Twrch Trail, Cwmcarn

So, what has happened to cwmcarn?

Well, some of you may have read some threads over the last month suggesting that the Twrch had been irreparably amended during maintenance work to the extent that the natural, rough and rocky character had been ruined. This is, categorically, a load of rubbish...

Indeed, maintenance works have been conducted at various points on the trail. One section (between A and B) remains closed while Cognation, the trail design extraordinaire,  provide some much needed tlc. That is, essentially all it is. A bit of tlc to some of the more worn sections of the trail. Namely between Airstream and Odin.

Generally, the trail remains its fast and technical self. A challenge to those who ride it.

So, what is Twrch actually like.  In basic terms it forms an up, an across and a down, although there is a small down/up in the middle. The main climb is a mental exercise as much as it is a physical one. It is a long and enduring passage along technical singletrack (challenging in places) mixed with other fire road and double track sections. The inclines are constantly changing as is the trail surface. From root infested hard, packed earth, to loose gravel and flint to typical fire road. There are also large rock slabs placed conveniently about the trail for us to dodge/use.

At the top of the climb one is rewarded for all that effort with a quick freeride area incorporating a black and a red loop. Both lines can be repeated by riding back up the adjacent fire road. Both lines are fun with large berms and jumps/doubles. The surface here is typical trail centre fodder- made up of hard-packed base with loose gravel over. Where this has bedded in the trail gives good grip, however in other areas it still feels a little loose. But, then, it all adds to fun time hanging the back end out. The berms will catch you so get on with it. It is pretty much rideable in most conditions but does get pretty sloppy near the bottom in very wet conditions.

Some people find the final downhill a bit tedious but in my opinion, they're just not going fast enough. The final downhill is rough, tough and needs attacking to get the most out of. Simply cruising down, you are apt to be bounced about like a loose apple in an apple cart, and probably just as bruised.

Trust your bike and hit this thing hard, you'll thank me after. It's an edge of your seats hanging on roller coaster of a finish. It flows superbly and the ground has loads of grip. The only way I can aptly describe it is to say it is like being sonic the hedgehog in one of the special stages . There are berms and edges to support through every corner and the section gets gradually faster to the point that the moisture streaming from your eyes starts going backwards instead of down.

Cwmcarn is, to me, as good as it's always been. Long may it remain.

 

It is worth noting, also, that Cwmcarn has a newly constructed car park, which is a much more user friendly layout than it's predecessor and as part of the ongoing improvements a new toilet block and workshop is being built at the entrance of the car park.