Posts Tagged 'Afan'

Our first Afan MTB trip video

June 30 2009 No Commented

Afan MTB Trip June ‘09 from Antony Bailey on Vimeo.

Ant & Mike of TamedEarth.com on our first trip to the MTB centres in the South Wales Afan Forest Park.

Two trails – “The Wall” and “Whites Level”. We only filmed the down as each had a greulling 500 meter plus climb at the beginning.

The camera batteries ran out only a third of the way down on day two at White’s… a real shame!

Next time.

White Level near the top


Afan Forest Trail ‘Whites Level’ – Windy Point

January 15 2009 one Commented
This is the most technical of all the trails in Afan Forest Park and is 90% purpose-built singletrack.
A 6km sheep-track climb gives fantastic views of the Afan Valley, extreme exposure on tight singletrack means ultimate thrills and long, demanding descents with rocky steps to negotiate, all leading to one outrageous trail.
The final descent is a blast with some more cheeky northshore! N-ergy is looking very interesting. A few moments initially but looking fast and showey as expected. If you are up for it try out the optional new Black Run, graded black/severe!
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Overall Grade: Red/Difficult
Distance: 17km
Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Climb: 525m

Take junction 40 off the M4 and head for Cymmer and Maesteg. At Cymmer turn left at the crossroads just before the garage signposted for Glyncorrwg, and onwards up the valley for about 2 miles.
Go past the three fishing ponds on the left and take the turn on the left signposted Caravan Park, and then left again into the car park.

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Afan Forest Trail ‘Penhydd’ – Hidden Valley

January 15 2009 No Commented
Penhydd is a very varied trail which combines forest road climbs with tight, technical, switchback trails through mixed woodland.
The open, flowing singletrack also crosses young plantations opening up fantastic views.
Big climbs followed by technical descents mean that this trail can be difficult, with standout sections including Hidden Valley and the Sidewinder leading into Dead Sheep Gulley.
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Overall Grade: Red/Difficult
Distance: 17km
Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Climb: 550m
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The Penhydd trail can be started from Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre in Afan Forest Park which is part of Afan Forest Park. Cynonville and Neath are the nearest towns or villages.

Situated on the A4107 – follow the road from the M4, Junction 40 for about 6 miles. Look out for the signs for Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre.

‘Penhydd’ Trail Map
‘Penhydd’ Trail – pdf


Afan Forest Trail ‘The Wall’ – Final Descent

January 15 2009 one Commented

The Wall Trail is a swooping 24km (14.9 miles) mainly singletrack loop with epic views of the valley and coastline opening out at different points, and in places the steep-sided slopes can feel very exposed.
The breathtaking descents keep your heart pumping all the way round. Watch out for The Graveyard section and hang on for the searingly fast final descent!

Overall Grade: Red/Difficult
Distance: 24km
Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Climb: 450m

The Wall can be started from Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre in Afan Forest Park which is part of Afan Forest Park. Cynonville and Neath are the nearest towns or villages.

Situated on the A4107 – follow the road from the M4, Junction 40 for about 6 miles. Look out for the signs for Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre.

‘The Wall’ Trail Map
‘The Wall’ Trail – pdf