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Trails and Bike Parks Trails Wales Betws-y-Coed Mountain Biking Trails

Betws-y-Coed Mountain Biking Trails stumpy_dan http://www.ibikeride.com/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/280x280s/68/ec/c8/_p8200192-1330096233.jpg Hot

Written by stumpy_dan     February 24, 2012    
 
3.4 (3)
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Betws-y-Coed has loads of natural trails and two red routes:
  • The Marin Trail - Red 25km
  • The Penmachno. Red 30km
  • Llyn Elsi Route - Easy 10km
There are no facilities so please make sure you come prepared. It's one of the oldest man made trails so for many they are a bit a) old school and b) nostalgic. Either way not met anyone who has not had a blast on them. It's also not that far from the downhill specific mountain bike centre Antur Stiniog that is well worth a visit.

The Marin 

  • This is is a 25km red route. It is well known in Betsy and is a very fast course all the singletracks are rocky but with some with gravel and grit and charecterised by being eithertight and technical to open and flowing.  There are lakes all round the area off the route and the views are amazing. You will often find yourself in an atmospheric dark forest scene and the next minute on an exposed ridge line. It's well sheltered from the rain asa result in many parts and there is a fair amount of fire road (on the ups mainly). The Marin Route is an all round route for anyone. It's only real hard bits are the climbs as they are long and mostly fire roads. 

The Penmachno

  • This is a 30km red route. It is singletrack a plenty with at least 80% of it on all weather singletrack. The downs are tons of fun. There are two sections. Putting both loops together makes about 30km and has a strong flowing XC feel to it. There seems a lot of up and level at the outset but there are some rewarding flowing sections in the middle and a fantastic descent at the end, nothing mental (it is aimed more at XC riders) but enough to keep you smiling. And whilst there is no maps available - the route is well signposted and the split for loop 1 and 2 is also marked. There is no trail centre but there is a pub in the village.

Llyn Elsi Route

  • Based to the south of the village this is an easier route (no grading available). It is a 10 km circular ride up to the old resevior above the village and back down.

Natural Trails

  • Set in the Gwydyr forest as well as these two trails there are also hundreds of km of natural trails to explore

Directions

  • Betws y Coed also has its own railway station. For rail details call 08457 484950.
  • Driving:
  • From North / North East: For the Marin Trail, turn right over the historic bridge immediately after Llanrwst then right onto the B5106 past ‘Gwydyr Castle’. The trail head and forest visitor centre are on the right after 500m. For Penmachno, from Betws y Coed, Head east on A5 toward B5106,Turn right to stay on A5, Turn right at B4406, Turn right at Newgate.
  • From Midlands and South: For the Marin trail, head west through Betws y Coed, turning right over a narrow bridge in the centre of the town. Follow the B5106 north towards Llanrwst for 4km and follow the Forestry Centre signs off to the left. For Penmachno, from Betws y Coed, Head east on A5 toward B5106,Turn right to stay on A5, Turn right at B4406, Turn right at Newgate

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  • If you have ridden these mountain bike trails at Betws-y-Coed then why not share your experiences with us and please write a short review?

Trails

Trail Grades
  • Red (Difficult)
  • Ungraded (natural)
Type of Trail(s)
Cross Country (XC )
Facilities
  • Car Park
  • Rail Link
Type of Centre/Base
MTB Base
Trail Distance(s)
  • 5 -10km
  • 21 - 30km
Website

Location

Trail Centre or Base
Betws-y-coed
Country
Wales
County/State
Conwy
Address
Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, LL24 0AH
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User reviews

Average user rating from: 3 user(s)

Overall rating 
 
3.4
Grin Factor 
 
4.0  (3)
Trail Variety 
 
3.8  (3)
Skills Development 
 
3.5  (3)
Trail Quality  
 
3.7  (3)
Facilities 
 
0.8  (3)
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Ratings (the higher the better)
  • Grin Factor
    Level of fun had, or to be had
  • Trail Variety
    Variety of specific trail or overall trail centre. Mix of obstacles, berms, jumps, drops, shore etc.
  • Skills Development
    Did it develop or push your skills and leave you with more to come back and learn
  • Trail Quality
    Are the trails well built /maintained using sustainable techniques?
  • Facilities
    From cafe post ride grub to bike wash. Did it meet your expectations?
Comments
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A great hidden gem with lots of great singletrack. Once you get passed the initial climb, you get away from any road noise and really feel you are away from it all. This can be a bit eerie if on your own as it's not a busy place.
Overall rating 
 
3.4
Grin Factor 
 
4.0
Trail Variety 
 
3.5
Skills Development 
 
3.5
Trail Quality  
 
3.5
Facilities 
 
1.5
krisk Reviewed by krisk December 20, 2012
Top 10 Reviewer  -   View all my reviews (6)

Off thr beaten track

A great hidden gem with lots of great singletrack. Once you get passed the initial climb, you get away from any road noise and really feel you are away from it all. This can be a bit eerie if on your own as it's not a busy place.

User Review

Good Points
Well marked route with option halfway to do the second loop or head back.
Mainly singletrack, fast in places with parts that are quite technical (more tyupical of Wales).
Very uncrowded
Ample parking
Bad Points
Other than parking, no facilities on site, but the town is a mile or two down the road.
Not many people around if you do get in to trouble.
Would you recommend?
Yes
Comments (0)
Was this review helpful to you? 
Definately worth a ride. Go slower if you are not too sure but otherwise attack it and its great fun. Like most trails there is a big difference in the riding dynamics between dry and wet conditions but it is still a good ride when wet.
Overall rating 
 
3.9
Grin Factor 
 
4.5
Trail Variety 
 
4.5
Skills Development 
 
4.0
Trail Quality  
 
4.5
Facilities 
 
0.5
Reviewed by Mark December 14, 2012
Last updated: January 22, 2013

The Marin Trail - Gwydyr Forest

Definately worth a ride. Go slower if you are not too sure but otherwise attack it and its great fun. Like most trails there is a big difference in the riding dynamics between dry and wet conditions but it is still a good ride when wet.

User Review

Good Points
This is a great old trail that is without all the commercialisation of so many these days. Good finishing run and some interesting bits all through. Quite a good length with some demanding sections now due to the erosion. Good flow to certain sections that are a real blast. The rollercoasters towards the end are very good.
Bad Points
There are no facilities at all. The climbs, especially at the begining are long and hard. If it rains hard then you will stay wet. Some muddy sections on switchbacks when wet.
Would you recommend?
Yes
Comments (0)
Was this review helpful to you? 
These trails are a bit off the beaten track and have an old school riding feel to them. A bit between rider carved and natural in their feel. There are literally no facilities so you need to be prepared.
Overall rating 
 
2.9
Grin Factor 
 
3.5
Trail Variety 
 
3.5
Skills Development 
 
3.0
Trail Quality  
 
3.0
Facilities 
 
0.5
stumpy_dan Reviewed by stumpy_dan February 24, 2012
Last updated: October 11, 2012
#1 Reviewer  -   View all my reviews (122)

Perfect Singletrack - old school style

These trails are a bit off the beaten track and have an old school riding feel to them. A bit between rider carved and natural in their feel. There are literally no facilities so you need to be prepared.

User Review

Good Points
- Great singletrack
- Old School XC trail riding
Bad Points
- no facilities
Would you recommend?
Yes
Comments (0)
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