| A few minutes along a fast
dual carriageway from the M4 brings you to Cwm Carn Forest park which
seems to appeal to all kinds. Lots of tracks and trails to explore for
walkers, bikers and couch potato motorists, too!
Read more about it by clicking here. |
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It all starts off gently enough, an easy
saunter through pleasant valley floor meadows and wooded glades. |
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Same tree and a tantalising single track. I
first tried this on a perfect June day. |
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The trees get taller and the track gets
more 'technical'. But not this bit, the technical sections weren't
suitable for stopping for pics as well as trying to keep on my machine. |
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This actually quite a tough 'up' although
it might not look like it. The whole trail is coded with green ATB markers
which is confusing in itself. It is officially rated as 'difficult' and
green for me (and the Afan Argoed trails) stands for easy. |
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Lots of tree root stuff as one (not so
gradually) climb the 300 metres or so of vertical contours. |
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From time to time, the bike trail intercepts
the public picnic and forest drive bits. It seems we have a resident
Indian totem pole carver in the vicinity. |
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As for this chap, I cant work out what's
going on. It seems like he's bust a couple of spokes in his bike wheel and
is a bit fed up. |
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From the top, there are a couple of fast
wooded sections that were my personal favorites. |
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Another reason for liking this trail are
the spectacular views across the valley. |
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I'll take the high track... |
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and I'll even try and take a picture of
myself. |
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Yep, road works ahead: one of the
volunteers who keep the trail in good condition was literally hacking away
at a potential tyre trashing rock with hammer and chisel! This is the
start of the big downhill. |
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gradually one gets glimpses of
civilisation as one tears ever downwards. Well, almost ever down. |
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Sliding and slithering alongside a pretty
steep drop there's hardly time to check out the view down to a more
peaceful sporting activity. |
| Cwm Carn gets top marks from me,
a reasonably fit but geriatric cyclist. Great trail, friendly cafe/visitor
centre and lots of pretty views. I'll be back! |
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