Five of Wales' best intermediate mountain bike rides

With somewhere between 500km - 600km of purpose built single-track and plenty of beautifully rugged natural trails, there are literally hundreds of blue and red routes awaiting the intermediate and experienced mountain biker.

Antur Stiniog in Blaenau Ffestiniog has welcomed mountain bikers since 2012 and it’s a very popular destination. It’s predominantly a downhill and freeride centre with an uplift shuttle service. Full of flowy berms, drop-offs, double jumps and rocky descents, the 'Wild Cart' trail is an awesome adrenalin fuelled Red run, with the Black runs 'Y Du' and 'Black Powder' for the more experienced riders.

Get you and your bike to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in North Wales and back down again. There are multiple options to ascend but try the 'Llanberis path' (there’ll be some hike-a-bike required) and descend via Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Rangers path onto Maesgwm. Fast at the top and becoming looser and rockier before you hit some tight and steep switchbacks. Remember to follow the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Voluntary Cycle Agreement put in place to avoid accidents. The 'Ranger's Path' is the more aggressive route and for experienced riders only.

Brechfa in Carmarthenshire, West Wales, has tracks for all abilities. Take the 'Derwen Trail' - a perfect introduction for family and new riders, the 'Gorlech Trail' designed by Rowan Sorrell takes you up a level and the Black 'Raven Trail' is best left to the more experienced. You’ll be grinning from ear to ear by the time you reach the bottom of these trails. Routes that effortlessly mix up the more traditional narrow woodland singletracks with Brechfa’s signature brash descents sweeping between the trees. You’ll be taken to interesting corners of the forest passing spooky mossy overhangs and riding over the magnificent Douglas fir Northshore Bridge.

Find out more on the Natural Resources Wales website.

Stunning high-level wilderness riding at it’s best. In contrast to the swoopy berms of many other black graded trails it’s the wild, desolate, lonely beauty of the Syfydrin’s far loops that make it one to savour. Equip yourself for every eventuality, as this is one route not to underestimate. Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth offers the Red 'Summit Trail' for those at intermediate level, and the more advanced options of the Black 'Syfydrin Trail' (only for the more experienced riders). 

Find out more about the Summit Trail on the MB Wales website.

Coed Llandegla also offers a range from the Green 5km run suitable for children and ending at the Llandegla reservoir. The Blue and Red runs offer a more adrenalin fuelled ride for the intermediate rider with the Black 21km trail filled to the brim with swooping berms and grin inducing jumps is at the higher end of intermediate and needs some serious riding experience before being attempted. A true roller coaster ride presenting you with table tops, doubles, drops and surprise features. What’s not to like? 

Search for more mountain bike centres in Wales in our activity listings

For more detailed information about mountain biking in Wales, see Mountain Bike Wales. You can also search for more blue trails around Wales.