Van Rd Trails

Van Rd Trails is Wales's largest free-to-use community dirt jump and dual slalom facility, located in Parc Coed-Y-Fan Woods on Van Road, just outside Caerphilly town centre. Officially opened in 2012 following a long-running campaign by local riders to secure the site, it is run entirely by volunteers from the Van Road Trails Group (VRTG). The site is free to ride for all, but voluntary membership or a PayPal donation is encouraged to support insurance and trail upkeep. Weekly club nights run through the summer, and an annual Dual Slalom competition takes place in the autumn.

The Trails

• The site has nine tracks in total, progressive in nature from novice to pro level.
• Jump lines (six lines): Starting with small, rollable table tops for beginners and progressing through increasing sizes to the pro-level gap jumps. Sam Reynolds helped shape the Pro Line. All built by Jason Carpenter.
• Novice fun track: A smaller line with berms and rollers suited to young beginners or first-time visitors.
• Dual slalom track: Suited to all ages and abilities, accessible to novice riders while still challenging for experienced riders. An annual competition is held here each autumn.
• Tarmac pump track: Opened April 2023, funded by £10,000 from Gwent's Police and Crime Commissioner. All-weather, open year-round, and suitable for all abilities.
• The site is unmanned with no facilities on site. No toilets or cafe. Caerphilly town centre is a short distance away. Take all rubbish home with you.

Getting Here

• Parc Coed-Y-Fan Woods, Van Road, Caerphilly, CF83 3EE. Park at the Coed Parc-Y-Van forestry car park and ride or walk up the forestry track, turning right into the trails. Foot and bike access is also available from the woodland walking track off Van Road Hill.
• From the A469 in Caerphilly, head north on Van Road. The car park entrance is on the right before the road enters the woods. Free parking.
• By rail: Caerphilly railway station is around 1 mile from the trails. Regular trains run from Cardiff Central.

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