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Mountain Biking in Wales Uk

For more information on Mountain Biking holidays in Wales call activity Wales on 01437 766888 or email fran@activitywales.com

They're free. They're open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They lead to some of the most dramatic and rugged terrain in the UK. They will challenge you to your limit. They attract people from all over the world and are causing the visitor numbers to go "bananas." If you¹re wondering what they are, it's time to discover them for yourself.

Over the past few years, Wales has undergone a revolution. Serious money has been invested into designing, mapping and creating thousands of miles of mountain bike trails which search out the unique and spectacular qualities the country has to offer. Whether you have the latest and greatest high tech dual suspension bike or you're a first timer there is something for everyone. From valley trails, wide forest track and beautiful coastline to ultra technical single track and hairy mountain descents; you'll be spoilt for choice.

Invited, challenged and finally persuaded to experience this hot bed of activity I'm at the 9ft trail in the Afan forest in south Wales. Unfortunately, (or should that read fortunately?), my visit has coincided with the Single Speed World Championships. So here I am surrounded by racers from around the world anxious to get to know the course before their race starts tomorrow. With a bog-standard, borrowed bike and severely lacking in the tight Lycra department I'm hoping not to be noticed and I'm hoping not to get in the way.

Setting off along a wide open path the trail quickly narrows into tight single track which then disappears into dense forest. Dark enough to be midnight; no wonder this section is called the Heart of Darkness. Thankfully, there's no need to worry about being mown down. The route seems to swallow up the riders and even on this busy weekend it's far from crowded. Emerging out of the forest a buzzard floats overhead and turning a full 360 degrees there is nothing but stunning scenery. It's less than eight miles from Port Talbot and junction 40 of the M4 yet it feels like the back of beyond. Setting your own pace is what it¹s all about. It would be a crime not to stop and absorb the surrounding landscape, but you¹ll also be hard pushed to resist the exhilaration of hurtling down the swooping descents.

The Afan Argoed forest is just one of seven main mountain biking centres in Wales that has been developed. Each has its own unique characteristics, but you can be sure that all these mountain biking havens search out the very best of Wales. From bumpy, boggy hollows, slate ravines, switchbacks, drop offs and monster puddles to ruined farmhouses, quiet country lanes, tiny hamlets and splendid churches, there're plenty of treats in store.

The International Mountain Biking Association has officially ranked Wales on the same level as California (the very birthplace of mountain biking).

Davis, of the forest commission says, "Wales has the best mountain bike trails in Europe and can compete with the very best worldwide. In fact, we have already been voted within the top ten mountain bike destinations in the world. To do this we consider the quality of the ride, the scenery, the experience, the way the trail sits in the landscape. It has to be challenging, but it also has to flow. Most importantly it needs to be fun."

But it's not easy, as he explains, "Designing, mapping and building a trail is a very complex and technical discipline. We have to go through a vigorous planning procedure with the forestry commission, local planners and conservation managers. We also have to consider archaeological, environmental and conservation constraints as well as rights of way and felling plans. Only once that's done can we start to look at the actual detail of the trail. Using surveying equipment we'll markout a trail and see how it sits and flows through the landscape. It needs to look natural; like it's always been there."

As with my experience on the Afan trail Davis is keen to stress that all levels of mountain bikers are welcome. "We're not building trails for experts only, we're making proper mountain biking accessible to everybody. Each centre has its own unique character and their trails reflect the nature of the terrain. For instance, Coed-y-Brenin is a rocky place so the trails are rocky. But information about each trail is provided at the trail head so riders know which routes they're best suited to and what they're letting themselves in for."

Open all year round, winter is becoming an increasingly popular time to explore the trails, although the latest craze is to ride them at night. "Night riding", says Davis, "is becoming a really big thing. Good quality lights aren't expensive and this extra dimension gives a real buzz to exploring the trails. It's popular with the locals and it's a lot of fun."

Night or day, summer or spring, off peak or Saturday afternoon, they're world class, they're right on your doorstep and they're ready and waiting.

For new trails check out mountain biking in Wales at www.mbwales.com

Words by Minnie Burlton, photographs by Wales Tourist Board