Dan, I have Never ridden Afan as its a long way for me to travel and North Wales is much closer so I can't comment on that one, but one day perhaps this summer?

KITCH

My favourite Man Made Trail to ride (for fun anyway) is Coed Llandegla, The trail is nothing short of Outstanding, it is the perfect mix of Up and Down and has been built at just the right gradient that you don't need to pedal on the downs and only have to lightly feather the brakes to check your speed coming out of the compression's and as it is not a technical trail, most riders with a degree of experience will feel comfortable on the RED's and after a few visits will easily tackle the BLACK runs and be going back around for another go. Even for Newbies looking to up their game a little the jumps are ridable at low speed, so if they don't yet feel confident in getting a little 'Air' they can simply ride the jumps without leaving Terra firma.

The parking is cheap, the trail centre and its staff are very welcoming with Huge Mugs of hot tea and fantastic hot sandwich's and cake, there is plenty of seating with a huge LCD screen to watch the latest mountain bike DVD's on. The bike wash is out back as soon as you get back from the trail and there is loads of space on the wooden frames outside the cafe to hang your bike on while you're inside the trail centre ( Thats something that is missing from the trail centre cafe at Coed y Brenin!)

The bike shop is really well stocked and the staff are really friendly, with hire bikes for large parties PLUS they have really good Demo bikes to hire at a little extra cost.

After Llandegla it has to be Coed Y Brenin!

With Stunning Scenery and long fire road climbs to test you fitness, expertly crafted Man made single track trails with tight switch backs to test your balance and skill. With a choice of trails to choose from beginner to expert and all well marked out you can't fail to have a great day or weekend of riding.

My favourite descents have to be the five ADDAMS family named sections on the 'BEAST' trail called 'Gomez, Pugsley, Lurch, Uncle fester and Morticia' as they all flow into one another and are fairly flowing then rocky then flowing again. I also like the last sections called 'Beginning of the end, Glide and life's good.

Also the last sections on the Tarw trail at Coed y Brenin are Awesome! They undulate up and around tree stumps and rocks, its like being on the best roller coaster at any theme park. Anybody who takes the shortcut route back to the car park/trail centre must be a fool as they will miss the Tarws best sections!

The trail Centre is Uber modern with a brilliant Cafe that serves up the biggest mugs of tea and a fantastic All day breakfast at a great price, there is showers and changing rooms down stairs and a small bike shop with very helpful mechanics that will get you out of a scrape should you break your bike!

Approx 2 miles up the road from the trail centre is the Trawsfynydd Holidays Log Cabins site which hire out 4-6 berth Cabins at a very reasonable price and on site is the Rhiw Goch Inn Public house which pulls a Great Pint and has a huge restaurant with very friendly staff serving up excellent food.

Cheers

Paul Grocott

Sorry about the Picture, this is about as good as biking pictures of me get as I'm usually the one carrying the camera!