Afan Forest

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 surrounded by coal mining, but now the valley has been transformed into a bikers heaven. Afan Forest Park is home to 6 world class trails including, the ‘Penhydd’, ‘Y Wâl’, ‘White’s Level’ and 'W²', boasting over 100 km of singletrack trails. There's also the Afan Bike Park (launched in 2013) allowing riders to improve their riding skill and have hours of winding, swerving fun with berms and jumps. Trails start from either the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre or Glyncorrwg Visitor Centre, both great locations to set off from. Afan Bike Park is based next to Bryn Bettws Lodge. Afan offers a mountain biking experience second to none. Afan has it all from flowing singletrack threading through the forest to more exposed trails on wide open hills with amazing view and even a Bike Park. Natural Resources Wales’ Afan Forest Park is the fastest growing mountain bike area in Britain and located only minutes from the M4 it’s perfect for those wanting to reach a variety of fantastic riding without the hassle of long journeys. With 6 superb flowing trails ranging from 7km to over 40km and a Bike Park there is more all weather singletrack than any other MBWales centre – you simply have to check it out! The mountain bike trails here total over 130km and are supported by a continual programme of trail maintenance and development. Y Wal trail is a swooping 24km mainly singletrack loop with epic views and breath-taking descents to keep your heart pumping all the way round. Watch out for The Graveyard section and hang on for the searingly fast final descent. The White’s Level and Blade Trails have some of the most technical sections of all the trails at Afan Forest Park. Both starting on a combined and challenging singletrack climb out of Glyncorrwg, with mostly purpose built, all weather singletrack routes they both flow in an adrenalin pumping mix of rock drops, step sections, berms and traverses – Whites Level also has an optional black run descent section for the more skilful riders – creates an outrageous 17km loop. If you want to add some more distance to your ride you can also add in the top loop of the old ‘Skyline’ trail with some fantastic high (600m) & remote singletrack sections. Make sure you are properly equipped as this loop takes you to remote area with changeable weather conditions. W2 links the Y Wal and White’s Level trails with a high level linking route to make a 44km epic. It mixes stunning views into the surrounding valleys and hills with some of the most demanding descents and singletrack sections in the UK for a total MTB challenge. It can be started from either Afan Forest Park or Glyncorrwg visitor centres too, with the other centre providing a welcome halfway watering hole en route. Facilities The forest park has two centres. The Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre with the Afan Valley Bike Shed shop and revamped Trailhead Cafe and the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre at the top of the valley complete with Afan a Blast shop and the Corrwg Cwtch Cafe which is fully licenced. Afan visitor centre opening hours April to September: Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm (6pm on weekends and Bank Holidays) October to March: Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.00pm (5pm on weekends and Bank Holidays) Contact Info For up to date trail information please check the Natural Resources Wales trail updates posted at the main trailheads around the valley. If you want to check it out online before traveling its here on their website: Afan Trail update. NOTE: There is no longer a Ranger based in the Afan Forest Park Visitors Centre however if your heading further up the valley you can contact the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre: Tel: 01639 851900 Bob looks after the trails at Afan Forest Park. He’s the Natural Resource Wales mountain bike ranger for the South and you can ‘like’ his Facebook page here for the latest info or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/MTBRangersouth