My other 1/2 wants to stay there for a few days. She is fairly active (not biking) & has an old Rift Zone which hasn't been used for a couple of years (the brakes are the bits showing the most wear). What are the trails like in the area? My only experience of man made trails is the North Face in Grizedale. It was categorized as a red & seemed pretty easy if taken slowly - only becoming more 'technical' when I picked up the pace. I think she would have been happy on most of it........But I have nothing else to compare it to. How would the Marin & Penmacho trails compare (I am mostly a wheels on the ground rider), is it easy to do different routes from the same start? Does anyone know of skills courses in the area?
I would suggest the Marin then if your staying in the area. You can bike to the start from Betws. Plus its probably the better option if the GF is doing it with you.
Details can be found on mbwales website.
Penmachno is very good, but has a more natural feel IMO, and a little more 'technical'
Never done Grizedale, so cannot compare it.
Coed-y-Brenin is about 1/2 hour drive and that has trails for all.
I did the first half of Penmachno with my gf who doesn't bike much. She enjoyed it but found it quite tricky as a lot of it is pretty tight and on steep hillsides.
I live close to the area, so most of my riding is around these places. The Marin is less technical, whilst still keeping plenty of interest for those who want to squeeze a bit more out of it, and its so close to BYC. Penmachno is my personal fave, but as an earlier post suggests its a bit tighter and more technical and its certainly more rugged feeling. Coed Y brenin is a good hour away in the car. There is so much natural wilderness riding in the area it may be more suitable to have a crack at that, there is a bridleway arounf Moel Siabod (just out of Betws) and you can go round Llyn (lake) Crafnant (easy bridleway) and drop down to Capel Curig on a fantastic bit of singletrack of about 2 miles which you should be able to see clearly on an OS map of the area. There is a bridleway that also skirts the lake edge of Llyn Cowlyd which is a quite technical but the views on a good day are stunning. Even if its too technical and you have to walk the bikes a bit, then its just a pleasure to be there on a nice day. The off trail centre riding is just too good to miss. But if its trail centre riding you want for simplicity then you cant go wrong with the Marin.
Thanks for the replies. Hugh, do you know of anywhere that does skills courses locally? We will be there for a week commencing Aug. 17.
Hi Nick Speak to the chaps at Beics Betws. The shop is pretty much the centre of whats happening in the area MTB wise and they are really friendly and helpful.
Biecs Betws
Betws-y-Coed
t: 01690 710 766
e: info@bikewales.co.uk
As I mentioned in my earlier post, try and get that ride around the flanks of Moel Siabod done. Its in the main part non technical, there is one rocky section down the old river bed, but its pretty as heck and just a nice ride around a lovely mountain (Siabod) The guys from Beics Betws will give you a route I guess.
*reading intently* Good info, thanks folks 🙂
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I would say the Marin trail is the same as the Northface, more fun though i.m.o. with more single track.
The Penmachno is a little more challenging and one of my favourites.
There are a lot of forest roads in the forests around Betws, just to get 'out and about' in.
Thanks. I'll be the fat old bloke on a blue Nicolai if you are around there that week. 🙂
hi Nick
I am a mountain bike guide and outdoor instructor living in the Betws-y-Coed area and mey be able to help with a days tuition if intrested at the moment I think I am free on the wednesday of that week if that is any help do get in touch. Other wise like most other people have said I would go with the marin trail you can ride it as fast or a slow as you like their are no real big drops or super scary bits.email steandsal@aol.com
Hi Nick, I'd definately go with numbnuts, he's a great instructor/guide for all levels. He probably doesnt recognise me from my screen name, but I will him keep guessing 😆
I have ridden with him plenty and he knows the area like the back of his hand ! very recommended