Looking for adventure? North Wales biggest and best known trail centre destination has just announced the addition of a selection of new adventure/gravel routes for those looking for something new.
The routes vary in length and challenge from the shortest Coblynnau (Goblin) at just over 9km to the 36km Y Wrach Wen (The White Witch). Trail surfaces will vary but will include forest road, hard packed track and some narrower trail sections. Most trails can be tackled on a gravel bike or even a hybrid with a reasonable tyre volume but there are some steeper sections on the longer trails that may require you to walk your bike a short distance.
These routes have been carefully compiled to offer an alternative adventure to Coed y Brenin's well known MTB trails. You could be looking to notch up some fitness miles or just to soak up some scenery with tranquil tree-lined forest road and spectacular mountain views. These new routes are for the pure pleasure of cycle enjoyment.
You can find further visitor information on our Visitor Centre page or Click & Collect your MTB essentials from our online shop.
Please note - There is no charge to ride the trails, although you will need to pay to park.
Here you will find links to all the trail maps and guides, plus additional helpful tips and information. You will also find an explanation of how the trails are graded so you can select rides that suits your skill and fitness level.
All the adventure routes are available to view on a single map. This is in addition to the individual trail guides you will find below. You will find a link to download the full trail map at the bottom of the route section.
Below you will find all the new adventure routes with PDF files to download of the trail information.
ROUTE | NAME | DISTANCE/TIME | INTRO | DOWNLOAD |
|
Coblynnau | 9.5km / 1-3 hours | An idyllic riverside picnic area awaits you as you follow the rivers Eden and Mawddach to Pont Ty'n-y-groes. A gentle ride suitable for the whole family with the perfect rest stop halfway. | |
|
Yr Afon | 10.9km 1-3 hours | Saddle up and let the Afon Mawddach guide you to her secret. Two raging waterfalls greet those who follow her cascades and ravines on the family-friendly Yr Afon trail. | |
|
Olwyn Dân | 10.5km / 1.5-3 hours | Climb high onto Cefndeuddwr ridge, admire beautiful views across the harsh Rhinogau mountains, and ride where Romans once marched. All in a day's work on the Olwyn Dân trail. | |
|
Y Fuwch Frech | 15.5km / 2-4 hour | Venturing into the quieter side of the forest, Y Fuwch Frech offers stunning views of the mountains and forest as you climb high above the valley. | |
|
Y Fuwch Gyfeiliorn | 19.1km / 2-4 hours | Twisting and turning along the forest roads of Craig Ganllwyd, Y Fuwch Gyfeiliorn rewards you with breathtaking views of the forest and surrounding area. Stop and pause to take them in, you've earned it! | |
|
Gwyllgi | 24.9km / 2.5-4.5 hours | Big climbs and river crossings are the reward for anyone brave enough to try and tame the Gwyllgi. Reaching the northern forest boundary, this trail offers something at every turn. | |
|
Y Wrach Wen | 36km / 3-6 hours | If you want to test your endurance then a day out cycling Y Wrach Wen will fit the bill! Visit the most remote parts of the forest where exposed high ridges reveal surrounding mountain views and tales of witchcraft whisper among the trees. | |
|
All routes map | N/A | You can download this addition to the route guides that shows all the routes on a single map. |
For those who don't have their own bike or just want to try something new (we have an extensive fleet of MTBs and EMTBs), Beics Brenin offers a range of hire options for riding within the forest park trail network.
Beics Brenin stock a wide range of clothing, accessories and trail essentials to help you make the most out of your visit to Coed y Brenin. The Visitor Center café is right next door to the bike hire centre and bike shop and serves a wide range of drinks, snacks and home cooked cakes and meals. There are showers, a bike wash and a 24hr toilets on site and you'll find other activities like walking and running trails and a kids play area. Find out more on our Visitor Centre page.
So what are you waiting for, plan your visit today.
Looking for adventure? North Wales biggest and best known trail centre destination has just announced the addition of a selection of new adventure/gravel routes for those looking for something new.
The routes vary in length and challenge from the shortest Coblynnau (Goblin) at just over 9km to the 36km Y Wrach Wen (The White Witch). Trail surfaces will vary but will include forest road, hard packed track and some narrower trail sections. Most trails can be tackled on a gravel bike or even a hybrid with a reasonable tyre volume but there are some steeper sections on the longer trails that may require you to walk your bike a short distance.
These routes have been carefully compiled to offer an alternative adventure to Coed y Brenin's well known MTB trails. You could be looking to notch up some fitness miles or just to soak up some scenery with tranquil tree-lined forest road and spectacular mountain views. These new routes are for the pure pleasure of cycle enjoyment.
