Single Track Trails

Betws Y Coed and District

Betws Y Coed and surrounding area has miles of forest fire roads, single track trails, by-ways, lanes and moorland tracks. Navigation can be hard and maps do not always accurately reflect the actual terrain and tracks in the forest. Local knowledge is helpful. Individuals are permitted to ride anywhere in the Gwydir Forest with the exception of designated footpaths, organised groups however may need to gain permission from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to undertake certain rides on a commercial basis. 

The area can feel remote and wild and often there is no telephone reception. In the forest and on moorland it may take a while for emergency services to reach you so take care and always carry a first aid kit, bike repair kit and let someone know where you are riding.

Mountainbike routes Bikewales route 5

Penmachno Dolen Machno and Dolen Eryri

The Penmachno trails, Dolen Machno and Dolen Eryri, are the hidden gem of north Wales. Very remote, natural feeling trails with spectacular views of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa.
There are 2 loops that can be ridden individually (11 km and 19km) or as one 30km.


The start of the trails are around 3 miles from Betws y Coed, on quiter days a transfer service can be arranged if required  The main car park is on the right just outside Penmachno village as you proceed to towards Cwm Penmachno. There is a shop and pub in the village.
The trail is graded red and has some technical sections it can be wet and muddy even during dry periods. The area is remote and there is no phone signal so let someone know where you are if riding alone and be prepared.

Gwydir Mawr and Bach (formerly Marin Trail)

The area is most famous for the Marin Trail (Gwydir Mawr and Bach). Developed some 30 years ago and sponsored by Marin Bikes California, this was one of the first single track bike trails in the UK and has some historic significance in the MTB world.


Gwydir Mawr is 25 km in length and combines some great single track with sections of forest fire trail and is graded red (hard). There are big climbs and big descents, and amazing scenery. A real trail to remember and to be taken seriously. The trails can be accessed from several points. The official start being at Saw Bench car park near to Llanwrst. You can ride the trail starting from Betws Y Coed proceeding passed Cunninghams outdoor shop along Forest Road to post 51 where the single track can be ridden in an anti clockwise manner. Gwydir Bach (8.7km) is a shorter version of the main route but still remains a technical route for experienced riders.

Beddgelert

Beddgelert Forest is a great place for families and less experienced off road riders to explore. With forest tracks, short sections of single track and Lon Las Gwyrfal a trail from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu, this is the heart of Snowdonia with amazing scenery and landscape. Beddgelert is around 20 miles from Betws Y Coed

Llyn Brenig and Llyn Alwen

The blue trails at Llyn Brenin and Llyn Alwen reservoirs in the Clocaenog Forest are around 15 miles from Beics Betws, bike delivery can be arranged. Consisting of tracks and single track sections it is ideal for the less confident xcountry biker and their families. Mainly the hills are gentle and the surfaces good. With great open, peaceful countryisde and lake views take your dog or child in one of our trailers or maybe a picnic. There is a lakeside cafe and toilets at Llyn Brenig

Coed Y Brenin

Coed y Brenin is around 30 miles south of Betws Y Coed  towards Dolgellau and offers riders a wide choice of tracks and trails, from green to black with a skills park an added attraction. With an excellent trail centre there is a cafe, bike wash, bike hire and shop showers and toilets. Trails include Beast, 35km black; Tarw Du, 20 km black, Yr Afon , easy forest road, 10km; MBR , black 18 km, Dragons Back , red 31km, Temtiwr, red, 8km; Cyflym Coch, Red 12 km; MinorTaur blue, 17 km and Y ffowndri skills area.

Llandegla

Llandegla trail centre is some 35 miles east of Beics Betws on the road between Ruthin and Wrexham, With a great trail centre consisting of cafe, bike hire and shop, toilet and wash off facilities it is a great place to hang out as well as ride! With blue, red and black routes there is something for everyone.

Antur Stiniog

This down hill bike centre is around 15 miles away in Blaenau Ffestioniog . There are red, black and blue descent routes and an uplift service is provided. Please note that bikes hired from Beics Betws are not suitable for use at Antur Stiniog.

Mountainbike routes Bikewales route 10

Navigation & GPX Routes

Due to the complexity of the trail network, reliable navigation is essential.

Bike Wales has mapped a number of routes in the area and can provide GPX files for use on:

  • GPS bike computers
  • smartphone navigation apps

For added convenience, we also offer Garmin bike navigation devices with routes pre-loaded, making it easy to follow your chosen ride without worrying about getting lost.

Bike Hire for MTB Routes

We offer mountain bikes suitable for the terrain in and around Betws-y-Coed and Gwydir Forest.

Depending on your riding plans, you may choose:

  • hardtail mountain bikes for general trail riding
  • electric mountain bikes for longer distances and climbs

can help you select the right bike for your route and experience level.

HardtailE-Mountainbike rental

Important Safety Information

Plan Ahead & Ride Prepared

Mountain biking in this area can feel remote and wild, particularly once you move away from the main routes.

It’s important to be prepared before setting out.

Always consider:

  • limited or no mobile phone reception in many areas
  • changing weather conditions, especially in higher ground
  • longer response times for emergency services
  • variable trail conditions depending on weather

We recommend carrying:

  • a basic first aid kit
  • a puncture repair kit and tools
  • sufficient food and water
  • appropriate clothing for the conditions

It’s also good practice to let someone know your planned route and expected return time.