helmet.
- Particular care should be taken on unstable or wet
surfaces.
- Always carry water, snacks and spare clothing
- In an emergency contact emergency services
(999). If mobile reception is poor dial
112 for emergency services (for any network).
Alternatively, contact the Ranger service at the Afan Forest Park
Visitor Centre on 01639 850 564.
- Once you have made contact with emergency services and/or the
Forest Park Rangers – make sure you remain at the location
described.
- Whilst riding the trails – remember the way marker post
numbers/name of sections as in an emergency this will save valuable
time to locate you in an emergency.
The Penhydd
Trail
Distance: 16Km
Climb: 550m
Time: 1-3 hours
This is a varied trail, which combines forest and road climbs
with tight, technical, switchback trails through mixed woodland and
open flowing singletrack through ground with great views.
Big climbs followed by technical descents mean this trail is not
suitable for novices and in places the trail is exposed to bad
weather on high ground. Please make sure that your bike is in good
working order and that you are adequately equipped.
The Wall Trail
Distance 23Km
Climb: 450m
Time: 1.5 - 3 hours
This trail essentially traverses the North side of the Afan
Valley on singletrack, which varies from fast, open and flowing to
tight technical and rooty.
Much of the singletrack crosses some very steep side slopes and
in places feels quite exposed. The route also shares a section of
the family cycle trail along the valley bottom so please ride with
consideration for other users.
Skyline
Distance: 46km
Climb: 2000m
Time: 5 - 7 hours
The trail starts at Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre.
The latest addition to Afan Forest Park. The trail starts with
the same climb as White’s Level – quite rocky and technical.
Skyline is a giant of a ride. Be prepared!
Sharing the same sheep-track ascent as White’s Level and
continuing on long, forest road climbs with sweet, flowing
technical singletrack descents you will be treated to stunning
skyline views of Brecon Beacons, the Preselis. The Black Mountains
and the South Wales coast.
This route will test your stamina and your nerve, with technical
singletrack, such as ‘On the Edge’ and ‘Excalibur’ sections. Your
reward will be out-stretched views and a nerve-tingling, rocky, 6km
singletrack descent back into Glyncorrwg. There are also 2 short
cut loops built into the trail and the furthest section ‘Excalibur’
should only be attempted with sufficient daylight hours to complete
the route.
Come well prepared with plenty of water, food, spares (inner
tubes etc) and due to the nature of the trail, some spare clothing.
Skyline route is subject to extreme weather changes and temperature
differences between the valley bottom (195m) and mountain top
(600m). The weather can be wild and can close in fast.
The Skyline Trail has 2 cut back sections that allow the
rider(s) to return to the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre. These
cut backs could shorten the trail to 22km and 36km
White's Level
Distance: 15km
Climb: 400m
Time: 1.5 - 3 hours
The trail starts at Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre.
Very technical progressive riding trail with drops, step downs
and long singletrack climbs.
A 6km sheep track climb gives fantastic views of Afan Forest
Park, extreme exposure on tight singletrack means ultimate thrills
and long, demanding descents with rocky steps to negotiate, all
leading to one outrageous trail. If this was a slalom run it would
be graded black.
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