calko:
A Legendary Trail centre which still holds its own...
Toss up between FOD and here...in the end we did both.
We came here first because it was supposed to be a bit naff and we wanted something fun (FOD) to finish the day. I wish i'd just stayed here...
Every comments section on various mtb websites i'd read moaned about the twrch climb. Cafall was closed so we could only do Twrch. I must be some kind of sadist because i really liked it. It wasn't straight up, there were some undulating parts to it to make it interesting and the views and sense of achievement you get is second to none. Interestingly, the hills of Cwmcarn are at least as high as some north wales trail centres and it's far more accessible. I would say this is a really cool place to go on a fresh spring day. I do feel like the descent could be better on the twrch with the amount of climbing you do though. These days most people have trail bikes, not 100mm XC hardtails, and more swoopy sections like airstream would be great.
What do you like?
For South Wales and 30mins from the M4, it feels distinctly remote.
good length trails with big climb, big descent philosophy.
fun varied sections.
What could be improved?
The climb is not a bad point - i expect to climb to get some decent downhill time and the climb is technical enough to make you focus on that rather than how tired you feel!
Twrch last descent could be better imo but i guess it's a classic XC trail designed for bikes of yore.
Trail closures are frustrating - I will not visit again until Cafall is reopened.
Would you recommend?
Yes
Date written:
19/03//2019 - almost 7 years agoWas this review helpful to you?
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Check out the full trail description: Risca Bike Park and Cwmcarn Trails
