The Forest of Dean provides such varied terrain and scenery with 27,000 acres of deciduous and conifer woods, while the Wye Valley offers breath-taking views from vantage points rarely savoured by the average visitor. The tracks give endless variations or just follow our well planned routes. Rides can be easy or technical depending on your experience. On balance, the riding is easier than in the mountains thus giving the inexperienced an ideal area to start mountain biking or the family to enjoy cycling away from traffic. PedalAway offer a selection of routes starting in the heart of the Forest from which you can experience the freedom of riding whilst dwelling on the changing woodland environment or the industrial history of coal and the railways. Some of the routes commence on the Forest perimeter and explore the surrounding countryside yet seldom use a metalled road.
The Black Mountains are a friendly yet rugged area. Friendly because you are never too far from an access road and the terrain is easy to follow for those not experienced with a map. Nevertheless they are rugged enough to give the most experienced an exhilarating and satisfying ride or the novice a testing encounter to wet their appetites for further mountain biking. The routes are not as varied as those of the Forest and Wye Valley but the panorama is well worth the effort. These routes include - 'A day to remember from Crickhowell' covering some 24 miles including climbs to 600 metres and descents that will take some beating. 'The Gwynne Fawyr Reservoir and Llanthony Priory' ride requires a mixture of riding skills and provides superb views from the escarpment and a touch of history at the pub at Llanthony Priory - yes a pub at a Priory!. 'The Brecon Beacons' rides are much more hostile and need more experience but can be tackled in easy stages with rewards for your efforts in the marvellous scenery from the top then fast down hills.
