Planning to take the kids on their first MTB weekend to Wales (we live in the east of England), and looking for some recommendations of routes to try near Builth Wells, where we will be based.

The kids are 10 and 8, and they have done quite a bit of riding, but nothing too technical yet.
I’m thinking they’d enjoy blue-level routes up to 20k in distance.

I’ve visited most of the trail centers in Wales and I know some of them have great blue trails, but none are really within striking distance of Builth Wells (we will have a car but don’t ant to drive too far from our base).

Any suggestions would be most welcome, thanks.

Anyone have any suggestions?

tragically Coed Trallwm was closed early last year. Great little spot for a family ride.

Locals may have an idea whether the trails are still there to be ridden on a cheeky basis though?

Coed Trallwm springs to mind. Thought it closed a couple of years ago, but seems to have been incorporated by cottages venture. The trails are only short but it’s only 15 minutes down the road.

Lots of natural riding around there. I’m sure someone will be able to suggest a suitable level route, probably riding straight out of BW.

Edit: might be worth checking with Forest Cottages about the state of the trails

Leigh Woods

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods/features/mountain-biking-in-leigh-woods

Bound to be something around Elan valley also.

Elan Valley has some nice trails – not “colour coded” but have a look at the “bases” here for some accurate descriptions: http://www.mbwales.com/

Also, give the chaps at http://www.cycle-tec.co.uk/ a shout and ask them. They run some rides from the shop and will no doubt have some great family friendly local trails they could recommend

Cheers

David

Cwm Rhaeadr is a 45 min drive? If that’s not too far it’s a great trail. The climb isn’t too steep and although it’s graded Red, from memory I’d say it’s more a blue, I can’t remember any significant features, just a few rocky bits here and there but nothing major, fine on a rigid SS. It flows really well. A nice walk to the waterfall possible too to make more of a worthwhile drive.

Thanks very much for the tips all – this is a great help.

You are 20 mins from Llanwrtyd Wells. Some good riding around there. The Real Ale Wobble route is quite nice. Should be able to find a gpx online. Whole thing will be a big long but you can shorten it