The best MTB trails around Crynant Forest

Crynant Forest offers a wide selection of mountain bike routes, with over 100 trails documented on komoot. These range from easy gravel paths to challenging downhill and enduro tracks.

The region caters to various styles. You'll find technical downhill and enduro trails, some of which are used for national races, featuring steep descents, rocks, roots, and jumps. There are also extensive gravel biking opportunities on forest tracks, canal paths, and ancient Roman roads, suitable for less extreme cycling.

Yes, Crynant Forest has several easier routes. For example, the Aberdulais Stone Bridge – Aberavon Beach loop from Aberdulais is an easy 32.7 km trail that offers a more relaxed ride. The region's gravel paths and canal routes also provide accessible options.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Crynant Forest is known for its technical downhill and enduro trails. Routes like Rheola DH are described as fast, rocky, rooty, and steep, with an average grade of up to 16%. Other hand-cut enduro trails such as J.E.R., Freyr, and Bob Moss offer natural cambers, berms, rock drops, and jumps.

Yes, e-bikes are permitted on many of the trails within Crynant Forest, with 11 specific trails allowing their use. This provides more options for riders who prefer electric assistance.

Beyond the trails, you can explore Henrhyd Falls, the highest waterfall in South Wales, where you can even walk behind the cascade. The surrounding Graig Llech Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The forest also offers views into the Tawe and Dulais valleys and across to the Brecon Beacons.

Yes, many routes in Crynant Forest are designed as loops. Examples include the Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) – Pontrhydyfen Viaduct loop from Glynneath, a moderate 52.3 km trail, and the Sarn Helen – Cefn Coed Colliery Museum loop from Crynant, which is 17.8 km.

The mountain bike trails in Crynant Forest are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. Nearly 6,000 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscape and the mix of technical and scenic routes.

Yes, some routes incorporate historical elements. For instance, the Cefn Coed Colliery Museum – Sarn Helen loop from Aberdulais includes sections of the ancient Sarn Helen Roman road and passes by local landmarks like the Cefn Coed Colliery Museum.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll encounter extensive forest tracks, smooth canal paths, and sections of ancient Roman roads for gravel riding. For more technical mountain biking, expect rocky, rooty, and steep natural downhill tracks, as well as hand-cut enduro trails with natural cambers, berms, and rock features.

Absolutely. The region features routes that utilize its network of canal paths. A good example is the Neath Canal Path and Lock – Path Along the River Neath loop from Glynneath, which offers a moderate 43.9 km ride along the water.

The forest is situated on the western slopes of Mynydd Marchywel, providing excellent views into the Tawe and Dulais valleys. You can also enjoy expansive vistas across to the Brecon Beacons, with some areas offering newly opened views due to forest management.