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CYM CARN

The Skinny
Location:
Cwm Carn, South Wales
Elevation (max):
400m
Trails: One purpose-built XC trail, several unofficial downhill runs
Lifts: Not yet, but there are rumours
Thread code: Depends what and where you’re riding – everything from Lycra and Gore-Tex to moto DH outfits
Why A metropolitan mountain biker’s favourite, Cwm Carn’s biggest draw, for London based riders at least, is the fact that it’s just two and bit hours down the motorway. It’s not just dirt junkies from the ’smoke looking for a hit of the good stuff though, Cwm Carn has the necessaries to entertain wherever you hail from.

Opened in the autumn of 2002, Cwm Carn’s Twrch trail comes very much from the new school of IMBA-approved, purpose-built mountain bike routes. Where pioneers like Coed-y-Brenin use a raised tread, bordered with rocks and very clearly man made, Cwm Carn has a more natural feel and looks the better for it. There’s only one way-marked route at the moment but plans are afoot to expand the network and a little bit of detective work will uncover unofficial gems there for the riding.
What The 15km (9.4 mile) Twrch trail is, for most visitors, Cwm Carn’s main attraction. With every new creation the Welsh trailbuilders up their game and, as one of the newer trails, the Twrch deserves the accolades heaped upon it. A stiff climb leads to some stunning views over the Severn estuary while sinuous singletrack sends you hurtling back from whence you came. A more detailed description of the trail can be found here but suffice to say it’s blast whatever your abilities or preferred type of riding.

Away from the officially designated trail there’s a host of unofficial, if tacitly tolerated, downhill tracks carved out of the hills by the local gravity set. The end of the best known and easiest to find comes out on the road just past the visitor centre, opposite the monument to the area’s industrial past. Hop over the metal gate opposite the parking area, walk a few yards up the track and you’ll soon see the end of the trail. The best way up is to follow someone in body armour and ask nicely if they’ll show you the way or follow the road to the pay kiosk at the start of the forest drive. Instead of taking the Twrch trail up the hill go left up the fireroad, follow for a mile and a bit and push up the trail through the bracken on the left.

There’s apparently another eight or so DH runs around; look out for the friendly South African ranger Graeme and he’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
When The Twrch trail is open all year round and, while less protected against the elements than its rockier North Wales counterparts, is rideable in pretty much all weathers. Because it’s relatively short it makes an excellent winter warmer although your legs will be screaming in protest up the first climb if you’ve been off the bike and on the pies.
KNOWHERETORIDE VERDICT
Only one way-marked trail at the moment but it’s a beaut and hopefully more where that came from. Unofficial DH runs give you something to do once you’ve ridden the Twrch and refreshed with a cuppa.
GOOD Trail design, accessibility, views
NOT SO GOOD A bit short at the moment, you have to push to the top of the DH runs
IDEAL RIG Something lightweight, easily climbed and nimble in the turns if you’re sticking to the Twrch trail; anything goes on the DH runs
YOU'LL LOVE IT IF... You live in London and need to get out on some proper hills quickly

More info: www.mbwales.com/cwm_carn, www.mtbwales.com
Facilities The visitor centre has a basic selection of spares and, perhaps more importantly, a good range of cheap, basic grub. There’s a bike wash out the back but no showers. If you’re so inclined there’s a campsite adjoining the centre.
Where You’ll need a car to reach Cwm Carn (unless you’re a local, natch) and access from the M4 is quick and simple. From the east (AKA England) it’s under half an hour to the visitor centre from the Severn crossing, the centre itself accessed via junction 28 on the M4. Take the A467 past Risca and look out the brown signs to the forest drive.