You can find further visitor information on our Visitor Centre page or Click & Collect your MTB essentials from our online shop.
Please note - There is no charge to ride the trails, although you will need to pay to park.
Here you will find links to all the trail maps and guides, plus additional helpful tips and information. You will also find an explanation of how the trails are graded so you can select rides that suits your skill and fitness level.
All the adventure routes are available to view on a single map. This is in addition to the individual trail guides you will find below. You will find a link to download the full trail map at the bottom of the route section.
Below you will find all the new adventure routes with PDF files to download of the trail information.
ROUTE | NAME | DISTANCE/TIME | DOWNLOAD |
|
Coblynnau | 9.5km / 1-3 hours | |
|
Yr Afon | 10.9km 1-3 hours | |
|
Olwyn Dân | 10.5km / 1.5-3 hours | |
|
Y Fuwch Frech | 15.5km / 2-4 hour | |
|
Y Fuwch Gyfeiliorn | 19.1km / 2-4 hours | |
|
Gwyllgi | 24.9km / 2.5-4.5 hours | |
|
Y Wrach Wen | 36km / 3-6 hours | |
|
All routes map | N/A |
What is a gravel trail?
Want to explore the Forest Park but don’t want to ride the technical mountain bike trails? Then these routes may be for you!.
The gravel bike trails are a series of waymarked bike routes mainly following forest roads and tarmac lanes. The trails are ideal for drop-bar gravel bikes with 40mm or wider knobbly off-road tyres, flat-bar mountain bikes and e-mountain/gravel bikes. The longer routes may also include sections of singletrack and short unrideable sections where you will need to push or carry your bike: ‘hike-a-bike’. See individual trails for details. Off-road cycling is a hazardous activity carrying some inherent risks. Please consider your skills, abilities and fitness carefully and always make sure your bike and helmet are safe to use.
How do I know if the trails are right for me?
The gravel trails we’ve provided offer options for a range of skills and abilities. The information provided in the trail cards will help you to decide which trail is right for you.
How long are the trails and how hard are they?
Looking at the distance and climb on a trail will give you a good idea of how difficult the route will be for you. These figures, alongside the route profiles, will help you get the best understanding of what’s in store.
REMEMBER: It’s hard work trying to lift or carry a heavy e-bike on steep or slippery terrain; look out for the hike-a-bike sections.
How long will it take me to ride the trails?
The timing on the trail cards is an indication of how long the ride will take, but be prepared to adapt it to suit your circumstances. It’s important to factor in extra time for mechanical issues, accidents, weather, your personal fitness, navigation errors, or simply admiring the beautiful views.
Are the trails easy to follow?
Each trail is waymarked with its own unique waymarker and arrow so make sure you know which signs you’re following. Carrying a copy of the trail map will help you keep track of where you are and what’s to come.
What to take with you?
Carrying the right clothing, kit and supplies for the day will help you make the most out of your visit to the forest.
Remember, the weather here can be changeable so make sure you’ve checked the forecast and planned appropriately.
What to do if I get lost? If you find that you are lost, try retracing your route back to the last or any numbered waymarker post which will give you a reference point on the map and allow you to find where you are. We’ve also waymarked escape routes back to the visitor centre; these follow the easiest, flattest route back.
What about punctures and bike mechanical problems? You’ll need to be able to fix this yourself out on the trails. If you can’t fix it then you’ll need to walk back to the visitor centre following the escape routes mentioned above. Don't forget, Beics Brenin bike shop is located at the visitor centre where you can buy essential spares, puncture repair kits and tools.
Is there a mobile phone signal?
Mobile signal is patchy throughout the forest, so carrying alternative means of getting attention such as a whistle or torch will help in these situations. Calls to the emergency services can be made on any available network.
What if there’s an accident?
Give first-aid treatment to any casualty and then make your way back to the visitor centre. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Police and then Mountain Rescue because in many areas of the forest, an ambulance wont be able to reach you. When giving your location, an Ordnance Survey grid reference is best, or the number of the nearest waymarker is a good backup. Make sure to have as much information aboutthe incident and casualty as possible to give them too.
For those who don't have their own bike or just want to try something new (we have an extensive fleet of MTBs and EMTBs), Beics Brenin offers a range of hire options for riding within the forest park trail network.
Beics Brenin stock a wide range of clothing, accessories and trail essentials to help you make the most out of your visit to Coed y Brenin. The Visitor Center café is right next door to the bike hire centre and bike shop and serves a wide range of drinks, snacks and home cooked cakes and meals. There are showers, a bike wash and a 24hr toilets on site and you'll find other activities like walking and running trails and a kids play area. Find out more on our Visitor Centre page.
So what are you waiting for, plan your visit today.