Reviews for Raven Trail - Brechfa

Summary:
What a blast of a trail!

Review:
First time at brechfa and was disappointed to find the gorlech trail closed, so with the intention of not having a wasted journey I decided to give this black graded trail a go. Firstly I will say that the signposting isn't the greatest I have encountered, don't get me wrong there was plenty of waymarks but some were on junctions and were not clear enough to make me confident that I was heading in the right direction. I was initially intimidated by the black grading that this trail has been awarded, while it did test my skill it was not a great deal harder than most red graded trails at trail centres. What a blast this trail was though, it really does have a little bit of everything that makes a top notch trail. Tough technical climbs, switchbacks, narrow singletrack, huge berms and super steep descents. Definately was worth the petrol money in the end!

Summary:
My local favourite

Review:
The Raven is my most ridden trail as it's my local and it's where I've cut my teeth over the last couple of years since I took up mountain biking.
There's plenty of variety and can be ridden all year round but obviously it's at it's fastest during the dry Summer months.
There's a couple of very rewarding steep climbs that can really test you if you're not familiar with them and plenty of flowing descents which you can really rail when you learn them well.
As regards facilities, just a couple of portaloos at the car park but during the Summer months there's a really good food stall (The Shed https://www.facebook.com/TheShedBrechfa/ ) with some awesome homemade delights.
If you haven't ridden The Raven then it should definitely be on your "To Do" list, but I would say that as it's my favourite local!

Summary:
top trail - BUT NOT IN THE WET!

Review:
I have to add to my first post, this is a great trail, but in the wet it just doesnt work as well. I had a full set of Maxxis High Rollers and these didnt seem to grip at all. We ended up taken 2 of our party to A&E for deep cuts and I had 3 offs, when usually I am a more than competent rider!
Still, i loved every second!!!

Summary:
really good trail

Review:
good trail lots of hardcore bits. but alot of uphill so is good if you know the place well and can just skip to the downhill parts, if thats what you like

Summary:
heaven and hell indeed

Review:
i met some guys in the car park who gave me a tip to miss out the big climb through the forest however i got really lost and it ended in a blair witch type effect ending up at the same place 3 times. There was also a diversion which didnt help. Some sections are absolutely brilliant, some bits pretty frightening for the average red run user. I went during the day in the week and hardly saw anyone which is the way i like it. You need to be very fit and very technical to get the most from this trail but if you are both of those i can imagine this is absolute heaven.