FATMAP by Strava

W2 - IMBA Epic

A long and technical beast of a ride in the Afan Forest

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
43 km
Ascent
1.3 km
Descent
1.3 km
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
71 m
High Point
466 m
Gradient
W2 - IMBA Epic Map

One of only 50 International Mountain Bike Association "Epics" in the world, this is one of the most sought after ticks in British biking and more than lives up to the hype. You can either ride it from the Afan Forest Visitor Centre (as we've shown it) or from the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre, and regardless of which you choose, the other entry point is a nice halfway point at which you can take a rest and grab some food.

Description

The route is essentially a link up of 2 loop trails - The Wall and White’s Level routes. (Both trails beginning with the the letter W is the reason for this riding having the name it does.) The trails are linked by a high traverse which offers some stunning views across the surrounding hills, so there's no chore in doing it twice despite its lack of technical challenge.

On the technical trails themselves you'll find a wide array of challenges so this is a ride only for fit, experienced and skilled riders who can put in a lot of miles and deal with just about any type of terrain. In addition to the technical trail features (which are generally big, pretty varied and largely unavoidable) there is also plenty of distance to cover and height to climb, so be prepared for a long, challenging and hugely rewarding day. The riding takes you between forests and more open sections and most of it is purpose-built for biking, so the overall standard of the trails is extremely high.

Whichever way you do it and regardless of how long it takes, this is a superb trail made even better by the excellent cafes which you'll find on it!

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Drops
  • Roots
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Gardens