The Brecon Beacons

The SAS carry out their selection process in these mountains and our sister magazine Dirt Mountainbiking tests it’s hardwear there too – so in case you aren’t sure, it’s tough. Having said that, there are softer facilities for families who want to give it a go. The descents are great and the scenery a complete wonder on a clear day. There are 16 routes across the area.

Rhayader Round, Powys

Cwm Rhayader, valley of the waterfall, is one of the wildest MTB spots in the UK’s preeminent MTB country. Rhayader has two of the best downhills in Wales. This route takes in both and thank the gods, it doesn’t include the loop South of Rhayader with the river crossings and vertical climb.

Lon Eifion, Gwynedd

The Lon Eifion trail in North Wales sweeps around the western edge of the main mountains of Snowdonia with good views of the Nantlle ridge and, near Penygroes, you get a more distant glimpse of Snowdon. Heading south there is a fine view of the Lleyn mountains dramatically descending to the sea. The route has an excellent hard surface all the way.

Coed y Brenin, Snowdonia

Some say this Wales’s premier bike park, as the forest was developed around it being a MTB venue. It has six hard-core circuits it also offers the Yr Afon trail which is a mellow ride. Be sure to take in the breathtaking scenery, with views across to Cadair Idris, glaciated valleys, wild untamed rivers, an expanse of forest and all in the heart of Snowdonia National Park.

Bala-Dolgellau-Bala, Wales

This is a tough mid Wales route. You will follow some wild and beautiful terrain, leaving the Arenig Mountains, before dropping through the Coed-y-Brenin Forest following the Mawddach valley to sea level at Dolgellau. Plenty of long climbs, but only one long and severe one as you leave Dolgellau. Though much of the ride is on remote, unclassified roads, there is a section on the A494 and a fairly brief one on the A470.

Millennium Coastal Park, Llanelli

One of the finest stretches of the entire National Cycle Network, according to Sustrans. This newly opened South Wales route, part of the Celtic Trail, is the fruit of a project to turn some industrial wasteland in to green parkland, and quite simply provides a stunning trip out on two wheels.