Massive new trail investment for Wales
Massive funding double whammy means South and North Wales will see over ten million pounds of MTB investment!
Obviously we didn't need telling that the existing trails and MTB visitors have made a massive difference to the economic health of two previously hard hit areas of Wales. Now the strength of that bike boom has been confirmed by news of a big increase in government and European commitment.
In the south the European Regional Development Fund will provide a total of £4,978,020 to create a purpose-built mountain bike centre at the popular DH venue of Gethin,
near
Merthyr Tydfil. Funds are also being committed to improve and extend the trails at Brechfa, Cwmcarn and Afan Forest Park, and build beginner and skills areas. The rest of the money will be used to fund a world-class mountain bike events centre at
the classic XC venue of
Margam
Park, near
Swansea.
Forestry Commission mountain bike ranger Carl Denham told us: “This is a fantastic opportunity for
South Wales, not only for the mountain bikers but also for local businesses and local people. There are going to be new trails built as well as a refresh of the old favourites alongside much needed upgrades to facilities.”
The partners involved in the bid – including Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Forestry Commission Wales, Caerphilly County Borough Council and Visit Wales – hope to attract more visitors to the area and encourage them to stay longer, as well as providing more facilities for beginners, local families and school groups. According to Carl Denham, projects are "ready to go" at Margam Park, Afan and Cwmcarn.
Meanwhile up north, Coed y Brenin and Llandegla are to get new cross-country trails and improved facilities, while a downhill-specific area will be developed at Llechwedd quarry in Blaenau Ffestiniog. New cycling loops will also be created around Tanygrisiau lake, and a cycle link will be built from the Urdd’s Glan-llyn site near Bala to the
village
of
Llanuwchllyn.
Meanwhile up north, Coed y Brenin and Llandegla are to get new cross-country trails and improved facilities, while a downhill-specific area will be developed at Llechwedd quarry in Blaenau Ffestiniog. New cycling loops will also be created around Tanygrisiau lake, and a cycle link will be built from the Urdd’s Glan-llyn site near Bala to the
village
of
Llanuwchllyn.
Andy Braund, Forestry Commission Wales Mountain Bike Ranger for Coed y Brenin and Gwydyr told us: "'This is great news for mountain biking in North Wales. We'll be able to broaden the existing product to appeal to more people and different types of rider - encouraging more participation and allowing people to increase their skills, confidence and ultimately have more fun on bikes!"
Speaking at the launch of the northern project at Llandegla, Welsh Minister for Heritage Alun Ffred Jones said: “Here in Coed Llandegla and across
North Wales, cyclists will be able to enjoy this outstanding natural environment together with the latest high quality facilities. I hope these centres will attract more visitors to every corner of
Wales
and this demonstrates how serious the Assembly Government is about supporting this vital sector of the Welsh economy.”
Funding for the work has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities.
So there you have it, the best news about the success of the existing trails and of serious commitment to the future of mountain biking in Wales since the initial creation of the extended centres network. Obviously we'll bring you more details on individual projects and how they're progressing as we get the information so watch this space for developments.