Description
Brechfa Forest in Carmarthenshire offers four waymarked mountain bike trails across two car parks, managed by Natural Resources Wales. The forest covers 6,500 hectares and is home to 1 green, 1 blue, 1 red and 1 black trail, ranging from a gentle introduction to woodland riding to a demanding 19km black. The main hub is Byrgwm car park, which starts the Derwen (green and blue) and Raven (black) trails. The Gorlech red trail starts from Abergorlech car park, around 4 miles away. The trails were designed by Rowan Sorrell and Brian Rumble. Trail maintenance is supported by Brechfa MTB (CIC) under contract with Natural Resources Wales.
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Trails in Brechfa Forest are subject to periodic closures and diversions due to forestry operations. Always check the NRW Byrgwm page and NRW Abergorlech page for current alerts before travelling.
Byrgwm Trails
- Derwen Trail (green, 9.7km): Named after the oak woodland it flows through, the Derwen gives an introduction to off-road riding on flowing terrain with steady climbs and fun descents. Suitable for families and inexperienced riders.
- Derwen Trail Extension (blue, 3.9km): An extension to the green route with steeper climbing and a longer, faster descent. A stepping stone to the red Gorlech.
- Raven Trail (black, 19.1km): Designed by Rowan Sorrell and Brian Rumble, the Raven mixes narrow woodland singletrack with fast, flowing descents, berms, jumps and the signature Douglas Fir northshore bridge section. Only for technically proficient and experienced riders.
Abergorlech Trails
- Gorlech Trail (red, 20.1km): A hard, fast, all-weather surface trail with sculpted berms, large switchbacks, jumps and tabletops. The trail becomes faster and more rewarding as your skill level and speed increase. Suitable for intermediate riders with some technical experience. An alternative starting point is available at Sifigwm woodland car park off the B4337, half a mile from the village of Rhydcymerau (OS grid reference SN 553 395).
Local Organisation
- Brechfa MTB (CIC) holds the maintenance contract with Natural Resources Wales for the trail network. Follow them on Instagram and via the Brechfa MTB Facebook group for trail news and updates.
Nearby
- Hafod Trails is an uplift bike park close by with trails from green to black, suitable for all abilities.
- Within driving distance: Afan Forest and Cwm Rhaeadr.
Getting Here
- Byrgwm Car Park (Derwen and Raven trails): Byrgwm Car Park, B4310, Brechfa, SA32 7RD. From the A40 between Carmarthen and Llandeilo, take the B4310 at Nantgaredig towards Brechfa. Continue through the village and after three-quarters of a mile the car park is on the left. Free parking. Portable toilets on site.
- Abergorlech Car Park (Gorlech trail): Abergorlech Car Park, Abergorlech, SA32 7SJ. Continue past Byrgwm on the B4310 and through Abergorlech village β the car park is on the left after the village. Free parking. Portable toilets and picnic area on site.