Hafod Trails — who they are and where they’ve come from

Launched in spring 2024 on private land at Hafod Wen, on the edge of Brechfa Forest (Carmarthenshire), Hafod is a tight, uplift-assisted venue built for high-frequency laps and clear progression. Just a few miles from Brechfa’s waymarked classics (Gorlech, Raven, Derwen), it makes a neat base for a full weekend of riding.

• 7 signed trails spanning green → blue → red → black: Floverload (green); Peek-a-Blue & Space Melon (blue); Reddy Steady, Earth Pig, Mud Life Crisis (red); Life’s a Beech (black).
• A mix of machine-built hardpack and hand-cut natural textures: flow where you want it, off-piste flavour where you crave it.
• Efficient, continuous uplift with easy-load trailers that keep the laps coming.
• Grub Hub for hot food, covered seating, and an increasingly busy skills/jumps area.

Why riders voted for Hafod

1) Warm, family-run welcome — the standout theme. Riders consistently say the people make the place.

• “What makes this place so amazing is the team that run it — a full-on family affair you feel invited to be part of.”
• “Charlie and her family are the loveliest people — relaxed vibes and so much fun.”
• “Staff who bend over backwards for you — other bike parks could learn a thing or two.”
• “Great owners, kid-friendly setup — perfect for families.”

2) Uplift that maximises time on trail — fast turnarounds, simple loading, barely any waiting.

• “Your legs will struggle to keep up with the efficiency of the uplift.”
• “Best uplift solution anywhere… 16–18 runs with a proper lunch break.”

3) Progression for every level — shorter, repeatable runs and a clear ladder from green to black make it easy to move between flow, tech and airtime.

• “Perfect for introducing, building confidence and improving kids’ skills — and still fun for seasoned riders.”
• “I crack a few more features every visit — addictive progression.”

4) Trails that ride well, often — consistent shaping and maintenance, variety packed into a compact hill.

• “Trails for all abilities… short, technical descents that make you go straight back up for more.”
• “Great mix — hardpack ‘bike-park’ feel with natural, off-piste character.”

5) Vibe, views and value — low-stress days, big smiles, and good food.

• “Chilled, friendly vibe — feels like riding with mates.”
• “Beautiful views, fab food, and an atmosphere that keeps you coming back.”

What riders want improved

• Facilities: Toilets are currently portaloo/portacabin; a permanent block and changing space are a common ask. Riders also want a bike wash.
• Even more trails: People love the current spread and keep asking for additional lines (gap-jump options, continued expansion of the skills/jump area).
• User experience touches: Mentions of clearer signage in spots, more shelter near the uplift on wet days, and more open days as the venue grows.
• Shop/café evolution: Wider food selection and an on-site shop — already in development.

In their own words — Hafod’s response

“Trail of Year 2025, wow! We are truly blown away and it means so much to us as a small bike park.

For us, it’s never been about just digging trails in the dirt – it’s about building a community, encouraging adventure and progression and of course having fun!

Our brilliant community brings our trails to life and reminds us why we do what we do. So this win belongs as much to them as it does to us. Thank you to each and every one of you for your support!

We’ve always questioned everything, not just accepted the way something has always been done is the right way! This motivates us to keep questioning, keep raising the bar and to continue to welcome riders of all ages and abilities to experience what we offer here, spreading the Hafod love ❤️

We’ve never really thought ourselves to be in the same league as some of the bigger, more established venues, so to come out on top is just bonkers! We are very proud of what we’ve achieved in a short space of time, humbled by the recognition and inspired to continue being us and doing what we do.

Thank you everyone who voted.”
— Charlie Kingswood, Hafod Trails

What this win says about UK riding in 2025

The venues that win hearts right now do three things well:

1. Make progression easy (from first laps to advanced features).
2. Keep variety close together (so mixed-ability groups can ride together and swap lines).
3. Lead with inclusion and community (a place that grows with the rider).

Hafod nails all three — and that’s why it’s your Trail of the Year.

Follow-on: see the full 2025 Top Ten and scores

👉 Full UK MTB Top Ten 2025 — leaderboard, methodology and trail profiles.

Quick planning info

• Where: Hafod Wen, near Brechfa Forest, Carmarthenshire.
• Website: https://www.hafodtrails.co.uk/
• iBikeride Trail Listing: https://www.hafodtrails.co.uk/
• Style: Uplift-assisted; compact hill with high-frequency laps; green→black progression.
• Good to know: Book uplift; toilets are portaloo/portacabin; covered seating and hot food; skills/jump area expanding.
• Make a weekend of it: Pair with Brechfa’s Gorlech, Raven, Derwen loops (check for closures and diversions following storm damage).