Coed-Y-Brenin
Coed-y-Brenin has so much to offer and is just down the road from Antur Stiniog, so it’s perfect if you want to combine a weekend of DH with XC. It has a reputation for being one of the best places to ride in the UK and it definitely lives up to it. There are eight trails on offer, graded from green to black, as well as a skills area, so there is loads of choice. The trails start from the visitor centre which houses a bike shop, café, bike wash, bike hire and a craft shop. If you are planning on heading to this area for a longer trip then as well as Antur Stiniog you should definitely consider also checking out the trails Betws-y-Coed and Penmachno because they too are first class and only a short distance away.
Trails
Yr Afon – Green – 10.8km, 1-3 hours – This trail takes you on open forest roads and contouring hillsides past waterfalls on the Gain and Mawddach rivers as well as the old Gwynfynydd Gold mine, the last source of Welsh gold. Great for families, this trail has a few downhill sections but nothing too challenging.
Minor Taur – Blue – 8km, 0.5 – 1.5 hours – A unique and hugely popular trail. The Minor Taur is an accessible trail suitable for those with adaptive mountain bikes. Built in three loops it gets progressively longer so you have the option to choose what distance you want. The trails offers a mix of features from stone steps, table tops and swoopy berms.
Cyflym Coch – Red – 11.2km, 1.5-3 hours – This trail offers a slightly more technical option than the Minor Taur, and despite only having relatively short climbs Cyflym Coch (Red Fox) strings together some of the best, fast flowing sections in Coed y Brenin.
Temtiwr – Red – 8.7km, 0.5- 1 hour – Temtiwr includes five sections of great singletrack, from extremely technical rock pitching, to fast flowing swooping curves through the trees with one main climb up from the river Gain. A short route to get an idea of what the longer trails in Coed-y-Brenin have to offer.
Dragon’s Back – Red – 31.1km, 3-5 hours – The Dragons Back is a challenging trail that encompasses some of the best things about mountain biking. It offers challenging climbs, tight singletrack and flowing, fast descents with amazing views.
Tarw Du – Black – 20.2km, 1.5-3 hours – The Tarw Du (Black Bull) was the first trail built at Coed-y-Brenin. It offers a rocky, twisty and technical trail aimed at testing your skill and fitness.
MBR – Black – 18.4km, 1.5-3 hours – A rocky, challenging and technical trail offering sweeping descents with the addition of natural and stone pitched sections. It’s as fun as it is challenging.
Beast of Brenin – 38.2km, 3-6 hours – A physically and mentally demanding trail, it combines Dragons Back and MBR offering both fast open sections and tight, technical descents. There are also shortcuts back to the centre if you need them, and a café on route for a much needed break.
Yr Ffowndri – The great new skills and training area which is featured in the video below…
This is where Coed-y-Brenin is…
How to get there: From Dolgellau head north on A470, taking a right turn for visitor centre after five miles. Sat Nav: LL40 2HY
Coed-y-Brenin visitor centre opening hours:
Summer: Mon – Fri 9.30am -5.00pm , Sat – Sun 9.00am – 5.00pm
Winter: Mon – Fri 9.30am – 4.30pm, Sat – Sun 9.00am – 4.30pm
Beics Brenin bike shop opening hours:
9am – 5pm is 7 days a week
