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So I'm off to Wales tomorrow morning and stopping off at Cwmcarn first. Will only have time for one trail there. I'm thinking riding up the XC climb then descending the DH track.
It looks alot of fun on youtube but everyone else isn't keen as they consider it too harsh.
I'm on a Transition Covert and given what I've seen people do with these bikes cannot say I'm underbiked for a UK DH track. However I am not used to proper steep and DH orientated stuff and whilst I can get down pretty much anything am worried I'll just be hanging on for dear life all the way and may enjoy the 'XC' descent more.
Anyone ridden bith? any thoughts?
Still not ridden the new dh trail but the cafall xc descent is fast and fun
There are some wicked bits on the Twrch trail. Really fun. I think I prefer it to the dh track, a lot of it being fairly wide and open.
The climb is tough. The DH run is over in just a few minutes - one might not be worth the other, IMO! There's nothing massive on the old DH track though - I coped well enough on my Five.
Personally I'd stick to the Twrch trail. The descent is not technical but it's a great opportunity to really push yourself on the speed front.
I would second that the Caffell descent is really excellent. Never really been fussed by the Twrch but the new trail is great and it keeps me coming back for more!
+1 for the Caffell, the climb is more interesting too, if you get to Brechfa the Raven trail is a must 😉
Will try and convince the guys for the new one then. then maybe blast up the old trail and down the DH, how long is the climb?
Did the Raven last year and loved it so going for the gorlech this year
about 45min -1hr at a relaxed pace.
Caffel running good tonight but had rained a little but worth doing.
OP Towards the end of cafall you come to the main forest drive road to cross. Go left and follow for about 200 meters until you get to the pay booth, turn right and follow the tarmac road to the top, it's the quickest way to the old dh run. There maybe cars on this so keep left.
I regularly do this loop, cafall is really good fun I like to add the old dh run at the end as doesn't take long add about 35 mins.
Or... at the top of cafall you have the option to descend the new dh track (pedal hounds), this also is a very good fast trail and also spits you out on the forest drive road as mentioned above.
I'm loving cwmcarn at the moment. It's running sweet.
The old DH trail takes 6 or so minutes, it's quite decent, and not really steep or dangerous in any way as long as you don't go flying full pelt at jumps you don't know. The new 'DH' course off Cafall is great but really pretty short, so I'd personally not bother if you are doing it as part of an XC ride. You lose too much altitude too quickly and you miss the Cafall descent.
Just finished. Did cafall, which is excellent, then with the direction of some very friendly locals did what dan said (just read the post now, cheers) and descended the old dh track. Awesome! Best fun ive had on a bike so far, the steepness made me commit to stuff i wouldn't have even looked at normally. Real buzz all the way down and defo worth the neverending climb
Hadn't been in a couple of years, but I did have a soft spot for the Twrch @ Cwmcarn, have to say though the new Cafall Trail surpasses it, great fun! (well in the dry anyways)
iffoverload - Member
if you get to Brechfa the Raven trail is a must
If tedious climbs are your thing, yes 😉
The Twrch trail is the best 'pound for pound' 10-15km trail in Wales, the new caffell trail is not as much fun. Best 20-30km trail in South Wales at the moment is definitely the Blade at glyncorrwg
deadkenny - MemberIf tedious climbs are your thing, yes
could say the same for loads of places, there are a few other ways to the top of the descents as well,if uplifts are your thing then it may not be for you. 😉