Single track cross country and downhill trails
Betws Y Coed and District
Betws Y Coed and surrounding area has miles of forest fire roads, single track trails, by-ways, lanes and moorland tracks. Navigation can be hard and maps do not always accurately reflect the actual terrain and tracks in the forest. Local knowledge is helpful. Individuals are permitted to ride anywhere in the Gwydir Forest with the exception of designated footpaths, organised groups however may need to gain permission from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to undertake certain rides on a commercial basis.
The area can feel remote and wild and often there is no telephone reception. In the forest and on moorland it may take a while for emergency services to reach you so take care and always carry a first aid kit, bike repair kit and let someone know where you are riding.
Outlined below are some of the mountain bike trails in the area. For further details of our Guided rides see (Guided Rides)
The area is most famous for the Marin Trail (Gwydir Mawr and Bach). Developed some 30 years ago and sponsored by Marin Bikes California, this was one of the first single track bike trails in the UK and has some historic significance in the MTB world.
Gwydir Mawr is 25 km in length and combines some great single track with sections of forest fire trail and is graded red (hard). There are big climbs and big descents, and amazing secenery. A real trail to remember and to be taken seriously. The trails can be accessed from several points. The official start being at Saw Bench car park near to Llanwrst. You can ride the trail starting from Betws Y Coed proceeding passed Cunninghams outdoor shop along Forest Road to post 51 where the single track can be ridden in an anti clockwise manner. Gwydir Bach (8.7km) is a shorter version of the main route but still remains a technical route for experienced riders.
Download _Gwydir_Bach_flyer
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- Category: Single Track
The Penmachno trails, Dolen Machno and Dolen Eryri, are the hidden gem of north Wales. Very remote, natural feeling trails with spectacular views of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa.
There are 2 loops that can be ridden individually (11 km and 19km) or as one 30km.
The start of the trails are around 3 miles from Betws y Coed, on quiter days a transfer service can be arranged if required The main car park is on the right just outside Penmachno village as you proceed to towards Cwm Penmachno. There is a shop and pub in the village.
The trail is graded red and has some technical sections it can be wet and muddy even during dry periods. The area is remote and there is no phone signal so let someone know where you are if riding alone and be prepared.
Download Penmachno_MTB_trail_flyer
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- Category: Single Track
Beddgelert Forest is a great place for families and less experienced off road riders to explore. With forest tracks, short sections of single track and Lon Las Gwyrfal a trail from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu, this is the heart of Snowdonia with amazing scenery and landscape. Beddgelert is around 20 miles from Beics Betws.
http://www.mbwales.com/listings/bedwen/
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The blue trails at Llyn Brenin and Llyn Alwen reservoirs in the Clocaenog Forest are around 15 miles from Beics Betws, bike delivery can be arranged. Consisting of tracks and single track sections it is ideal for the less confident xcountry biker and their families. Mainly the hills are gentle and the surfaces good. With great open, peaceful countryisde and lake views take your dog or child in one of our trailers or maybe a picnic. There is a lakeside cafe and toilets at Llyn Brenig
https://llynbrenig.com/cycle-routes-llyn-brenig/
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Coed y Brenin is around 30 miles south of Beics Betws towards Dolgellau and offers riders a wide choice of tracks and trails, from green to black with a skills park an added attraction. With an excellent trail centre there is a cafe, bike wash, bike hire and shop showers and toilets. Trails include Beast, 35km black; Tarw Du, 20 km black, Yr Afon , easy forest road, 10km; MBR , black 18 km, Dragons Back , red 31km, Temtiwr, red, 8km; Cyflym Coch, Red 12 km; MinorTaur blue, 17 km and Y ffowndri skills area.
https://www.mbwales.com/agents/coed-y-brenin/
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Llandegla trail centre is some 35 miles east of Beics Betws on the road between Ruthin and Wrexham, With a great trail centre consisting of cafe, bike hire and shop, toilet and wash off facilities it is a great place to hang out as well as ride! With blue, red and black routes there is something for everyone.
http://www.mbwales.com/agents/coed-llandegla/
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This down hill bike centre is around 15 miles away in Blaenau Ffestioniog . There are red, black and blue descent routes and an uplift service is provided. Please note that bikes hired from Beics Betws are not suitable for use at Antur Stiniog.
http://www.anturstiniog.com/
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- Category: Single Track
