Zig Zags Descent, Y Wal Trail – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Neath

Mountain biking trails

Zig Zags Descent, Y Wal Trail – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Neath

Moderate

4.5

(2)

riders

Zig Zags Descent, Y Wal Trail – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Neath

02:55

32.9km

720m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 0 m for 226 m

After 32.7 km for 226 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

11.4 km

Zig Zags Descent, Y Wal Trail

Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park

Right at the end of the mega W2 loop, or on the Y Wal trail, the Zigzags part of the trail is a real feel-good descent, enjoy!

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15.8 km

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre

Highlight • Rest Area

Afan Forest is very well known for its mountain biking and well, there is a lot of it! There are trails for all abilities, but the main focus here is the red graded trails, which are great and really well maintained, very gravely but can be ridden in all weather.

There are a lot of elevation changes so some good fitness here will be required. As well as the trails there are a number of fire roads, bridleways and a bike path so great for some gravel riding too.

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre is one of two parking and start areas for the trails. From here you can ride The Rookie, Blue Scar, Penhydd and Y Wal and W2 mountain bike trails.

There is also a cafe, bike shop and bike hire, toilets and showers. Parking is paid.

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19.7 km

Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail)

Highlight • Trail

A brilliant, flowing descent, you've earned this one with the big fireroad climb! Rated blue or moderate, it's not the most challenging singletrack trail, but one that everyone will no doubt enjoy.

The trail is really well surfaced so it's good to ride year round.

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23.3 km

Afan Kids' MTB Skills Area

Highlight • Trail

On the other side of the road to the Afan Forest Park trail centre and not far from the car park, the kid's skills area is a great spot for building up confidence. You won't find any scary features as this is a green-rated family trail, but you'll be able to session the rollers with your little ones within close reach!

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23.5 km

Motorway Section, Afan Argoed Forest Cycle Path

Highlight • Trail

'Motorway' is the name given to this section of the Rookie green family trail, which actually runs along the Afan Argoed Forest Cycle Path linking the trail centre and sections of singletrack and the kid's skills area.

It's well paved and flat, a real breeze compared to most trails in this valley!

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26.2 km

Pontrhydyfen Viaduct

Highlight • Viewpoint

Pontrhydyfen is a small former coal mining community at the confluence of the River Afan and the Afon Pelenna. It is distinguished by two large 19th-century bridges that span the valley: a railway viaduct (the red bridge) and a former aqueduct, known as Y Bont Fawr ("The Big Bridge").

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