After nearly ten years where a whole generation of mountain bikers wouldn't even have heard of it, let alone ride it, the Skyline is back at Afan. 

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has re-opened the Skyline, a 45km long-distance mountain bike trail at Afan Forest Park in South Wales. It starts from Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre and goes across the Afan Valley and Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm.

It shut in 2012 to much rider frustration (back then far less choice than today and Afan was well in its heyday prior to the likes of Bike Park Wales etc) to allow the construction of the wind farm.

It is revamped as a challenging technical trail suitable for mountain bikes and eMTB bikes.

Funded from the Welsh Government National Forest for Wales Programme,  and the income from timber locally.   

Huwel Manley, Operations Manager at Natural Resources Wales, said:

“The reinstatement of the Skyline trail is a hugely positive step for Afan Forest Park.

“It adds another recreational attraction to an already popular park that encourages people to get outside, get active and enjoy nature.

“This trail will attract mountain biking enthusiasts from near and far, providing a much-welcomed boost to the local economy and tourism. For those that recall the original trail prior to the wind farm development, three new technical sections have been added, ‘Bow’, ‘Arrow’ and ‘Archer’.

“Afan Forest Park is an important asset that NRW and our partners are all committed to improving its recreational offer, in a way that works within the considerations of a working timber-production forest.

“In addition to the funding spent on this trail, NRW has also invested a further £180,000 on trail maintenance and improvements in the Afan Valley in the last 12 months.

“We are also in the process of recruiting a dedicated Recreational Officer to help meet the needs of walkers, cyclist and horse riders visiting the area following feedback from stake holders.”

Check it out and leave your reviews on the Trail Listing.

Published: 02/11//2021