Cycling

Welcome

We provide a range of trails for cyclists of all levels and abilities in the woodlands that we look after.

Our trails are waymarked from start to finish and normally start from a car park.

The trails are mainly off-road but gradients can be steep or variable and surfaces may be uneven, loose or potholed.

The information panel in the car park tells you which waymarkers (a coloured arrow or other symbol) to follow. It also has information about the trail’s grade, the trail surface and the length of time it may take.

Our trails include:

• Cycle trails
• Gravel bike trails
• Trails for users of adaptive bikes
• Mountain bike trails

Read on to find out more about our trails and where else you can cycle in Wales.

Cycle trails

There are cycle trails at these places:

• Alwen Reservoir, near Denbigh: choice of trails of varying lengths through forest, moorland and along the water’s edge with views across the reservoir and to the mountains of Yr Eryri National Park.
• Beddgelert Forest, near Beddgelert: a choice of two cycle trails through the woodland with views across to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and a picnic stop at the beautiful Llyn Llywelyn lake.
• Clocaenog Forest - Bod Petryal, near Ruthin: family-friendly short cycle trail through the forest.
• Coed Nercwys, near Mold: family-friendly route through the forest, avoiding major climbs and offering spectacular views.
• Glasfynydd Forest, near Llandovery: circular trail around Usk Reservoir and across the dam with far-reaching views to the Black Mountains.
• Gwydir Forest Park – Dolwyddelan, near Betws-y-coed: cycle trail with stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains within Yr Eryri National Park.
• Newborough Forest, Anglesey: two family-friendly cycle trails through the forest with views of the estuary and nature information panels.

More information

Follow the link to the page about each place listed in this section

Find a cycle trail on the map of our places to visit

Gravel bike trails

There are seven gravel bike trails in Coed y Brenin Forest Park.

These trails offer a way to explore the forest park without riding the technical mountain bike trails and there are options for a range of skills and abilities.

The trails are waymarked from Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre and they mainly follow forest roads and tarmac lanes.

More information

For more information about the gravel bike trails and downloadable trail cards go to Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre

Trails for users of adaptive cycles

Some of our trails are suitable for people using adaptive cycles.

We have produced a series of films to help you work out how suitable some of these trails may be for you before you visit.

Each film is narrated by a disabled person as they negotiate the route using their own equipment.

More information

To watch the films go to Trails for users of adaptive equipment

Mountain bike trails

Our woodlands and forests are home to some of the most famous mountain bike trails in Wales.

There are trails suitable for beginners to seasoned riders and each one is graded so you can pick a trail that's right for you.

If you want to develop and improve your riding skills head for one of our skills areas or bike parks.

Our visitor centres have facilities ranging from showers and bike washes to cafés and bike hire.

More information

For more information about our mountain bike trails go to mountain biking

Find a mountain bike trail on the map of our places to visit

Trail closures and diversions

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.

Please check the page for the woodland or reserve on this website for any changes before you visit, especially if you want to do a specific trail.

We also put signs about closures and any diversions at the start of each trail.

Public rights of way

There are public rights of way in many of our woodlands and reserves.

You can cycle on these categories of public right of way:

• Public bridleways
• Restricted byways
• Byways open to all traffic

Find out more about public rights of way.

Forest roads

You can cycle on any forest roads within woodlands managed by Natural Resources Wales.

Please be aware that these roads are not waymarked and they may be used vehicles carrying out forestry operations.

Gradients can be steep or variable and surfaces may be uneven, loose or potholed.

National Cycle Network

The National Cycle Network is a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, wheeling, cycling and exploring outdoors.

Find out more on the Sustrans website.

National Trails

There are three National Trails in Wales and some sections are open to cyclists.

Find out more on the National Trails website.

Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast Path provides a continuous walking route around the coastline of Wales and some sections are open to cyclists.

Find out more on the Wales Coast Path website.

The Countryside Codes

The Countryside Codes provide advice to plan a visit to the outdoors and to help keep you and other people safe.

Find out more about the Countryside Codes.

Natural Resources Wales also has a forest cycle code of conduct which you can find on our mountain biking page.

Permission for cycling events

You may need to apply for permission before organising activities or events on the land managed by Natural Resources Wales.