Wales' best kept secret trail centre — Penmachno MTB trails

Nestled in the Machno Valley on the eastern fringes of Snowdonia National Park, the village of Penmachno and its namesake trails are one of Wales' best kept secrets.

Perhaps it's the absence of a lively trail centre café, or the scant signage leading up to the layby car park from where the two loops start. Yet what these trails lack in popularity, they make up for in rocky technical climbs, spectacular hillside traverses, valley views and all-importantly, absolutely thrilling singletrack descents.

The two loops are both red-rated, meaning that Penmachno is not beginner-friendly, but best enjoyed by more advanced mountain bikers. The first, Dolen Machno, is an 11.8 mile (19 km) loop, and halfway around you can add on the Dolen Eryri loop, which measures up at an additional 6.8 miles (11 km).

The Dolen Machno loop is the most popular, while combining it with the longer Dolen Eryri loop guarantees more pedalling and a wilder feel, as the second loop is less actively maintained. Whichever you choose, big views and big climbs await, but the rewards are equally plentiful.

Make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks for your visit, as there are no stop-off points for food en route, unless you divert to the village of Penmachno for a pub visit at The Eagles Bunkhouse.. If you fancy a decent refuel after, or breakfast before you set off, the nearby Conwy Falls Cafe comes highly recommended.

While you won't find facilities such as toilets or a bike wash (at least the parking is free), the trails themselves are well signposted. Many of the singletrack sections have their own names, too.

In true trail centre fashion, Penmachno's trails are a blast to ride year-round. Expect wet feet even in the summer though, as some of the trails cross many stream beds and are likely to have sitting water, even in the drier months. Waterproof socks are a good idea if you have them. Remember this is Wales, so pack a raincoat even if it's sunny when you set off, as you might just need it later!