Beddgelert Forest, near Beddgelert
Huge forest in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia)...
The ‘Gwel y Grib’ section on the Dolen Machno mountain bike trail is diverted due to forestry operations. Please follow all instructions and diversion signs on site.
The Penmachno Trails are situated near the village of Penmachno within the spectacular landscape of Gwydir Forest Park.
These two very remote and natural feeling mountain bike trails have a mixture of singletrack descents and technical climbs.
Each trail is a circular loop and you can either follow just the first loop (Dolen Machno) or you can join the second loop (Dolen Eryri) at the halfway point of the first loop for a longer ride.
The Penmachno Trails are managed and maintained by Menter Bro Machno (a local volunteer community group).
All our mountain bike trails are waymarked from start to finish and have been graded for difficulty.
At the start of the trails there is an information panel – please read this before setting off.
The Dolen Machno has the fastest descents and biggest climbs.
It has fast, technical single-track, tight switch-backs and a couple of leg-testing climbs.
The Dolen Eryri is all about the flow and the views.
It has a great mix of sweeping single-track, carving boardwalk, technical pitched stone trail and some great views.
These mountain bike trails are remote and exposed with little or no phone signal.
Please be prepared and, if riding on your own, let somebody know.
The Penmachno Trails are looked after and maintained by a local volunteer community group, Menter Bro Machno.
The trails are funded by donations from bikers and maintained by volunteers - donations can be made at the trailhead at the start of the trail or through the Menter Bro Machno website.
For more information go to the Penmachno mountain bike trails website.
Gwydir Forest Park
Penmachno is in Gwydir Forest Park.
Gwydir Forest Park lies in the heart of the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and encircles the village of Betws-y-coed.
Lead and zinc mining once dominated the area and the legacy of old engine-houses, waste tips and reservoirs are characteristic features of the forest landscape today.
Several of the most important mines have been partially restored and made safe for visitors.
Waymarked trails start from Betws-y-coed and several other Natural Resources Wales car parks in Gwydir Forest Park:
Gwydir Forest Park forms part of the National Forest for Wales.
The National Forest will:
It will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.
Parts of the network will eventually form a trail running the length and breadth of Wales, so anyone can access it wherever they live.
For more information go to the National Forest for Wales website.
Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.
We may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice, due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.
Please always follow any instructions on site and any temporary diversion signs.
Penmachno is 5½ miles south of Betws-y-coed.
It is in the county of Conwy.
Penmachno is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL18.
The OS grid reference is SH 786 498.
Take the A5 from Betws-y-coed over the bridge towards Llangollen.
After 1¾ miles, turn right onto the B4406 signposted towards Penmachno village.
After going through the village, continue for another ½ mile and the car park is on the right along a forest track.
The nearest mainline railway station is in Betws-y-coed.
For details of public transport go to the Traveline Cymru website.
Please park carefully at the forest entrance, leaving the forest track clear for access.
Car parking is free of charge.
The Penmachno Trails are funded by donations from bikers and maintained by volunteers - donations can be made at the trailhead at the start of the trail or through the Menter Bro Machno website.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
For more information go to the Penmachno mountain bike trails website.
There are no staff at this location.
Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.