Snowdonia is mountain biking mecca, so when you are here, unless you have a severe aversion to bikes, you should make the effort to give it a go. There are trails for all abilities from beginner to advanced and makes for an amazing day out. Set in the most beautiful forest just outside Dolgellau, there are 8 trails in total ranging from a simple forest road, a blue trail perfect for children and families and a series of 6 red and black trails to keep even the most experienced of riders going.
Alongside the mountain biking trails, they have great walking and running trails too. The on site cafe and shop provide great home cooked food and cakes. There is a bike hire shop at the centre.
Set in the heart of Snowdonia, Antur Stiniog is an uplift assisted Mtb Centre located at Blaenau Ffestiniog. It has been listed as the best up lift service in the UK; as it suggests, you get a lift to the top of the trails and then its downhill from there on in!
There are 6 trails ranging from blue to black so again, something for all age groups and abilities. The price for a full day uplift pass is £32.50 and a full day will enable you to do approx 20 runs. The lift service runs from 10am – 4.15pm.
Bike and equipment hire are available on site along with a fantastic cafe serving locally sourced food.
The Penmachno Trail is a hidden gem of North Wales. A 30km single-track and scenic forest trail, it takes you right through Snowdonia National Park.
The trail can be broken into 2 loops. Loop 1, Dolen Machno is 19km and has fast descents and big climbs whereas Loop 2, Dolen Eryri is 11km and is more about the views and technique with a stone trail.
Loop 2 branches off from Loop 1 at around the halfway point so, if you're not certain which one to ride start on Loop 1 and see how you go. The trails are managed by a local community group and funded by donation so don't forget to 'pay back your dirt' by making a donation for the use of the trails.
The MARIN trail at Gwydyr forest has big climbs, big descents and incredible scenery. A 25km red trail it is quite a challenge and so if you are going to do this, experience and a good level of fitness is required. Big climbs, big descents, brilliant singletrack and incredible scenery make this a trail to remember.