Afan Forrest

Just spent the weekend mountain biking in the Afan Forrest with Loz. Another superb location where stunning views complimented some exhilarating trails.

We lucked out with the weather too, it was bitterly cold at times but remained sunny throughout.

View from Skyline trail

Afan differed greatly from my experience at Coed y Brenin. Whites trail was my first encounter of long single track climbing and after settling in I loved it. The technical descents were separated but some long trails that pushed burning legs ever further.

Word of advice; if in winter allow yourself enough time to get back through the dark forests in failing light. Loz and I did the final descent of White’s in near pitch black and without lights. It was fun though!

The bike took a battering from the rough trails and required a new bottom bracket and tune up, from the superb bike shop, on the second morning. All in trails and facilities are superb. I think I’d go to Coed y Brenin for the hair raising stuff and Afan for some exhilarating all day riding.

Special thanks go out to Richard, the proprietor of the Afan Lodge where we stayed. The lodge is outstanding and he’s a genuinely helpful guy.