Description
Darren Fawr, Garw Valley Mountain Bike Trails
Darren Fawr is a small mountain bike venue in the Garw Valley, South Wales, run by Garw Valley Community Council: a graded blue trail and a graded black trail linking into a 6km loop, plus informal off piste riding on the surrounding hillside, above the old mining town of Blaengarw.
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The Trails
- Llwybr Glengarw (Blue) - 3km: Sweeping singletrack with around 100m of climbing and a run of berms into a fast, flowing descent. Named after the old Glengarw Colliery (the Ballarat). Aimed at novice and intermediate riders.
- Llwybr Gellideg (Black) - 3.2km: A tough climb of around 200m followed by a technical descent through berms, steep bomb holes and rocky sections, part of it running through a natural quarry. Named after the largest coal seam at the former Ocean Colliery. For experienced, skilled riders. The Langline, a short, steep line with jumps and two decent-sized tables, branches off partway down.
Off Piste Riding
There's a fair amount of informal off piste riding on the valley sides beyond the two graded trails, some of it steep with decent-sized jumps and gaps. It isn't waymarked or maintained, so download a route or use GPS navigation before you set off, and ideally ride it with someone who knows the ground.
Local Organisation
The trails are managed by Garw Valley Community Council, who look after the wider valley's paths and community assets too.
Getting Here
Free parking is available at the Parc Calon LΓ’n Visitor Centre car park, Railway Terrace, Blaengarw, Bridgend, CF32 8AT, at the head of the Garw Valley. The trails start directly from the car park, and there are no other on-site facilities beyond those at the visitor centre.
Darren Fawr is around an hour's drive from Afan Forest Mountain Bike Trail Centre if you fancy pairing the two on a trip.
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