afan forest park

Afan boasts over 130km of well-maintained trails, with everything from flowing singletrack to rock gardens. It’s more suited to experienced riders but there are a couple of short, easy trails too. There are two trailheads here, both with bike shops and cafes. Glyncorrwg is the main one and is the start point for White’s Level and Blade. The Afan Forest car park is where Blue Scar, Penhydd, The Wall and Rookie start. W2 can be ridden from either centre. There’s a bike park partway round The Wall, which can be accessed by car. The Skyline trail will be reopened in full in 2020, with a new section. Blade will get some updates later this year, and the start of the main climb out of Glyncorrwg will be upgraded too.

essential info

FACILITIES Bike hire, bike shop, bike wash, cafe, camping, pay-and-display parking, showers, toilets. NEARBY BIKE SHOP Afan a Blast (on site at Glyncorrwyg), 07974 885050, https://afan-a-blast. business.site Afan Valley Bike Shed (on site at Afan Forest car park, just off A4107), 01639 851406, www.afanvalleybikeshed.co.uk MORE INFORMATION www.mbwales.com www.cognation.co.uk Glyncorrwg MTB Centre, 01639 851900 GETTING THERE Afan Forest postcode: SA13 3HG Glyncorrwg postcode: SA13 3EA Bike park postcode: SA12 9SP

the trails

ROOKIE 5.5km (with 2.2km blue extension) PENHYDD 14km BIKE PARK

BLUE SCAR 7km

For riders progressing from green to blue trails, this has a few technical sections to test skills plus a fun descent.

THE WALL 24km

Afan’s most famous trail traverses the north side of the valley. Fireroad climbs are interspersed with singletrack that varies from tight and techy to fast and flowy.

BLADE 24km

The replacement for the old Skyline trail (which will reopen next year), Blade uses the White’s Level climb to access high parts of the forest before dropping back over the hill for a mega descent full of rocky features. For a longer ride, add on the current 20km Skyline loop.

WHITE’S LEVEL 17km

This trail is 90 per cent purpose-built singletrack and begins with a 6km climb to some great views. The descents are exposed in places, with plenty of berms and rocky steps.

W2 44km

A massive trail, and one you’ll need to be well prepared for. This route combines The Wall and White’s Level with an exposed linking section.