PÚCA UP

Cwmcarn’s new blue trail opens up the South Wales trail centre to every level of rider

- JAMIE DARLOW

Some of the best trail centre routes of the past decade have been graded blue. The Verderers at the Forest of Dean, Terry’s Belly at BikePark Wales, the blue at Swinley: all offer an irresistible blend of speed and progression that encourages riders of all abilites to release the brakes.

Blues tap into the mass market of mountain biking since almost every level and age of rider can handle them; they take most of the traffic at BikePark Wales and arguably explain its success.

All the stranger then, that Cwmcarn in South Wales hasn’t had one. Two trails and two downhill tracks serviced by an uplift attracted experienced and fit riders only, leaving the Forest of Dean, BPW and Afan to tempt new riders or those not prepared for Cwmcarn’s hourlong up.