Cwmcarn Forest is a region in South Wales, characterized by its transformation from an industrial past into peaceful forests, hills, and valleys. This landscape provides a diverse setting for outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and more. The terrain features varied elevations, from challenging climbs that offer expansive views to gentle paths along the valley floor, making it suitable for a range of outdoor pursuits.
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139
Routes
4.4
(177)
Average rating
4417
People visited

4.8
(35)
1,182
riders
18.7km
02:13
560m
560m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.9
(26)
976
riders
13.5km
01:31
370m
360m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.0
(1)
45
riders
3.26km
00:21
100m
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.

4.0
(1)
19
riders
32.3km
03:17
850m
850m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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4.0
(2)
120
hikers
5.85km
01:30
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(4)
79
hikers
9.58km
02:54
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(7)
43
hikers
6.24km
01:50
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(3)
52
hikers
9.59km
02:51
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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76
runners
18.6km
02:01
230m
230m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

45
runners
9.73km
01:04
140m
140m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
runners
11.3km
01:23
360m
360m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
runners
12.8km
01:32
370m
370m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
55
riders
44.0km
02:11
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(2)
67
riders
77.5km
03:27
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(3)
43
riders
31.7km
01:35
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

44
riders
43.0km
01:55
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
70
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(9)
53
riders
24.2km
01:31
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.9
(8)
27
riders
23.4km
01:32
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
25
riders
29.8km
02:36
590m
590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.2
(5)
44
riders
53.3km
03:25
530m
530m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
5
riders
34.0km
02:32
670m
670m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
7
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
55.6km
04:01
770m
770m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Cwmcarn Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, touring cycling, and jogging. The region features more than 30 routes across these sports. It is a popular destination with over 62,000 visitors sharing experiences.
Cwmcarn Forest features several mountain biking trails catering to various skill levels. These include two red-graded 'difficult' trails (Cafall and Twrch), a black-graded 'severe' trail (Pedalhounds), and a double black-graded 'extreme' trail (Y Mynydd). Facilities such as a bike repair shop and uplift service are available. For more information, see the MTB Trails around Cwmcarn Forest guide.
Yes, Cwmcarn Forest provides a diverse range of hiking trails, from challenging climbs to gentle strolls. Options include the strenuous 6.5-mile (10.5 km) climb up Twmbarlwm and the gentle 1.2-mile (1.9 km) 'Bluebell Walk'. The forest also offers a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) circular 'Wildlife Explorer Trail' suitable for families. Explore more in the Hiking around Cwmcarn Forest guide.
Cwmcarn Forest offers several options suitable for families. The 1.2-mile (1.9 km) 'Bluebell Walk' and the 1-mile (1.6 km) 'Nantcarn Walk' are gentle strolls through woodlands and along water features. The 'Wildlife Explorer Trail' is also a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) circular route designed for families. For more details, consult the Family-friendly hikes around Cwmcarn Forest guide.
Cwmcarn Forest is characterized by its peaceful forests, hills, and valleys. Notable features include the Iron Age hillfort Twmbarlwm, which offers expansive views. Cwmcarn Lake and the Nantcarn River add to the natural beauty. From higher elevations, views extend towards Cardiff Bay and the Brecon Beacons.
The Cwmcarn Forest Drive offers a picturesque 7-mile (11.3 km) route with stop-off points, which can be enjoyed by touring cyclists. General cycling trails and push bike access are also available within the forest. For traffic-free options, refer to the Traffic-free bike rides around Cwmcarn Forest guide.
Cwmcarn Forest provides opportunities for joggers with numerous trails of varying lengths and terrains. These routes offer scenic environments for running. More information can be found in the Running Trails around Cwmcarn Forest guide.
Yes, Cwmcarn Forest provides ample parking facilities for visitors. This includes dedicated parking areas for mountain biking enthusiasts. The visitor center also offers parking access.
Cwmcarn Forest features a modern visitor center with a cafe (Raven's Cafe), a gift shop, and an information point. For mountain bikers, a bike repair shop and uplift service are available. The site also offers glamping pods and lodges for overnight stays.
Cwmcarn Forest is a popular destination on komoot, with over 62,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The region has a total of 35 routes across various sports. These routes have an average rating of 4.38 out of 5 stars.
Komoot offers several guides for Cwmcarn Forest, including MTB Trails around Cwmcarn Forest, Hiking around Cwmcarn Forest, and Traffic-free bike rides around Cwmcarn Forest. Other guides cover family-friendly hikes, cycling, running trails, and road cycling routes.
The official website for Cwmcarn Forest is cwmcarnforest.co.uk. For direct inquiries, the phone number is 01495 272001. These resources provide additional information for planning a visit.

