Reviews for The Blade Trail - Afan Forest

Summary:
Only for experienced riders

Review:
This trail is just 8 months old. It takes in parts of the old Skyline trail such as The sheep track up to Whites level, Peregrine Ridge and Joyrider. The initial climb out of Glyncorrwg is tough and rocky and a full suspension bike would definitely help with tackling technical trail features that litter this well known section. Otherwise, you're in for a bumpy ride where you will struggle to maintain forward momentum. The trail has several sections which are more like black than red. On Ghost train, you're taken down through the woods, and you'll definitely need confidence to negotiate a set of steep uneven rock steps crossing a brook. Heartburn is done in reverse from the old Skyline usage and is a tricky little climb although not anywhere near the initial climb out of Glyncorrwg. Once you're back up at the top of the valley head, you'll be taken along Hokey Cokey; a steep flowing section that links with the traditional Joyrider, Peregrine ridge and Jetlag, although thankfully the former steep pull after Joyrider is cut short by a gnarly little section called Groovy gulley. This links you up with the final descent which is a perfect climax to the ride and the most testing technically speaking. The Rock is not for inexperienced riders. There are many sets of boulders and rocks than need to negotiated with confidence and skill on the cracking descent. Many agree that The Rock is the most technically challenging section of riding at Afan so to roll even 80% of it would be an immense achievement. Speed is your friend on this section and you'll find yourself having committed to sections that you didn't previously think you could ever ride. This trail is worth travelling 3-4 hours in the car to achieve. Take plenty of fluid and energy bars as The Blade takes its toll both physically and mentally.