Coed y Cerrig National Nature Reserve, near Abergavenny
Small woodland big on variety with accessible...
Cwm Carn Forest, near Newport
Walking trails and mountain biking in the heart of the valleys
What's here
This site and trails are open - please see more details on this web page.
Work is underway to redevelop and re-open the forest drive – please follow safety notices and any temporary trail diversions.
The car park, visitor centre, toilets and play area are operated by Caerphilly County Borough Council - see the Cwm Carn Forest website for the latest information about these facilities.
Coronavirus update
The Welsh Government is implementing a national coronavirus firebreak from 6pm on Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November.
The firebreak regulations replace the local restrictions which were in force in some parts of the country. They apply to everyone living or travelling in Wales.
Our sites and most visitor facilities remain open during this firebreak period but people are advised to stay at home and only visit sites in the local area to take exercise.
Visiting your local site safely
We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.
You need to wear a mask when going inside one of our buildings.
You can check-in via the NHS app when entering one of our buildings – scan the QR-code on the NHS Covid-19 poster on site.
Welcome
The Forestry Commission started to plant trees in Cwm Carn in 1922. Since then, the hills of this previously mined area have been transformed into peaceful forests with impressive views.
With two cross country mountain bike trails and two downhill mountain bike trails, Cwm Carn is a popular destination for mountain bikers. There is an onsite uplift provider for the downhill trails and a pump track.
There are also walking trails and a fishing lake and, if you want to stay longer, there is a riverside camp site.
Walking trails
All of the walking trails are waymarked and start from the visitor centre.
Nant Carn Walk
0.9 miles, 1.5 kilometres
This is a short stroll during which you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the stream and lake.
Bluebell Walk
1.2 miles, 1.8 kilometres
This gentle walk takes in woodlands, ponds and streams. Along the way, there are fine views of the valley and the pit wheel monument.
Mountain bike trails
The two cross country mountain bike trails are waymarked and start from the car park.
The two downhill trails are serviced by the onsite uplift provider.
The pump track is located by the car park.
See our mountain biking page for a list of all our mountain bike trails and information about grading to make sure you pick a trail that is right for you.
Please also read the relevant onsite information before setting off on your ride.
Twrch Trail
13.4 kilometres, grade red
Graded red (for proficient riders only), the Twrch Trail is a high quality trail which is rideable in all weather. Virtually the entire route is on purpose built singletrack through a mixture of woodlands and open ridge tops with dramatic views of the Bristol Channel and the surrounding hills.
Cafall Trail
15 kilometres, grade red
Climbing up to altitudes of over 600 metres, the Cafall Trail is graded red (for proficient riders only). Highlights include some tough climbs, tight hand-built singletrack sections and some fantastic technical descents.
Y Mynydd Downhill
1.72 kilometres, 250 metres, vertical drop, grade orange, bike park extreme
Y Mynydd Downhill is one of the UK’s original downhill mountain bike trails. The trail drops 250 metres through the steep hillsides of Cwmcarn and it is for experienced riders only. Features include lots of berms, a few switch backs, doubles, a tunnel, rock steps, the bridge, hip jump and a quarry gap jump. An uplift pass is available from Cwmdown.
Pedalhounds Downhill
1.4 kilometres, 203 metres, vertical drop, grade orange, bike park extreme
The Pedalhounds downhill course opened in 2014. It follows the line of the old “club track” down a steep sided valley in the forest. It starts off with a handmade rooty section through the trees and soon picks up speed as it flows in and out of the wooded sections. Access to this trail is via the Cavall XC trail or by the uplift service. An uplift pass is available from Cwmdown.
Visitor facilities
Visitor facilities operated by Caerphilly County Borough Council include:
- Cwm Carn Forest Visitor Centre with a gift shop and information area with walking guides, maps and information on the surrounding area
- café with outdoor seating area
- campsite by the river with touring pitches and glamping pods for hire
- play area
- toilets
For opening times and more information about these facilities, go to the Cwm Carn Forest Visitor Centre website.
Accessibility information
Cwm Carn Forest Visitor Centre is fully DDA compliant and has wheelchair accessible seating on the rear decking.
Facilities include:
- parking for Blue Badge holders
- wheelchair access to the visitor centre and café
- accessible toilets
Closures and diversions
Many of the trees in Cwm Carn Forest have been infected by larch disease (Phytophthora ramorum). These infected trees are being cut down and removed.
Cwm Carn Forest Drive has been closed to allow the felling to take place safely.
There may be diversions and closures to footpaths and mountain bike trails.
For the latest information on trail closures and diversions, see:
Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any diversion signs in place.
More information
- Find out more about our work at Cwm Carn (including our project to reopen Cwm Carn Forest Drive and FAQs about the tree felling operation)
- How to help prevent the spread of tree disease
How to get here
Location
Cwm Carn Forest is on the A467, seven miles from Junction 28 of the M4.
The postcode is NP11 7FA
It straddles the county borders of Caerphilly and Torfaen.
There is a parking charge in the car park which is operated by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Directions
Follow the “Forest Drive' signs from junction 28 of the M4 to the forest entrance on the A467.
Ordnance Survey map
Cwm Carn Forest is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map 152.
The OS grid reference is ST 228 936.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Newport.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Contact details
Natural Resources Wales Contact Centre
0300 065 3000
enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Cwm Carn Forest Visitor Centre (operated by Caerphilly County Borough Council)
01495 272001
cwmcarn-vc@caerphilly.gov.uk
Related document downloads
Cwmcarn Forest location map
PDF [1.3 MB]
Cafall trail diversion Applies from 15/01/2018
PDF [3.4 MB]
Cafall Trail guide
PDF [3.7 MB]
Twrch Trail guide
PDF [3.0 MB]
Pedalhounds Downhill Biking guide
PDF [3.4 MB]
Y Mynydd Downhill Biking guide
PDF [2.7 MB]
