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 County Borough Council, Visit Wales and the local
community group Glyncorrwg Ponds Co-operative.
Afan Forest Park is home to 5 world class trails, the
‘Penhydd’, ‘Y Wal’, ‘Skyline’, ‘White’s Level’ and 'W²', 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. In 2008 it was also voted one of the top ten public
forests in the Uk by the Sunday Telegraph.
Penhydd
Distance: 16Km
Climb: 550m
Time: 1-3 hours
Overall grade: red/difficult
This is a varied trail, which combines forest and road climbs
with tight, technical, switchback trails through mixed woodland.
The open, flowing singletrack also crosses young plantations
opening up fantastic views.
Big climbs followed by technical descents mean that this trail
can be difficult and 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.
Y
Wal
Distance: 23Km
Climb: 450m
Time: 1.5 - 3 hours
Overall grade: red/difficult
Some of the best singletrack descents in the UK, the trail
essentially traverses the North side of the Afan Valley on
singletrack, varying from fast, open and flowing to tight,
technical and rooty.
Great views of the valley and coastline open out at different
points, and in places the steep-sided slopes can feel exposed.
The approach to the singletrack shares a section of the lower
level family cycleway and the disused railway line, so please ride
with consideration for the many other forest users.
Skyline
Distance: 46km
Climb: 2000m
Time: 5 - 7 hours
Overall grade: red/difficult
The trail starts at Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre.
Skyline is a giant of a ride. Ensure you and your equipment are
fully prepared for an epic skyline ride.
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 the ‘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.
You will experience exposure at altitudes up to 600 metres, and
possible extreme weather changes. Again, be prepared.
White's Level
Distance: 15km
Climb: 400m
Time: 1.5 - 3 hours
Overall grade: red/difficult
The trail starts at Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre.
This is the most technical of all the trails in Afan Forest Park
and is 90% purpose built singletrack.
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 you are up for it try out the optional new Black Run, graded
black/severe!
W²
Distance:
44km
Climb: 975m
Time: 4 – 7 hours
Overall grade: black/severe
This another giant of a trail for Afan Forest
Part at 44km, but unlike the Skyline it has a watering hole halfway
round.
Whether you kick – off from Afan Forest Park
Visitor Centre of Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre, the other centre
is your halfway service station for food, drink and a well deserved
break.
The trail combines Afan’s existing ‘Y Wal’ and
‘White’s Level’ trails (hence the name W²). A high level link
connects these trails, with some fantastic views of both the Afan
and Neath Valleys for you to enjoy.
The trail includes two of the most demanding descents in the
UK.
For more information on trail grading please see the trail grading page.
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.
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Last Updated: 09.02.2009