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South Wales

Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

The best MTB trails around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

4.5

(231)

4,598

riders

135

rides

Mountain biking around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen offers a network of trails through varied terrain. The region is characterized by rolling hills, wooded valleys, and former industrial landscapes that have been rewilded, providing diverse riding environments. These features create a mix of ascents, descents, and scenic paths suitable for mountain biking. The area's geography includes a blend of natural and managed woodlands, contributing to a range of trail types.

Best mountain bike trails around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is Old Quarry – Woodland Trail loop from Machen, a 13.3 miles (21.3 km) trail that takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete, winding through woodlands and past an old quarry site.
  • Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Mynydd Rudry – Garlic Run Trail loop from Machen, a moderate 10.1 miles (16.2 km) path. This route explores the Mynydd Rudry area, known for its elevated views and varied forest sections.
  • Local mountain bikers also love the Caerphilly Castle – Garlic Run Trail loop from Machen, a 16.2 miles (26.0 km) trail leading through historical landscapes and woodlands, often completed in about 2 hours 0 minutes.
  • Mountain biking around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen is defined by wooded valleys, open hillsides, and established trail networks. The area offers a range of options, from easy mountain bike trails Bedwas Trethomas Machen to more challenging moderate routes, catering to different ability levels.
  • The routes in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 5 reviews. More than 90 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Bedwas Trethomas & Machen's varied terrain.

Last updated: October 9, 2026

31

riders

#1.

Coed Cae-Hugh Forest Trail – Oak Tree loop from Wattsville

14.9km

01:15

280m

280m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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4.5

(4)

17

riders

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Popular around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

Cambrian Way — Hike the highest, wildest and most beautiful trail in Wales

Road Cycling Routes around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

Hiking around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

Running Trails around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

Cycling around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

Gravel biking around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

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Cambrian Way — Hike the highest, wildest and most beautiful trail in Wales

Hiking Collection by

Dan Hobson

Tips from the Community

Dafydd Jones
April 17, 2025, Garlic Run Trail

Watch out for the end bit - take the left hand route if you want to avoid the chute

0

0

Built in 1280, this castle has a fascinating life story. It is the second largest castle and grounds in UK, slightly smaller than Windsor castle. The water defenses are now home to plenty of birds and the grounds offer fantastic views of this stunning castle

1

0

Adie
October 11, 2022, Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle has had a £5m investment into conservation and repair of the structure - from late October '22 the scaffold and sheeting that protected the works will be removed. Caerphilly Castle is the biggest castle in Wales, and second biggest in the UK. Wales’s very own Leaning Tower, even wonkier than that of Pisa — courtesy of Civil War gunpowder is probably the castle’s best-loved feature.

2

0

Fantastic cycle lane surrounding a lot of the castle to get a good view from different angles.

2

0

Dafydd Jones
September 26, 2020, Mynydd Rudry

Best way up on a bike - use the lower right hand route then go up the side of the mountain from in a SE direction. You can then choose the fun route down!

0

0

From this spot, you get a stunning view of Caerphilly Castle over the reflective water of the moat. With massive walls, towers, gatehouses, and water defences covering 30 acres (12 ha), Caerphilly is the mightiest castle in Wales and is second in size only to Windsor Castle in the whole of Britain. The castle was built from 1268 after the rise of the powerful Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, persuaded Marcher lord Gilbert de Clare that he needed a fortress building fast.

3

0

Good little cut through up over into Lisvane. Good climb up through the farm Passable on a road bike just turns a bit rough past the farm. Also watch out for the gate after the first decent.

2

0

Craig Taylor
January 30, 2019, Woodland Trail

This part of the trail is a little flatter than the sections before and after. It's also fairly smooth so makes for good running even when it's wet. Great views down into the valley!

2

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen?

There are 16 mountain bike trails recorded in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen on komoot. These routes offer a variety of experiences across the region's diverse terrain.

Are there easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen?

Yes, Bedwas Trethomas & Machen offers 5 easy mountain bike trails, perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes typically feature gentler gradients and less technical sections.

What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen?

The region is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, wooded valleys, and rewilded former industrial landscapes. You'll encounter natural and managed woodlands, providing diverse riding environments with a blend of ascents, descents, and scenic paths.

Are there any family-friendly mountain bike routes in the area?

While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always explicit, the 5 easy trails in the area are generally suitable for families with some mountain biking experience. These routes tend to be shorter and less challenging.

Can I find circular mountain bike routes in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen?

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Old Quarry – Woodland Trail loop from Machen, which winds through woodlands and past an old quarry site.

What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while mountain biking?

You can encounter several interesting points of interest. For example, the Caerphilly Castle – Garlic Run Trail loop from Machen leads through historical landscapes. Other notable attractions in the wider area include the Twmbarlwm Hill and Iron Age hillfort and various viewpoints like Mynydd Machen Summit.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen?

The mountain bike trails in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from 8 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain and the scenic beauty of the wooded valleys and open hillsides.

Are there any longer mountain bike trails for more experienced riders?

Yes, for more experienced riders looking for a longer challenge, routes like the Caerphilly Castle – Garlic Run Trail loop from Machen cover 26.0 km (16.2 miles) and offer a moderate difficulty level with significant elevation changes.

What is the typical length of mountain bike trails in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen?

Trail lengths vary, but many popular routes fall within the 10 to 26 km range. For instance, the Mynydd Rudry – Garlic Run Trail loop from Machen is 16.2 km (10.1 miles), while the Forest Path – View of Cardiff loop from Machen is 18.8 km (11.7 miles).

Are there mountain bike trails that offer good views?

Absolutely. The region's rolling hills and elevated areas provide excellent viewpoints. Trails exploring the Mynydd Rudry area, for example, are known for their elevated views. You can also find great vistas from summits like Caerphilly Mountain Summit and Garth Summit, which are accessible via some routes.

Is it possible to mountain bike in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen during winter?

Mountain biking is generally possible year-round, but conditions can vary significantly in winter. Trails may be muddy, slippery, or even icy, especially in wooded and shaded areas. Always check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out, and ensure your bike is equipped for winter riding.

Are there opportunities to see wildlife on the trails?

Given the region's natural and managed woodlands, and rewilded industrial landscapes, there are good opportunities to observe local wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, small mammals, and other native fauna, particularly in quieter sections of the trails.

Where can I find parking for mountain biking trailheads?

While specific parking areas aren't detailed for every trailhead, many routes in Bedwas Trethomas & Machen start near villages or established recreational areas where public parking is typically available. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for more precise parking information.

Most popular routes around Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

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