Description
Betws-y-Coed is a natural riding hub in the heart of Gwydyr Forest, with hundreds of kilometres of natural trails alongside two well-known waymarked red routes on its doorstep: Gwydir Mawr (formerly known as the Marin Trail) and the Penmachno trails. Both have their own dedicated listings on iBikeRide for full trail detail and reviews. From the village itself there's also a gentler circular ride out to Llyn Elsi.
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The Trails
- Gwydir Mawr and Gwydir Bach (formerly "the Marin Trail"), waymarked red routes in Gwydyr Forest. See the dedicated Gwydir Forest listing for full detail and reviews.
- Penmachno (Dolen Machno and Dolen Eryri), two waymarked red loops. See the dedicated Penmachno listing for full detail and reviews.
- Llyn Elsi, an easier circular ride of around 6.4km up to the old reservoir above the village and back, starting from behind St Mary's Church. No official grading.
- Natural Trails, beyond the waymarked routes, Gwydyr Forest has hundreds of kilometres of natural trails to explore.
Local Organisation
Trail Collective North Wales, a community trail-building group, is active in the Gwydir area around Betws-y-Coed and Llanrwst. Gwydyr Forest is managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), and trails here are subject to periodic closures and diversions for forestry operations. Always check the NRW mountain biking page for current alerts before travelling.
Getting Here
- Betws-y-Coed has its own railway station on the Conwy Valley line, a short walk from the village centre.
- Llyn Elsi starts from behind St Mary's Church in the village.
- For Gwydir Mawr/Gwydir Bach and Penmachno trailhead directions and parking, see their dedicated listings.
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