BikePark Wales

BikePark Wales is one of the biggest mountain-biking destinations in the UK, with trails designed for everyone from complete beginners to highly experienced downhill riders.

You can pedal to the top yourself or use the uplift service, then choose from flowing beginner trails, jumps, technical descents and much tougher red and black routes.

Choose a Trail That Suits You

One of the best things about BikePark Wales is the sheer choice.

There are more than 60 trails across the mountain, covering different grades and riding styles rather than forcing everyone onto the same few descents.

That means experienced riders can chase rough technical sections and jumps while less confident riders stick to smoother, more forgiving trails.

Start on Kermit

If you are new to gravity mountain biking, Kermit is the obvious place to begin.

It is a purpose-built beginner trail designed to introduce riders to berms, rollers and flowing downhill riding without throwing them straight onto technical terrain.

BikePark Wales currently describes Kermit as the UK’s longest beginner gravity mountain-bike trail.

Use the Uplift

If you want to spend more of the day riding downhill rather than climbing, book the uplift service.

Minibuses carry riders and bikes back towards the top of the mountain, allowing you to fit far more descents into the day.

The current uplift service normally operates from 10am to 4pm between March and October, with shorter winter hours.

If you prefer to earn your descents, pedal-access passes are available too.

Take on the Harder Trails

More experienced riders have a huge range of harder trails to choose from.

Red and black routes add steeper terrain, rocks, roots, jumps and more technical features, while different trail styles let you choose between fast flowing riding and rougher natural-feeling descents.

Check the current trail map and trail-status information before starting because closures and conditions can change.

Hire a Bike and Equipment

You do not necessarily need to own an expensive downhill bike to visit.

BikePark Wales hires specialist mountain bikes and protective equipment, which makes it much easier to try the park without buying everything beforehand.

Beginner packages can combine bike hire, protective equipment and uplift access, while coaching sessions are available if you want someone to help you build confidence and technique.

Book Some Coaching

Coaching is worth considering if this is your first visit to a bike park or you want to progress onto more challenging trails.

Sessions range from beginner instruction through to more advanced skills, with private and small-group options available.

A little coaching early in the day can make the rest of your riding much more enjoyable, particularly if you are not used to berms, jumps or steep descents.

Stop at the Café

The on-site café gives you somewhere to refuel between runs or wait if not everyone in your group is riding.

There is also a bike shop and workshop, which is useful if something needs fixing during the day or you suddenly discover you have forgotten an essential bit of kit.

A Few Useful Tips

BikePark Wales is at Gethin Woodland Centre, Abercanaid, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1YZ.

The park operates throughout the year, with trails designed and maintained for all-weather riding.

You need the appropriate access pass to ride the trails. Choose between uplift access and pedal access depending on how you want to use the park.

Uplift places can sell out, especially at weekends, so advance booking is strongly recommended.

Bike and equipment hire is available, but book ahead if you need specific sizes or a full hire package.

Trail grades matter here. Start conservatively and only move onto harder routes when you are comfortable with the terrain and features.

Parking is free, and the site has a café, bike shop and workshop.

This is a full-day attraction for most riders, particularly if you book an uplift pass.