Description
Machynlleth and the Dyfi Forest mountain bike base sits in Powys, mid Wales, on the southern edge of Snowdonia. Known locally as the Mach trails, it centres on four natural, big-country routes: Mach1 (blue), Mach2 (red), Mach3 (black) and the waymarked Cli-MachX (red), plus a small pump track in the town. Mach1 to Mach3 are unwaymarked, so download a route or use GPS navigation before you set off.
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The Trails
As this is a base rather than a managed centre, facilities at each trailhead are limited or non-existent, so come prepared. It's close to Dyfi Bike Park, the gravity park in the same forest.
Mach1 (Blue)
- A fast, natural blue trail of around 16km, not too technical.
Mach2 (Red)
- A red route of around 23km. The climb is steep, and the descent rewards it.
Mach3 (Black)
- A black route of around 30km, sharing much of the Mach2 line before heading further into the hills. It's known for the Chute, a steep, rocky and dark descent.
Cli-MachX (Red)
- A 15km waymarked red route at Ceinws, with around 9km of built singletrack, rock slabs, drops and turns. It's known for the Eye of the Needle, a big jump with a narrow landing between two trees, and finishes with a run of berms. Natural Resources Wales lists it as a 450m climb taking 1 to 2 hours.
Pump Track
- Machynlleth has a small pump track in the town.
Trails at Machynlleth and Dyfi Forest are subject to periodic closures due to motorsport (rally) events held in the forest. Always check the Natural Resources Wales Dyfi Forest page for current alerts before travelling.
Getting Here
- Cli-MachX trailhead (Ceinws): from Machynlleth, take the A487 north for 4.6 miles towards Dolgellau, then turn off towards Ceinws over the stone bridge, following the blue parking signs. The car park is free, but the approach ramp is steep and can be difficult in winter. No overnight parking. Park considerately.
- Mach1, Mach2 and Mach3 start from Machynlleth itself.
Local Organisation
The Mach trails and Cli-MachX are maintained and waymarked by Dyfi Mountain Biking (Beicio Mynydd Dyfi MTB), a community interest company working with Natural Resources Wales, the forest's landowner, since 2017.
Dyfi Enduro
- The Dyfi Enduro is an annual mountain bike race held on the first May bank holiday weekend, organised by Machynlleth Mountain Bike Club with support from Dyfi Events. The course uses the Mach trails and Cli-MachX, and proceeds go towards trail upkeep. See the Dyfi Events site for details.
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