An opportunity has arisen to operate a retail business from one of South Wales’ top mountain bike trail centres. A new facilities building, with 90sqm of retail space, has been constructed in the main car park of Cwmcarn Forest, at the start of the trails.
The building has been funded throught the Cognation mtb trail South Wales, a partnership project funded via the Sustainable Tourism Project led by Visit Wales, the tourism department within Welsh Government and supported through the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund. Match funding has been provided by Welsh Government’s Heads of the Valleys and Western Valleys Regeneration Areas, BikePark Wales and partner organisations.
Twrch singletrack
Boasting some of the best singletrack and downhill trails mountain bikers will struggle to find a better singletrack trail than the fearsome Twrch. This is a superb trail of the very highest quality and is not for the faint hearted. Virtually the entire route is on purpose built single track through a mixture of broadleaf and conifer woodlands and open ridge tops.
The riding varies from open and flowing hard pack to tight and technical and is ride-able in all weather. In places the trail hugs the sides of some very steep wooded slopes demanding concentration, whilst in others it sweeps along open ground giving you the chance to take in the dramatic views of the Bristol Channel and surrounding hills. With a climb of 300m and at 15.5km long it’s a fair challenge for most riders.
Y Mynydd downhill
Y Mynydd is a specialist downhill trail strictly for the experienced rider. One of only a few permanent downhill trails in the UK; it offers riders all the expected thrills and then a few more. With many jumps, the high speed decent of the riders is as thrilling as any downhill skiing for the passing spectators. All of the trails start and finish in the main car park.
New trails
The completion of two new trails, also funded by the EU-backed Cognation project, along with a new pump track adds to the current provision. The new cross-country trail (Cafall – 15k cross country) offers all the challenges that the Twrch provides and the two can be combined to offer over 30km of trail. A new purpose built downhill (Pedalhounds) has also been constructed on the opposite side of the valley, so there will be twice the reason to visit.
The Centre also boasts a 4* campsite plus 10 Glamping pods with the availability of bike lockers, so there’s even more of a reason for that long weekend riding.
Cwmcarn entrepreneur
Caerphilly Council are looking for the right company/ entrepreneur to operate a business from this location to suit the needs of the various activities on site to include cycling, walking and camping.
If you feel that you are able to meet these requirements then please contact Michael Owen on 01495 279304 for a copy of the tender documentation by no later than 22nd April 2014. The return date for tender’s is12pm on 25th April 2014. No tender returns will be accepted after the closing date and time.