Description
Crychan Forest sits halfway between Llandovery and Llanwrtyd Wells in Carmarthenshire, south-west Wales. It is a large mixed forest managed by Natural Resources Wales and offers a wide range of mountain biking: from waymarked family-friendly trails of 4km to 13km to more demanding natural XC across rocky bridleways, open ridges, and rooty descents. There is no uplift and no dedicated skills park, making this primarily a self-guided wilderness riding area. A GPS or downloaded map is strongly recommended for the natural XC sections.
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Trails at Crychan are subject to periodic closures due to forestry operations and storm damage. Always check the Crychan Forest Association website for current alerts before travelling.
Family Trails
- Five waymarked family cycling trails ranging from 4km to 13km, all accessible from the four car parks. Ungraded but appropriate for families and beginners on mountain or hybrid bikes.
- Trails include: Brynffo-Esgair Fwyog (7km, with 21km extension option), Cwm Coed Oeron from Cefn Farm (13km), and Allt Troedrhiw-fer from Halfway (4km).
- Full trail details and downloadable maps are on the Crychan Forest cycling page.
- Note: trail signage is being updated to number-only waymarkers. Download a trail map before you go.
Natural Cross Country
- The natural riding has a strong reputation among experienced riders. Expect technical singletrack, rugged doubletrack, steep rocky and rooty descents, and sweeping fast sections.
- Route-finding is genuinely challenging without local knowledge. A GPX file is highly recommended.
- The forest also connects to the Epynt Way for longer through-rides, though some link sections have been affected by forestry works and fallen trees. Check current status before planning.
Events
- Crychan has a well-established event calendar, including enduro races and the Red Kite Bash. Check the Crychan Forest Association for upcoming dates.
- Note: open forest access is suspended during motor sport events such as the Nicky Grist Stages and the Roger Albert Clark Rally. Check the calendar before visiting.
Getting Here
- There are four car parks serving the forest: Brynffo, Esgair Fwyog, Cefn Farm, and Halfway. All are free. Locations and trail starting points are shown on the downloadable maps at crychanforest.org.uk.
- The forest is off the A483 between Llandovery and Llanwrtyd Wells.
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- If you have ridden the trails at Crychan Forest, please share your reviews, photos, and videos to this listing.