The best MTB trails around Crosskeys
4.5
(151)
4,327
riders
102
rides
Mountain bike trails around Crosskeys are primarily found within dedicated trail centers and forested areas, offering a diverse range of experiences. The region features technical singletrack winding through scenic green forests, alongside wider, more accessible routes. Terrain includes challenging climbs, fast descents, and varied corners, catering to different skill levels.
Best mountain bike trails around Crosskeys
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Cafall red trail — Cwmcarn Trail Centre, a 11.6 miles (18.7 km) difficult trail that takes…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
4.8
(33)
1,206
riders
18.7km
02:13
560m
560m
Prepare for a challenging mountain biking experience on the Cafall red trail, a difficult route spanning 11.6 miles (18.7 km) with a significant 1846 feet (563 metres) of elevation gain.…
4.9
(24)
982
riders
13.5km
01:31
360m
360m
The Twrch Red Trail at Cwmcarn Trail Centre is a classic mountain biking route in South Wales, designed for proficient riders. You'll tackle 8.4 miles (13.5 km) of purpose-built singletrack,…
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4.0
(1)
47
riders
3.26km
00:21
90m
90m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
32
riders
14.9km
01:15
280m
280m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
riders
7.25km
00:55
240m
240m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Other adventures around Crosskeys
Tips from the Community
This area is also great for some technical trail running. Plenty of footpaths meander around the hills.
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Very helpful staff who kindly refilled our water bottles - also pointed out that on entering the main carpark there is a public tap next to the unit/toilets on the left.
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Friendly staff, reasonable prices, very much recommended.
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My favourite sector of the Pedalhounds DH track, head into the woodlands for some steeper trails down this hill cleave with plenty of features along the way. The first is a drop over a log into a left-hand corner, before a series of steeper swoops. Then there's a tricky left hander (again with roots, of course) into a larger drop, before some more fantastic corners, roots and another, even larger drop. The drops have great, downhill landings but the final few are not rollable.
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The downhill section of the blue-rated Pwca trail, this trail links together right hairpin berms with endless rollers and catch berms that'll keep you on your toes. Great for beginners and more experienced riders alike with the potential to double some of the rollers or jump off the rock slabs that occasionally line the trail. Enjoy the descent that's like one enormous pump track!
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Swoop through two tunnels under the Y Mynydd downhill track as you take the blue Pwca singletrack. These are well constructed but look out for puddles as they can get a bit mucky!
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If you'd like to follow the blue-rated Pwca trail, this is the point where it peels off to the right, leaving the red-rated Cafall and Twrch trails. It's well signposted and you have to stop here to go through the stone wall circle, which also leads onto footpaths and a play area.
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A high plateau section on the red-rated Cafall Trail, Dragon Run leads you through the dark woodland plantation before leading out onto open singletrack to the Pedalhounds DH track. You have to work a bit to keep it flowing through the plantation, as it's relatively flat and there are some tight turns between the rows of trees. Keep your eyes peeled for the old, gnarled and twisted trees here that are a stark contrast to the straight lines of the pines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are there in Crosskeys?
Crosskeys offers a wide variety of mountain biking experiences, with over 100 routes available on komoot. These trails cater to all skill levels, from easy beginner paths to challenging advanced singletracks.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families in Crosskeys?
Yes, Crosskeys has options for beginners and families. The North Fork Recreation District features "Crossroads Trails" which are beginner-friendly and include a pumptrack and bike-skills challenge course. Additionally, the Crosscut Mountain Sports Center offers wide, welcoming routes perfect for those new to the sport or riding with family. For a specific route, consider the Coed Cae-Hugh Forest Trail – Oak Tree loop from Wattsville, which is rated as easy.
Where can I find challenging mountain bike trails in Crosskeys?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Crosskeys offers several difficult trails. The Crosscut Mountain Sports Center provides 15 miles of technical singletrack with challenging climbs, fast descents, and thrilling corners. A popular difficult route is the Cafall red trail — Cwmcarn Trail Centre, which is 11.6 miles long and features technical sections.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Crosskeys?
Many of the mountain bike trails in Crosskeys are designed as loops, offering a complete circular experience. For instance, the Cafall Rock Garden – Dragon Run, Cafall Trail loop from Cwmcarn provides a challenging circular ride through the forest.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Crosskeys?
Mountain biking around Crosskeys is characterized by dedicated trail centers and forested areas. You'll encounter technical singletrack winding through scenic green forests, as well as wider, more accessible routes. The terrain includes challenging climbs, fast descents, and varied corners, catering to different skill levels.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about mountain biking in Crosskeys?
The mountain biking experience in Crosskeys is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 140 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the well-maintained trails within dedicated centers like Cwmcarn, and the options available for various skill levels.
Are there any specific highlights or landmarks to see along the mountain bike trails?
Yes, there are several interesting highlights near the mountain bike trails. You can explore historical sites like Twmbarlwm Hill and Iron Age hillfort or enjoy panoramic views from Mynydd Machen Summit. The area also features natural monuments such as the Trig point at Mynydd Twyn-glas summit.
Are there any easy mountain bike trails at Cwmcarn Trail Centre?
Yes, the Cwmcarn Trail Centre offers trails for various abilities. The Pwca blue trail — Cwmcarn Trail Centre is a 2.0-mile route leading through managed forest, often completed in about 21 minutes, making it a good option for less experienced riders.
What are some of the more advanced trails at Cwmcarn Trail Centre?
For advanced riders at Cwmcarn Trail Centre, the Twrch red trail — Cwmcarn Trail Centre is a popular choice. This difficult 8.4-mile path offers challenging ascents and descents through the forest landscape.
Are there facilities like parking available at the trail centers?
Yes, dedicated trail centers like Cwmcarn typically offer parking facilities. For example, Cwmcarn — Twrch Mountain Bike Trail is listed as having parking available, making access convenient for riders.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Crosskeys?
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, mountain biking in Crosskeys is generally enjoyable during spring, summer, and autumn when weather conditions are milder. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially during winter, as trail conditions can vary.
Are there opportunities for mountain biking clinics or camps in the Crosskeys area?
Yes, the Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, a prominent mountain biking destination in the region, supports community stewardship for mountain bike access and provides clinics and camps for all ages and abilities, making it a great place to improve your skills.
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