Hello,
I have an afternoon next week to ride in Wales whilst visiting Abergele:
Penmachno or Marin Trail for a decidedly average rider?
If it is raining, Marin. Take a map or navigation device to find the many hidden shortcuts etc to repeat fun bits and locate the off piste stuff.
Penmachno is always wet and can be exposed up towards the top too. I have a real love hate feel about the place.
Marin is dryer. Given rain recently.
Personally I perferred Marin. Lots of climbing etc. Penmachno was a test of metal in rain. Wet was not the word. Lost the bike in one puddle that was actually knee deep when on the bike. Came out like a bog monster, but we laughed. Bike needed loads of maintenance after. Marin has some awesome views, but you need to like climbing.
Thanks. Don’t mind some climbing, Swaledale is fairly “climby”.
Neither, go to abergwyngregyn, and go up the tarmac road, onto the old roman road and up onto Drum. Its all rideable. The descent (its an out and back) will be the fastest you have ever been on a mtb.
Either.
I live between them. Both are fun.