BIKEPARK WALES

BikePark Wales is the UK’s first full-scale mountain bike park, with an ever-increasing number – currently 40 – of gravity-fed trails that you don’t need a DH bike to enjoy. The runs vary from green to black and have been built in sections down the hillside, so you can link them together in various combos. If you want to pedal up via the singletrack or fireroad, entry costs £10. Uplift passes (including entry) range from £20 for summer evenings to £42 for a full day at the weekend. You can also purchase single trips (not including entry) for £5.

essential info

FACILITIES Trek bike hire, bike shop, bike wash, uplift, coaching, cafe, parking, showers, toilets. NEARBY BIKE SHOP BikePark Wales bike shop (on site), 07730 382501 MORE INFORMATION www.bikeparkwales.com GETTING THERE Just outside Merthyr Tyd il, BPW isn’t far from the M4. Postcode: CF48 4TT

the trails

The trails at BPW are all fairly short (no more than a few minutes long) and designed so you can link two or three together to get down the hill. Here are some of our favourites...

BADGERS’ RUN 1km

This is the easiest trail at BPW. It’s smooth and flowing, making it great for newcomers.

SIXTAPOD 2.2km

A trail for riders of any ability, Sixtapod is packed with jumps, rollers and berms.

TERRY’S BELLY 4.6km

Added in 2015, this is said to be the longest continuous MTB descent in the UK. Ideal for beginners and a blast when ridden fast.

VICIOUS VALLEY 1.2km

This tight, fast red trail has been surfaced to roll fast and ride great in all weathers. There are plenty of roots and a road gap too.

HOTSTEPPER 1.6km

HotStepper runs down next to Terry’s Belly and is an awesome mix of techy rocks, roots and pumpy flow.

50 SHADES OF BLACK

1.8km BPW’s toughest DH trail is packed with sizable drops and rock slabs. One for experts only. DH bike recommended.