With natural trails that thread through breath-taking mountain scenery, innovative bike parks and bustling trail centres, a thriving competition scene and facilities to suit riders of all ages and levels, Wales continues to be a world-class destination to this day.
There are family trails everywhere, from scenic saunters through the amazing Welsh countryside, to full-fun purpose-built singletrack loops that will definitely add some spice to your riding.
Bike parks across the country combine the best flow trails with steeper downhill challenges, and uplift shuttles take the pain out of the climbs back up. The many bustling trail centres offer everything from easy spins for beginners looking to improve their fitness and hone their skills, to challenging cross-country loops to test the best. With 1000s of kilometres of superbly-crafted singletrack, there’s definitely something here to suit all types of bike and rider.
What’s more, new trails are being added all the time.
No bike? No problem!
Don’t have your own kit? Not a problem, many of the centres have hire shops and provide bikes, helmets and even protective pads.
Off the beaten track
If you fancy getting off the beaten track, there’s no shortage of opportunity. The hills, valleys, forests and moors are crisscrossed with a variety of tracks and trails. Many link wild and remote summits with hidden villages and fascinating historic sites, revealing a side of the country only seen by a few. And if you don’t fancy going it alone, professional guides are always available and always make a great day out even more enjoyable
World class action
Competitive riders definitely needn’t look any further. From winter cyclocross series to gravity enduro, and from long-distance endurance events though to downhill racing - the scene in Wales never lets up.
Top of the bill has to be the spectacular Red Bull Hardline - perhaps the world’s toughest downhill race on a course designed by retired world cup racer, Dan Atherton. Dan’s world championship winning sister, Rachel, also bases herself nearby, as does another top contender for the women’s crown, Tahnee Seagrave.
So, old or young, newbie or world champion, Wales is definitely a great place to ride a bike.
Further information
Head to the Mountain Bike Wales website for loads more information about biking in Wales.
