If you are planning a cycling holiday in Wales or wish to explore some of the many mountain biking trails in the area then Lothlorien Cottage makes an excellent base for a wide variety of rides and excursions.
Lothlorien Cottage is situated in the Amman Valley, with lovely routes for cycling and walking.
Behind the cottage are the slopes of the Black Mountain, with a road winding up through Brynamman and over the mountain.
The Black Mountain marks the Western edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, and this is true walking and cycling territory, with beautiful views and the added interest of many ancient iron age settlements and other historical sites.
Lothlorien Cottage
For more about the cottage and some of the things to see and visit in the area you can ...
Your Cycling Holiday
in Wales: Mountain Biking and Cycling in the Area
Lothlorien Cottage is in the center of some of the best cycling routes in the UK.
The Brecon Beacons are criss-crossed by cycle and mountain biking trails, and the Afan Valley is rated as one of the top mountain biking destinations in the world.
Lothlorien Cottage has a lockable outhouse in which to store bicycles and there is an outside tap* near the back entrance to wash off the worst of the day's mud.
The back door opens into the open plan kitchen - dining area which has an easy-to clean stone floor. Wet clothes can be removed here and hung to dry or put straight into the washing machine.
*This tap is in the outside toilet which is being renovated. It is available to use to wash off muddy boots etc
Exploring Wales by Bike: Mountain Biking
in the Afan Forest Park.
The Afan Forest Park stretches over 64 square kilometers,
with 30,000 hectares of forest and is very popular for walking,
cycling, mountain biking, orienteering and camping.
It is considered one of the top areas in the world
for mountain biking and mountain-bikers from across
Europe and beyond come to experience all that the park has to offer.
Above: Video of Mountain Biking Route: "The Wall" in the Afan Forest Park.
Afan Valley Cycle Route
(14 miles)(Suitable for Occasional Cyclists and Families)
This gently sloping trail follows the wide flat route of the old railway lines that once carried passengers and coal the length of the valley. 14 miles of disused railway and forest road link the communities of Pontrhydyfen and Blaengwynfi and wind through forest and open areas that were once railway sidings.
The old Cynonville station has been converted to a shelter and barbeque, and many other benches and picnic tables along the route offer opportunitites to stop and enjoy the view.
The Wall
(23km approx.14 miles) (Suitable for good cyclists with mountain bikes)
The trail starts gently but soon heads upwards. Fast singletrack with fantastic views. The Wall that gives the trail its name is a thrilling final descent.
White's Level
(15km Approx 9 miles)(Suitable for good cyclists with mountain bikes)
Very technical progressive riding trail sponsored by npower. It has drops, step downs and long singletrack climbs. The much awaited “Energy” section on White’s Level Mtn Bike Trail opened to the public in October 2007.
“Energy” is the most recent addition to the world-renowned Afan 110k Mtn BikeTrails within Afan Forest Park. While the new section takes the name Energy from its proximity to npower renewables’ Ffynnon Oer wind farm, it demands energy, technical skill and daring from bike riders, making it a most exciting addition to the trails.
Skyline
(46km Approx 28 miles)(Suitable for Expert Mountain Bikers)
Skyline (46km Approx 28 miles)(Suitable for Expert Mountain Bikers)
The longest single serving, all weather trail in Britain. High level, highly technical singletrack riding. Not to be treated lightly. Only recommended for experienced, fit riders.
Skyline can be started from Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre in Afan Forest Park
W2
(44km Approx 27 miles)(Suitable for Expert Mountain Bikers)
W2 links The Wall and White's Level. A high level link connecting both these trails with some fantastic views of Afan & Neath Valleys. This trail includes two of the most demanding descents in the UK.
Penhydd Mountain Bike Trail
(22km / 14 miles)(Suitable for good cyclists with mountain bikes)
This is closed at present for maintenance
Penhydd - The original Afan trail. It is a technical combination of singletrack climbs and descents. This trail was the chosen course for the 2001 World singlepeed championships.
