Where to Ride?
Afan Bike Park has something for everyone. there are nice cross country and gravel paths for light rides, to red and black graded trails for riders who want a challenge. There is also a jump park where riders can learn jumping skills and practice drop-offs to improve their riding confidence.
Close to Afan Bike Park is Pontrydyfen. In this small village there is a fire road that takes you up to many unofficial MTB trails. This are ranges from blue graded trails to black graded trails. Some of these trails may be listed on MTB apps such as Trailforks where people can document trails for other riders. This app may also help you find the start of the trails. A category 5, full suspension bike is highly recommended for this area.
Bike Park Wales is a fantastic place to ride. An uplift service is provided for a fee so it is the perfect place to take a downhill bike. It is mainly centered around downhill trails ranging from grades blue to black and even incorporating "pro-lines" on some black graded trails.
Blaengarw valley has unofficial trails in the forestry between Blaengarw and Maesteg. Further up the valley there are official trails but, due to lack of maintenance from the council they are no longer very fun. Trails here would all get the black trail grade. Trails here include mandatory drops, jumps and very steep, technical sections of trail.