Skip to main content

Risca Bike Park

ChatMTB is an AI assistant β€” AI can make mistakes, always verify info

Recent Check-insLast 7 days
🌀

No ride conditions reported yet β€” be the first

Risca Bike Park
Avg 4.89
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup
Number of Reviews (26)
iBikeRide UK MTB Trail of the Year 2026

You’re almost there β€” rate to cast your vote for this trail for Trail of the Year 2026

  • Information:
  • 🏷️ Type:β€’ Natural Trails
  • 🚡 Riding:🌿 Wild Trails⬇️ Downhill
  • πŸ“ Country:🏴󠁧󠁒󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales
  • πŸ—ΊοΈ County:Caerphilly
  • πŸ“± Socials:

Trail Managers

Trail managers can 'Claim their Listing', download a Trail of the Year 'QR poster' for display at the trailhead, and 'Embed the Live Trail Review' widget on any external website.

Description

Risca Bike Park is a rider-built, unofficial trail network on Natural Resources Wales land above the town of Risca in South Wales. The trails are built and maintained by Risca Riders volunteers. There is no waymarking and the trails are unsanctioned. Access to the top is via the Cwmcarn trail network.

Like this?

The Trails

  • Risca Bike Park is a network of steep, loamy lines dropping into the valley above Risca, built and maintained entirely by the Risca Riders volunteer group. The trails are unsanctioned and non-waymarked. Grades run from technical red to black - these are not beginner trails.
  • Access is from the Cwmcarn ridgeline. Climb via the fire road from the visitor centre or the Twrch or Cafall trails (approximately 3 to 4 miles of steady climbing). The Risca lines are on the far side of the ridge, dropping toward Risca village.
  • Busy Lizzie - the main line, long and committing, with large boulders, drops, and tight turns throughout.
  • Wacko-Jacko - short but technical, typically ridden as a link into Mayhem.
  • Mayhem - varied terrain with tight turns, drops, and a technical gully section near the top. Loose and demanding in wet conditions.
  • Return to Cwmcarn via the canal towpath at the base of the descent, approximately 2.1 miles, flat and relaxed after the climbing and descending.

Groups and Clubs

  • Risca Riders build and maintain the trail network. Follow them on Instagram for news and trail updates.

Also in This Valley

  • Risca Bike Park shares the hillside with Cwmcarn Trails, the Natural Resources Wales trail centre with waymarked blue and red XC loops, two downhill tracks, a pump track, and full facilities including cafe, bike hire, and bike shop at the visitor centre.

Getting Here

  • Cwmcarn Visitor Centre Car Park, Cwmcarn Forest Drive, Risca, NP11 7FA. Parking is pay and display at the Cwmcarn visitor centre. Cwmcarn is currently open following the completion of major larch felling operations that closed the site for several years. Check Cwmcarn Trails for current opening hours and charges before travelling.
  • From the M4, take junction 28 and follow the A467 north towards Risca and Abercarn. At the roundabout in Abercarn, follow brown signs for Cwmcarn Forest Drive. The visitor centre is approximately 1.5 miles along the forest drive.
  • By bus: Stagecoach services run between Newport and Abercarn. The forest drive is not served by public transport β€” allow 20 to 30 minutes on foot or by bike from Abercarn village to the visitor centre.

Local Organisation

  • The Risca Riders build and maintain the trail network. Follow them on Instagram for trail news, dig days and updates. They are currently fundraising for trail development and maintenance β€” visit their Instagram profile for details.

Share

  • If you have ridden the trails at Risca Bike Park, then post a picture, video or write a short review and share your experience.
Loading weather...