Refine your search
Cwmcarn Forest-Mountain Biking at Cwmcarn Forest (NRW)

Cwmcarn Forest
Cwmcarn Forest-Mountain Biking
Nantcarn Road,
Cwmcarn, Cross Keys,
Nr Newport,
NP11 7FA
Details
There are two cross country mountain bike trails and two downhill trails (serviced by the onsite uplift provider) at Cwmcarn Forest.
Twrch Trail (15.5 kilometres, grade red).
The Twrch trail is one of Wales’ hidden gems, a singletrack loop climbing from dense woodland out onto open ridges with clear views of the Bristol Channel.
Nearly all the climbing on this trail is done within the first few kilometres. So the start is hard, some of it technical and it will really get your heart going (and test your determination). It’s well worth it though because the descent is very much like a rollercoaster ride; it’s fast, swooping and you’ll be exposed to some very steep hillside.
Cafall Trail (15 kilometres, grade red)
Climbing up to altitudes of over 600 metres, the Cafall Trail is graded red (for proficient riders only). Highlights include some tough climbs, tight hand-built singletrack sections and some fantastic technical descents.
Y Mynydd Downhill (1.9 kilometres, grade orange, bike park extreme) currently closed. For more information visit this website www.cwmdown.co.uk
Extreme downhill mountain bike trail for experienced riders only. The trail drops 250m through the steep hillsides of Cwmcarn.
An Uplift pass is available by booking with www.cwmdown.co.uk please note that Private Uplifts are not permitted.
Pedalhounds (1.4 kilometres, 203 metres, vertical drop, grade orange, bike park extreme)
The Pedalhounds downhill course opened in 2014. It follows the line of the old “club track” down a steep sided valley in the forest. It starts off with a handmade rooty section through the trees and soon picks up speed as it flows in and out of the wooded sections. Access to this trail is via the Cavall XC trail or by the uplift service. An uplift pass is available from Cwmdown.
NB: Please consult 'Mountain Biking Trail Guide' before starting this trail to make sure this trail is right for your level of experience and fitness.
Many of the trees in Cwmcarn Forest have been infected by larch disease (Phytophthora ramorum) and 400 acres of these infected trees will be cut down and removed. See the Natural Resources Wales website for the latest information. http://naturalresources.wales/out-and-about/places-to-go/south-east-wales/cwmcarn-forest/?lang=en
At the foot of the forest drive is the brand new Visitor Centre, which always has a warm welcome for you. You can find information on walks, cycling activities and other things to do in the area. There is also a gift shop and a cafe with outdoor decking area. Many of the trees in Cwmcarn Forest have been infected by larch disease (Phytophthora ramorum) and 400 acres of these infected trees will be cut down and removed. See the Natural Resources Wales website for the latest information. http://naturalresources.wales/out-and-about/places-to-go/south-east-wales/cwmcarn-forest/?lang=en Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.
Open all the time
Prices
Carpark: cash only £1.00 for 2 hours, then £3.00 all day.
'Cwmdown' Uplift prices:
Single Trip Ticket, £3.50
5x Single Trip Ticket, £15
Day Tickets:
£27.50 - Midweek
£31.50 - Weekends - Bank Holidays
Also at this Venue
Address
Nantcarn Road,
Cwmcarn, Cross Keys,
Nr Newport,
NP11 7FA
Directions
Map reference: ST 226938 Lat: 51.63765 Long: -3.11981
Cwmcarn Visitor Centre is in Cwmcarn Forest.
Sign posted Forest Drive from M4.
The visitor Centre (run by Caerphilly County Borough Council) is situated about half a mile from Cwmcarn and the drive starts a further half mile on the same road.
Crosskeys and Abercarn are the nearest towns or villages.
OS Grid Reference: ST 229 935
For details of public transport visit http://www.traveline-cymru.info/
Postcode NP11 7FA (for satnav purposes)
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport: 5 miles from CrossKeys station
Nearby
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site catering
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Public toilets
Pushchairs available
Regional Tourist Board Member
Welcome Host
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Dogs accepted
At the foot of the forest drive is the brand new Visitor Centre, which always has a warm welcome for you. You can find information on walks, cycling activities and other things to do in the area. There is also a gift shop and a cafe with outdoor decking area. Many of the trees in Cwmcarn Forest have been infected by larch disease (Phytophthora ramorum) and 400 acres of these infected trees will be cut down and removed. See the Natural Resources Wales website for the latest information. http://naturalresources.wales/out-and-about/places-to-go/south-east-wales/cwmcarn-forest/?lang=en Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.