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United Kingdom
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South Wales

Blackwood

The best MTB trails around Blackwood

4.6

(138)

3,068

riders

67

rides

Mountain biking around Blackwood offers diverse terrain, characterized by dense forests and varied elevation changes. The region features challenging rough trails with a rock and clay base, providing a robust experience for riders. Serious hills are present for those who enjoy climbing, alongside more moderate paths. This area provides a network of mountain bike trails suitable for different skill levels.

Best mountain bike trails around Blackwood

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is Oak Tree – View from Ridgeway loop…

Last updated: June 22, 2026

4.6

(9)

253

riders

#1.

Odin Section on Twrch Trail – Castle Valley on Twrch Trail loop from Newbridge

32.9km

03:02

760m

760m

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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Hard

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Popular around Blackwood

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Tips from the Community

Peter Turner
July 9, 2025, Mynydd Machen Summit

Nice ascent from Crosskeys, but watch out for very overgrown pathways on the Machen side. Great views from the top!

1

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This area is also great for some technical trail running. Plenty of footpaths meander around the hills.

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Great panoramic views of surrounding area.

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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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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.

1

0

After contouring around the hillside from the fire road along the start of the Cafall trail section named Quadzilla, you then enter a series of switchbacks to climb more sharply up the bank. These hairpin bends can be pretty tricky, not to mention the rocky and rooty features in between, so it's a great section to help you brush up on your skills.

2

0

James
February 5, 2022, Off-Piste Forest Trail

It’d be nice to shoot here at golden hour, a wonderful golden glow would punch through the trees I reckon!

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails around Blackwood?

Mountain biking around Blackwood features diverse terrain, characterized by dense forests and varied elevation changes. You'll encounter challenging rough trails with a rock and clay base, providing a robust experience. There are serious hills for those who enjoy climbing, alongside more moderate paths, offering a network suitable for different skill levels.

How many mountain bike trails are available in the Blackwood area?

There are over 60 mountain bike trails around Blackwood, offering a wide range of options for riders. These include routes of varying difficulty, from easy to difficult.

Are there challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?

Yes, Blackwood offers several challenging routes. For instance, The Gap Pass – View of Talybont Reservoir loop from Gilfach Fargoed is a difficult 88.5 km trail with over 1300 meters of elevation gain, designed to test experienced riders.

Are there any beginner-friendly mountain bike trails in Blackwood?

While many trails offer varied terrain, there are options suitable for beginners. Out of the over 60 routes, 11 are rated as easy, providing a good starting point for those new to mountain biking or looking for a more relaxed ride.

What kind of landmarks or points of interest can I see along the trails?

The Blackwood area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Along your rides, you might encounter significant viewpoints like Mynydd Machen Summit or Mynydd Rudry. Historical sites such as Twmbarlwm Hill and Iron Age hillfort also add interest to the landscape.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes around Blackwood?

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Blackwood are designed as loops. Examples include the moderate Hengoed Viaduct – Penallta Park signpost loop from Blackwood, which is 30.1 km long, and the Woodland Trail – View of the Rolling Hills loop from Wyllie, a 20.7 km route through woodlands.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Blackwood?

The mountain bike trails around Blackwood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 125 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the challenging climbs, and the scenic views found throughout the network.

Are there any specific bike parks or dedicated mountain biking facilities nearby?

Yes, for those looking for dedicated facilities, there are bike parks in the vicinity. You can explore trails like Cwmcarn — Twrch Mountain Bike Trail or the challenging Rocky Valley, Cafall Trail, which offer specific mountain biking experiences.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Blackwood?

Blackwood's diverse terrain can be enjoyed year-round, but conditions vary. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. During wetter periods, some trails with a rock and clay base can become more challenging, so checking local conditions before heading out is advisable.

Is there parking available near the mountain bike trails?

While specific parking details vary by trailhead, many popular starting points for mountain bike routes in the Blackwood area, including those leading to bike parks like Cwmcarn, typically offer designated parking facilities. It's always recommended to check the route details on komoot for specific parking information for your chosen trail.

Are there any long-distance mountain bike routes in Blackwood?

Yes, Blackwood offers several longer routes for endurance riders. For example, the Monmouthshire Canal Lock – View from Ridgeway loop from Pengam is a moderate 57.9 km path, providing extensive riding with scenic views and diverse surfaces.

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