Darren Fawr, Garw Valley Mountain Bike Trails

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Avg 3.98
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Number of Reviews (7)
Darren Fawr, Garw Valley Mountain Bike Trails
  • Information:
  • Type: Purpose Built Centre
  • Grades: Blue, Black, Natural
  • Riding: Cross-Country
  • Facilities: Visitor Centre, Free Car Parking
  • Distance(s): Under 5km, 5-10km
  • Number:
  • Country: Wales
  • County: Bridgend
  • Website: Darren Fawr, Garw Valley
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Ampy:
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Gawr MTB trails

I have not filled in the rating as I would give mostly 5 stars for the blue trail but low stars for the black trail. Here is why. The Black run. I have ridden it three times. For starters getting to the top is too difficult. You are always going to have to climb hard and push up some sections but it seems that the trail has been deliberately constructed to make harder to climb than it needs to be with rough large stones littering the trail making it VERY difficult for all bar the best riders to ride up. It is not so much the steepness that causes the problem, you just cannot get a flow or momentum going. Most other black trails I have ridden are good flowing trails with some very difficult sections and the odd very technical section to contend with. The Gellideg Downhill seems to have everything crammed in one on top of the other with no by-pass option at all. It may be appealing to the really hard core few but moderate to good riders are put off. The large stones in the quarry section were hitting lumps out of my bike. Whenever I go there, or ride by, nobody is using it and that is a shame. I was there on a beautiful warm and dry Saturday afternoon and I was the only one using it yet there were lots of riders using the cycle track and forest trails. If it could be smoothed off on the climb and made more flowing on the decent with a bypass on the toughest 3 sections I think it would become a far bigger attraction.

Good points:

The Blue trail is absolute fun fun fun it just ends all to quickly. If you are a novice you can ride it slow and is still great fun and a challenge. For better riders you can really hit it hard and it is challenging and leaves you with a huge grin.

Bad points:

The Black run.

Would you recommend?

Yes

Date written:

22/03//2015 - about 9 years ago

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:
Avg 4.52
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Gawr Blimey!

We have been to Gawr Valley 3 times. You can do the blue climb, two black runs and the blue descent in just over an hour. The contrast between blue and black is striking. The blue is a simple climb and a swoopy descent. The black is a lung buster to a desolate summit (you can see Afan Forest from the top) followed by some bermy bits, a rocky step section and some drops, really good work to get all the features into a small trail. If you are heading for Brechfa, BPW or Afan it is certainly worth calling in.

Good points:

Great contrast between well surfaced flowy blue and ragged-edge black. Very quiet. All weather surface with very little mud. Free parking. Great views. Challenging climb.

Bad points:

No facilities.

Would you recommend?

Yes

Date written:

19/03//2014 - about 10 years ago

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Charlie231173:
Avg 4.70
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
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Fantastic trail right on my doorstep, but it's a pity a few local people think it's trail for dog walking :(

Good points:

Thought the Blue run was amazing, easy to get to and a fast quick trail, amazing views from up top

Bad points:

Didn't enjoy the black run, too many big stone boulders, and drop offs but the more experienced rider would probably love it ,

Would you recommend?

Yes

Date written:

16/12//2013 - over 10 years ago

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