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Forest Cycling & Mountain Biking

If you're visiting Snowdonia, you will be spoilt for choice for places to go cycling and mountain biking. Here are the main forestry locations and some have excellent facilities for families and for mountain bikers alike.

Coed y Brenin (north of Dolgellau)
Either challenge yourself on some of the best mountain biking single tracks in the Uk or take the family cycling route alongside the river Mawddach - there's something here for everyone! Coed y Brenin, owned by the Forestry Commission, is home to a network of fantastic hand built all weather single tracks. You can also relax and enjoy excellent home made food at Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre.

Click here for information on the various trails at Coed y Brenin.

Marin MTB trail (Gwydir Forest, Betws y Coed)
The Marin Trail leaves from Gwydir Forest Centre, approximately 2 miles north of Betws y Coed. Long challenging climbs lead to miles of brand new single track weaving between trees and boulders, across streams and down snaking ridge lines to get your heart and brakes pumping!

Distance: 25km
Climb: 450m
Time: 2 - 4 hours
Level: Red (Difficult) - Suitable for experienced mountain bikers

Relevant O.S. Map: Explorer OL17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley
Download a pdf Map of Marin Trail
Click here to go the Forestry Commission's website for further information.

Penmachno Forest - Dolen Machno & Dolen Eryri
The Penmachno Forest mountain biking trails are maintained by the local Menter Bro Machno. There are two loops which are Dolen Machno (Loop 1) which is 19km and Dolen Eryri (Loop 2) which is an extension to the Dolen Machno and is 32km.

Distance: 19km / 32 km
Climbing: 600m
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Level: Red (Difficult) - Suitable for experienced mountain bikers

Relevant O.S. Map: Explorer OL18 Harlech, Porthmadog & Bala
Download a Map of Penmachno Trail

Beddgelert Forest
There are two forest road trails at Beddgelert Forest, the longest being 9.5km (yellow signs) and the shortest being 4km (green signs).

Distance: 9.5km
Climbing: 210m
Time: 1-2 hours
Level: Forest road

Relevant O.S. Map: Explorer OL17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley
Click here to go to the Forestry Commission's website for further information.

Why not visit one of our Information Centres and buy the Forestry Commission's Mountain Biking North Wales pack which includes route descriptions and maps? It only costs £2.50.

For more information visit www.mbwales.com or contact Tony Griffiths, Mountain Bike Ranger on 07884 233712.