Take the family on mountain biking days out at Brechfa forest

Thursday, 01, Apr 2010 12:00

Brechfa Forest in Carmarthenshire is a popular destination when it comes to family days out - and one of its main attractions is its great mountain biking trails.

If you're looking to take the family on an exciting day out or weekend break to this part of Wales, you can't go wrong with a stint of mountain biking around the beautiful 6,500-hectare forest.

The Derwen Trail is perfect for families as it provides a gentle introduction to the world of mountain biking that won't tax you or the kids.

Measuring 9.2 km long, the trail takes between 90 minutes and two hours to complete and climbs for 506 m over the duration of the journey.

It is named after the section of oak woodland that it runs through and offers some amazing views. You will find yourself traversing the sides of the valley, easing up gentle inclines and whizzing down fun slopes.

While this particular trail is graded green - meaning it is easy to complete - those of you on family holidays to Brechfa Forest looking for a slightly more challenging route might want to take the blue trail, which is classified as moderate.

At 4.7 km long with 307 m of climbing to do, it branches off from the main green trail and goes up a steep bank that might seem difficult to ascend at first, but more than makes up for it by offering an exhilarating ride down the other side.

There are also even tougher mountain biking trails available for mums and dads keen to push themselves harder. There are routes classified as red, meaning difficult, and black, which are severe and recommended only for experienced riders.

All of the trails have been designed by Rowan Sorrell, a professional mountain bike racer whose sheer experience should instil you with confidence in the delights that each route has to offer amateur cyclists.

Apart from mountain biking, there is plenty more to see and do on UK family activity holidays to Brechfa Forest.

There's lots of scope to go on long, scenic walks in and around the forest, for example.

You will find waymarked walks at Abergorlech and Byrgwm, as well as open access along forest roads - which is also available to horse riders.

As the forest has a rich past - it was used as a key hunting ground for the royal family back in the Middle Ages - you are sure to get a sense of its history and sheer scale just by wandering among its massive trees and along its beautiful paths.

There are plenty of nearby towns and villages to visit and stay in, including Brechfa, Llandovery, Llandeilo, Abergorlech, Llanybydder, Pumsaint, Llansawel and Rhydcymerau.

If you want to continue your family mountain biking adventure elsewhere in Carmarthenshire, there are a number of options to consider.

Crychan Forest, located near Llandovery, has lots to offer mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders alike.

Its trails range in length from 2.4 miles to 8.1 miles, meaning that there's something for all skill and stamina levels.

Don't forget that Carmarthenshire is known as the Garden of Wales - meaning that you can expect spectacular views while cycling through the immense forests and lush green countryside.

With 11 Cycle Break Centres scattered across Wales - including those in the Tywi Valley and Lampeter - there are lots of opportunities for some fun and active family holidays and kids' day trips, as well as breaks that incorporate other sights around Carmarthenshire.

Attractions such as the Brecon Beacons National Park, Carreg Cennen Castle, Dinefwr Castle, Carmarthenshire County Museum, the Millennium Coastal Park and the National Wetland Centre could be perfect diversions for both kids and adults alike on holidays to Wales.

Meanwhile, active pursuits such as golf, fishing and even extreme sports are on hand for that adrenaline rush if you want to try something other than mountain biking.

Whatever you choose to do, there are many options to choose from when it comes to UK family activity holidays in this part of Wales - more than you might initially imagine.

So whether you're looking for the perfect destination for a weekend day out, a short Easter break or a full summer holiday, consider Brechfa Forest and the other sights and sounds of Carmarthenshire for an exciting getaway.