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Post by tibbles on Mar 4, 2015 21:39:13 GMT
Hi there
I'm from South East England am so on here looking for some local knowledge!
A bunch of us are coming to North Wales for a bit of an adventure weekend and we are doing a day of biking. Experienced is mixed, but most of us are fairly experienced, the rest are pretty competent.
Been looking at potential trails and Penmachno seems to catch my eye the most.
Also seen the Marin trail Betwys Y Coed and perhaps Coed Y Brenin?!
Which would you guys recommend?!
Would greatly appreciate a few pointers!
Cheers!!
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Post by Ken on Mar 4, 2015 22:12:50 GMT
Coed Y Brenin has a Trail Centre cafe / bikeshop etc . Excellent showers for a pound and the biggest variety of trails . Both the Marin and Penmachno are excellent but have no facilities other than parking . Plenty of food outlets in Llanrwst or Betws though . Marin more normal trail centre type trail , Penmachno has more of a natural feel about it . Enjoy
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Post by campbell on Mar 5, 2015 15:26:53 GMT
If you want facilities like a cafe or shop you'll love coed y brenin, no one would be disappointed with a days riding round there. However, in my opinion (and its a marmite trail) penmachno is the jewel in the north Wales trail centre crown, absolutely awesome. Really natural feeling ride. Just make sure you pop some money in the honesty box at the start, otherwise the blood gods will take their share from the riders!
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Post by Tarbo on Mar 5, 2015 18:29:41 GMT
Same here too  Coed Y Brenin is an excellent trail centre with several well way-marked trails suitable for all abilities. You could ride one of the trails in the morning, grab a bite to eat at the cafe and do another route in the afternoon. I'm guessing you've looked at the Coed Y Brenin Website for a list of the trails on offer. As others have already said, you also have The Marin Trail in Llanrwst, a 14 mile way-marked trail but with no facilities at the trail head. One option would be to ride The Marin in the morning (should take no longer than 3 hours), pop into Betws Y Coed for a bite to eat in the over priced cafes, then drive over to do the Penmachno Trail in the afternoon. A lot depends on logistics and where you're staying too. What dates are you planning on comng and where are you staying ? |
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Post by tibbles on Mar 5, 2015 21:38:18 GMT
Really appreciate your thoughts guys!
I think it is looking like a trip to Coed Y Brenin! There are 12 of us going in 3 cars so think some people will be relying on bike hire which seems will be unavailable for Penmachno and the Marin trail.
You guys really do seem spoilt for choice up here! I am already thinking ahead to a a second trip just for biking. The Penmachno trail is calling for me!!
We are restricted to 1 day as we also doing some coasteering, walks and the big zipper in snowdonia. We are staying near Ruthin in a massive house which is about 1 hour drive from Coed Y Brenin but looks worth the effort!
Thanks again for the advice!
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Post by motoxman on Mar 6, 2015 11:45:28 GMT
You guys really do seem spoilt for choice up here! I'm not sure Wales can compete with the North and South Downs  Ruthin is at the foot of Moel Famau which is the highest peak in the Clwydian Range, another good play area for MTB. It's all natural with big climbs and big descents. If you get up early and before the others you could squeeze a quick 15 miles and 2500 ft of climbing in before breakfast. As others have said you can't go wrong with Coedy and you can mix and match to suit a mixed group. If you do plan another trip get in touch with a bit of notice and there may be someone around who can show you some secret bits as well as the marked trails. Have fun |
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Post by Tarbo on Mar 6, 2015 14:29:44 GMT
As you're staying in Ruthin, another option open to you is Llandegla Forest. Another good trail centre that's a lot nearer to you than Coed Y Brenin. Like Coedy it has a cafe and shop and also does bike hire. There's only two trails there though, both of which follow the same route but the 'black' has additional bits on it. The only disadvantage to it is it gets really busy at the weekend, which isn't too bad once you're on the trails but means the car park is often full and you need to use the overflow carpark if you're not there early. Anyway, I'm sure you'll enjoy yourselves whichever trail centre you use. As Motoxman said earlier, these are just the trail centres at our disposal, there's also tons of natural stuff on our doorstep but you really need someone with you than knows them to get the best out of them. |
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