Mountain Biking in the Brecon Beacons

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Dirt path between two hills snaking into the distance

 

 

With its stunning vistas, wide open spaces and great mix of flat and downhill terrain, the Brecon Beacons is one of the best areas to go mountain biking in Wales. The national park is a haven for off-road adventure, whether you fancy gallivanting over moorland, weaving your way down mountainsides or zooming through forests. This page has a selection of suggestions for riders of all abilities looking to explore the Brecon Beacons, plus some tips to make your mountain biking adventure a success.

Good mountain biking trails

 

2 people riding mountain bikes down a dirt path

Crychan Forest, near Llandovery (easy) 

With a range of trails ranging from 2.5 to 12.5 miles, Crychan Forest is on the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park and is a popular destination for family bike rides. The forest's ungraded off-road trails are waymarked and easy to navigate, and while the stone tracks can get bumpy at times they're generally well maintained and well suited to novice cyclists and kids. For a little more adventure, there are several hillsides where it's possible to go off-piste in between the main paths (keep an eye out for forestry works and fallen trees if you decide to go exploring). 

BikePark Wales, near Merthyr Tydfil (all abilities) 

Located within easy driving distance of the Brecon Beacons, BikePark Wales has an extensive range of over 40 trails suited to riders of all abilities. A dedicated team of 10 MTB professionals constantly works to maintain the routes and plan new ones, so you can be sure to find lots of high-quality trails. Most of the park is in a forested area, and there's a café and bike shop on site for before or after riding. For a full break-down of the different trails on offer, take a look at the BikePark Wales website, where POV videos and an explanation of their grading system will help you find the best places to ride. 

Afan Forest Park, near Port Talbot (intermediate to advanced) 

Afan Forest Park is located between the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the coast at Port Talbot and is well known for its network of intermediate and advanced mountain bike trails. With a total of six single-track routes ranging from 5 to 25 miles, highlights at Afan Forest include scenic but moderate routes like Blue Scar and tougher descents like White's Level, which requires more technical skill and energy. If you want a warm-up first, the park also has a fun skills area and a green-rated trail to practise on. Additional facilities like two cafés, a visitor centre and on-site bike hire all make Afan Forest Park a great all-in-one day out. 

Side view of person riding mountain bike through a forest, blurred for speed

Mynydd Troed, near Talgarth (upper intermediate to advanced) 

This lesser-known peak sits in the national park's Black Mountains and has fantastic views over Llangorse Lake and the wider Brecon Beacons. Mynydd Troed is less crowded than many routes, but the cycling experience here is equally thrilling, with different trail variants to suit your ability (most are about 20 miles and all require a good deal of stamina). Starting in the village of Bwlch, follow signs for the mountain bike trail and you'll soon start the steep ascent – drop into a lower gear, shift your weight forward and pace yourself and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views as you traverse across the top.

The Gap, near Brecon (advanced) 

It's a big one, but this route in the shadow of Pen y Fan is a Brecon Beacons MTB classic. The 'gap’ in question passes between Cribyn and Fan y Big, so you'll have spectacular mountain ridges as scenery during your ride. At just over 20 miles in length, this circular route has an impressive elevation gain of 600 metres – most of that is at the start, after which the trail is fairly straightforward, with just a few rock steps to watch out for as you start your descent. As it can get very exposed at the top, it's safest to ride this route in fine weather – take multiple layers even if it's warm when you set off from the car park, as the temperature can change quickly as you ascend. 

Cwm Rhaeadr, near Llandovery (upper intermediate) 

Compared to many other trails in the Brecon Beacons, Cwm Rhaeadr is on a much smaller scale. Yes, it may be under 5 miles and only has one trail to explore, but this pick packs a punch in terms of both adrenaline and scenery. The loop, which is red-graded, can be completed in just under an hour, with plenty of rocky descents, rollers and tight turns to keep you busy. Once you're back to the car, it's just a short drive to the village of Cilycwm for refreshments at the local pub. 

Planning your mountain biking trip

Silhouette of a mountain biker on a cloudy day

When to go?

Although it’s possible to enjoy mountain biking all year round, it’s best to avoid the trails when there’s any ice or snow on the ground (which in the Brecon Beacons could be any time between November and April). Some high-altitude routes are very exposed to the elements and care should be taken to pack appropriately – for these trails, late spring, summer and early autumn will be the most relaxing times to ride. 

Brecon Beacons mountain bike shops 

The Brecon Beacons National Park is home to lots of places where you can buy, hire or repair mountain bikes. Specialist centres include: 

For more suggestions about local bike hire, check out our page on cycling in the Brecon Beacons.

Where to stay? 

The Brecon Beacons National Park has a range of bike-friendly accommodation options. Camping and glamping are particularly good for riders, as their rural location means it’s often possible to cycle straight to the trailhead – and some local campsites even have on-site bike hire.