Trails Ridden: Coed y Brenin, Gwydr Forest, Exmoor

Over the summer I have managed to broaden the horizons of my riding taking in the man made trails and Coed y Brenin and Gwydr forest and natural trails in Exmoor.

Over the past two years there has been an increasing hype surrounding these man made trail centres, especially as the bike market is becoming increasingly infiltrated with lightweight travel bikes becoming lighter and more suitable for all day riding.

Within the bucksmtb camp there has been a lot of talk and curiousity about whether the trails lived up to the hype or not. So I went to try and find out…

First up Gwydr forest.
The marin trail is 18 miles of rocky singletrack in the foothills of Snowdonia. Being the first time I had ever ridden a trail like this I didn’t really know what to expect from it, so I had no idea how knarly it may be or how tough the climbs may be. The route starts with a short single track climb which then enters onto a long fireroad climb. It is a tough climb, but you get plenty of reward for you efforts later in the route. After that point the track follows sections of sinlge track linked by short sections of fireroad; each section of track seeming to be better than the last. Just don’t forget to bring your own supplies as there is no trail centre here.

Coed y Brenin (central Snowdonia).
This is where the man made trails started in wales, and it is clear to see why the trails are so popular .The centre provides a range of routes so that you can tailor the challenge to your fitness and skill level. Each of the trails is characterised by large sections of rocky single track; which tested my bike handling skills to the limit, these trails are more technically demanding than those at Gwydr forest. The new trail centre is also up and running providing you with a café, bike shop and changing/shower facilities.

These trails are definiately worth checking out. They are challenging to ride and provide routes which will serve up memorable riding. It was particularly nice to ride in an unfamiliar area and not having to continously stick your face in the map to find out where to go - all the tracks here are easily found and all way marked. With that said don’t forget to check out some of the natural trails, which is what I did while in Exmoor.

From my base camp 6 miles down the road from Minehead I spent 3 days out with my bike, the usual supplies and an OS map exploring the area. Needless to say in an area with the highest distribution of bridleways in the country there was some amazing riding to be found. Riding up (and then down) Dunkery Beacon was probably the highlight of my time there. I’m hoping I can get back there again soon to explore the area further.

Overall it’s been an amazing summer of riding which has tested the limits of my riding and my bike. The appeal of an all day short travel full suspension bike is becoming increasingly apparent having attempted all day rides on my Scott race hardtail. That’s not to say that any of the trails are not perfectly ridable on a short travel hardtail. It can be done providing you are confident in the handling of your bike and don’t mind the slightly shaken and bruised feeling that it leaves behind; but a full suspension bike is recommended.

By Mark Baines
Bucksmtb.co.uk team XC rider