Cycling

Carmarthenshire is an unspoilt rural county that combines coastal scenery with broad river valleys, moorland, hills and lakes with all the facilities you require along the way. Discovering your favourite cycling route in Carmarthenshire, the Garden of Wales, has never been easier.

Carmarthenshire has become one of the most new exciting places for the fast-growing sport of mountain biking. Word is out about Carmarthenshire’s natural terrain and man-made trails in the Brechfa and Crychan forests and the county is now firmly on the map as a premier off-road biking destination.

Brechfa Forest - With its dramatic views and deeply cut river valleys, the Brechfa Forest in Carmarthenshire’s forested central region offers superb mountain biking. The trails are among the best in the UK in terms of their technical construction and ability to test riders' skills. All are a stepping stone onto the next and each is colour coded according to difficulty. One thing’s for sure - they are guaranteed to set your heart pounding.

Gorlech Trail (Brechfa) - This elating trail designed by the renowned Rowan Sorrell is for serious boy racers only! The red Gorlech Trail is made up of three big climbs and descents stretching over its 19km. It’s suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-road riding skills. This trail delivers stunning views and scenery and won’t disappoint the adrenalin junkies among you.

Raven & Derwen Trails (Brechfa) - If those aren’t enough white-knuckle moments for you, then how about the black Raven Trail? This route raises Brechfa’s take on mountain biking to the next level and comes with its own health warning - expert riders only! You’ll head out into more interesting corners of the forest on a ride that maximises the forest’s unique environment. Not for the faint-hearted.

Let’s take it a bit slower. The blue and green trails of the Derwen route offer a gentler ride. The trail gives the more inexperienced off-road rider a unique introduction into the world of mountain biking. Take your time and weave through the forests and its jaw-dropping scenery. One ride and you’ll be hooked.

Cwm Rhaeadr trail: - Situated just north east of Brechfa is Cwm Rhaeadr, this 'Valley of the Waterfall' red route is well worth a visit.

Crychan Forest: - Despite its history and beauty, the Crychan forest near Llandovery was until recently unknown woodland. Not any longer. Now cyclists, walkers and horse riders can explore this fascinating forest by following a series of imaginatively constructed waymarked trails. Join a route from any of the four car parks, where information on the trail is provided.

• Brynffo - Esgair Fwynog - 4.3 miles
• Golygfa Epynt - 8.1 miles
• Cwm Coed Oeron - 7.7 miles
• Allt Troedrhiwfer - 2.4 miles
• Allt Troedrhiwfer Golygfa Epynt link - 2.9 miles

(Cycling Map »)