Tirpentwys Mountain Bike Trails

Tirpentwys Trails sit on a wooded hillside above Pontypool in the South Wales Valleys, with hand-carved downhill runs built and maintained by a volunteer trail crew. The six best known are Grannies Fanny, Bob Gnarly, Bob More Gnarly, Dasher, Gnarlyness and Do-Able, graded from red to black, and the crew's trail map shows several more lines around them. Expect steep, swooping berms, jumps, drop-offs, and a dedicated session area to hone your skills before you drop in. The trails are built entirely by hand in woodland managed by Natural Resources Wales. Download a route or use GPS navigation before you set off.

The Trails

Grannies Fanny (Red)

Grannies Fanny is the best introduction to Tirpentwys: fully rollable, with large, steep, swooping berms, chutes, and jumps building towards the bottom of the run.

Bob Gnarly (Red+/Black)

Bob Gnarly features big berms with senders into steep chutes, before the trail settles into a series of tabletops and jumps through the woods.

Bob More Gnarly (Black)

Bob More Gnarly has a natural feel for a downhill run, with plenty of roots and off-camber sections. Drop-offs reach up to 5ft, dropping into steep, natural terrain.

Dasher (Black)

Dasher is a natural, steep, technical downhill run with lots of roots, tight turns, and loose, sloppy ground.

Gnarlyness (Black)

Gnarlyness opens with a large drop as a qualifier for the rest of the trail, then continues through steep, swooping berms, tight wooded sections with step on/offs, and gap jumps.

Do-Able (Black+)

Do-Able is a natural, very rooty, steep-tech trail with natural features and technical drops. The trail crew's own "+" marks it as more demanding than a standard black.

More Lines

The crew's trail map also names Mik Cagiva, which runs down the outer edge of the hill, along with Zigzag, Hollybush and a Big Jump Line. The trails set off from a start section at the top of the hill, and the way back up is a pedal on the public road.

A public right of way crosses the hillside. Fencing, stiles and gates are in place where trails meet the path and the road, so slow down as you approach them.

Before You Ride

The crew's rule is no helmet, no ride, and it strongly advises knee pads, eye protection, gloves and body armour. Walk each trail before you ride it: the lines change with the weather and with ongoing building. Trails are occasionally closed for maintenance, and the crew posts closures on its Facebook page.

Local Organisations

The trails are built and maintained by Tirpentwys Trails C.I.C., a volunteer trail crew continuing the work and legacy of founder Ryan Bullimore. The crew rides under the #RideforRyan banner in his memory, and riding here remains free. The trails have planning permission from Torfaen County Borough Council: read how it was granted.

Getting Here

From the M4, leave at Junction 26 (Cwmbran/Pontypool) and follow signs into Pontypool, then head for Pantygasseg Road. Postcode NP4 6UL will get you close for satnav. Parking is at the Tirpentwys Local Nature Reserve car park, shared with visitors to the reserve: carpool where you can. The trails are in the forest across the road from the car park. The nearest train station is Pontypool and New Inn, about 3.6 miles away.

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