For thrill-seekers and mountain biking enthusiasts, Bike Park Wales, nestled in the heart of the Welsh Valleys in South Wales, provides the perfect playground. Located just outside Merthyr Tydfil, this 1200-acre site, the UK’s first full-scale mountain bike park, boasts over 40 diverse all-weather mountain bike trails. It truly is the UK’s top destination for mountain biking!
The Park Experience
Catering to riders of all abilities, from beginners to elite-level competitors, Bike Park Wales ensures a personalized biking adventure. Their experienced trainers conduct coaching classes, enabling you to learn mountain biking from scratch or polish your technical skills to raise your game.
The park also features dedicated green starter trails and practice areas for novices. For those seeking some rest between descents, a regular uplift service is available to transport you and your bike to the top of the trails. Fitter riders and e-bikers can choose to pedal up via the singletrack, Beast of Burden, or a fire road leading to the uplift drop-off point.
The Trails
Color-graded trails indicate difficulty levels, allowing you to select a path that best suits your skill. Green trails are beginner-friendly, featuring smooth, wide, and rolling terrains designed to build confidence. Bike Park Wales has recently invested heavily in green trails to make the park more inclusive for novice riders.
Intermediate-level riders can take on the blue trails, with the most popular being Sixtapod, known for its long, flowy corners and a series of rhythmic rollers. Advanced riders can opt for the red trails, which offer a more natural surface with rock drops, jumps, and tricky tree roots to navigate. For expert riders, the black trails, such as Enter the Dragon, pose a challenge with step-downs, big tabletops, and even larger step-downs.
The trails are built in sections, allowing you to link them up in various combinations. A trail map, available at the reception, guides you to choose the right trails for you.
Facilities
The park hosts an extensive shop, stocked with the latest gear from top mountain bike brands. Bike and protective gear hire services are available, along with a fully equipped workshop for repairs.
To refuel after a rigorous ride, you can visit the on-site cafe, which offers a Bike Park Wales brewed beer for well-deserved relaxation. Free car parking is also available.
Costs
The cost for the uplift service starts from £48, making it possible to get in 10 or more runs in a day. A standard pedal pass costs £17, while e-bikes are £21. Visit bikeparkwales.com for more information or to book an uplift.
Getting There
BikePark Wales is situated in Gethin Forest, Merthyr Tydfil, just off the A470 at the Pentrebach roundabout, south of Merthyr Tydfil. The grid reference is SO050034, and the postcode is CF48 4TT.
Where to Stay
Numerous accommodations are available close to Bike Park Wales in nearby Merthyr Tydfil. Choose a place that caters to mountain bikers, offering secure bike storage, bike washing facilities, and a dedicated area for quick fixes to ensure your bike is ready for the next day.
Experience the thrill of mountain biking at Bike Park Wales - an adventure you will remember for a lifetime!
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