A newly formed community group the South Wales Trails Association is asking riders to register support for a network of unofficial mountain bike trails around Caerphilly and the surrounding south Wales area.

The South Wales Trails Association says many local trails are loved and widely used, but are not formally recognised and managed. It says that without proper recognition and support, some trails could be closed or lost.

The association also says that south Wales is recognised as one of the best mountain biking spots in the U.K., but that its long-term future as a riding destination is at risk without better organisation of the wider trail network.

According to the association, it has been created to secure access, maintain trails sustainably, and protect them for the future. It says the immediate goal is to demonstrate significant community support and usage when speaking with landowners, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), and the local council.

The association says it is not asking for money or donations. Instead, it is asking riders to add their name via its online form:

https://www.southwalestrailsassociation.co.uk/

Over to the community: If this trail network moves towards official recognition, what should be prioritised first: access agreements, sustainable maintenance, signage, or something else?

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