Dare Valley Family Gravity Bike Park

Dare Valley Family Gravity Bike Park sits within Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare, South Wales, built for families and beginner to intermediate riders. There is one blue-graded flow trail plus three pump tracks. The park's operator has changed hands more than once in recent years, and to our knowledge uplift and bike hire are not currently running, though the trails themselves may still be accessible to ride under your own steam. The wider country park adds waymarked walking trails, an adventure playground, and a caravan and touring site.

The Trails

• The park is built around a single blue-graded trail, around 6km of flowing berms, rollers and tabletops (the tabletops can all be rolled), with gentle gradients that suit newer riders.
• Blues make it fun and safe for new riders, while more experienced riders can still let it rip on the same trail.
• The trail splits along the way, giving riders the option to peel off onto one of the pump tracks before rejoining the descent.
• Three pump tracks are spread across the park, good for warming up before a run or for lapping between uplift sessions.
• An uplift service has previously run riders back to the top of Penrhiwllech Mountain, though it is not known to be currently operating, so check ahead before relying on it.
• This was the first bike park built specifically for families in the UK, according to MBR Magazine.

Facilities and Uplift

• The park's operator has changed more than once in recent years. To our knowledge, uplift and bike hire are not currently running, though this could change. Phone Dare Valley Country Park directly on 01685 874672 before you travel to check current status, especially if uplift or hire is central to your plans.

Beyond the Trails

• Dare Valley Country Park covers around 500 acres of former colliery land, now woodland, pasture and moorland, with two artificial lakes and three waymarked walking trails: the tarmac, pushchair-friendly Bwllfa Trail, the steeper Cae Mawr Trail, and the high-level Penrhiwllech Trail over Tarren y Bwllfa.
• An adventure playground near the Visitor Centre has a zip wire, an in-ground trampoline and climbing features, with a second, smaller playground by the cafe.
• A 36-pitch caravan and touring site (caravans, motorhomes and trailer tents, no tents) is open from April to October, with electric hook-ups and a refurbished shower block including family and fully accessible changing facilities. Book via Pitchup.com.

Getting Here

Park at the main Dare Valley Country Park car park off Cwmdare Road, Aberdare, CF44 7PT (the Visitor Centre postcode is CF44 7RG), a mile or so from Aberdare town centre. Parking is free. For current opening hours and uplift times, see the council's Gravity Family Bike Park page.

Share

• If you have ridden the Dare Valley Family Gravity Bike Park then please add your reviews, pictures, and videos to the listing and share them with the wider community.