CwmCarn Forest – mountain bike trails

Cwmcarn Forest is situated on the hills around Cwmcarn village and has views over the surrounding area and as far as the Bristol Channel.

This former mining area is now a popular visitor destination with a range of facilities including a forest drive, mountain bike trails, walking routes and visitor centre.

There are five mountain bike trails in Cwm Carn Forest ranging from a blue-graded moderate route up to a double-black downhill route for very advanced riders.

The forest drive re-opened in 2021 following significant investment and redevelopment by Natural Resources Wales. Caerphilly County Borough Council runs the forest drive through a partnership agreement with Natural Resources Wales.

The forest drive, visitor centre, car park and most visitor facilities here are managed by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

There are five mountain bike trails in Cwm Carn Forest:

Pwca (blue/moderate grade) climbs up from the visitor centre car park and includes some technical sections to develop skills and confidence before its descent back to the start.

Cafall (red/difficult grade) goes to some of the most remote areas of the forest and offers a real sense of adventure with its tough climbs, tight hand-built single-track sections and steep and technical descents.

Twrch (red/difficult grade) is almost entirely on a purpose built single-track which hugs the sides of steep wooded side slopes and sweeps along open ground with dramatic views.

Pedalhounds (black/severe grade) is a linear cross-country trail, accessed via the Cafall Trail but requiring more advanced riding skills.

Y Mynydd (double black/extreme grade) is a downhill route full of features including berms, switchbacks, a tunnel and rock steps.

The mountain bike trails are waymarked from the visitor centre car park where there are panels with information about the trail grades and length.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VISITING CWM CARN FOREST

The visitor centre, forest drive, car park and most visitor facilities here are managed by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

For information about visiting Cwm Carn Forest go to the visitor centre on arrival or see the Cwm Carn Forest website.