FOR a challenging mountain bike ride with breathtaking views, get on your bike and ride the Twrch Trail.

Ranger at the Cwmcarn Visitor Centre, Graeme Layzell, said the course has a lot to offer.

"The trail has a brilliant single track ride and offers different sections which have something for everyone.

"The technically demanding course offers good narrow climbs, tight flowing single tracks and edge of your fingertips descents," he added. The steep sided valley just north-west of Newport is the perfect site for the purpose built all-weather single track of the Whyte Bikes-sponsored Twrch Trail.

It has stunning views of the Bristol Channel, surrounding forest ridges and the Black Mountains.

The visitor centre has a caf, full camping facilities and a forest drive as well as sculpture walks and an adventure playground in the centre of the forest, making it ideal for family visits - why not make a weekend of it? "The trail has it all, testing climbs, swooping descents and demanding technical sections in 15.5km of almost pure single track," said Mr Layzell. Through a landscape once scared by coal mining now lies one of Wales' best kept secrets.

For more information call 01495 272001, e-mail cwmcarn-vc@caerphilly.gov.uk or visit www.mbwales.com The Cwmcarn Visitor Centre, Cwmcarn, Crosskeys is open all year round.

Twrch Mountain Bike Trail Facts: Distance: 15km Climb: 450m Time: 1-2 hours. Level: Suitable for experienced mountain bikers.