Rider’s Weekend Itinerary: 48 Hours in Merthyr Tydfil with BikePark Wales at the core

For many mountain bikers, the perfect weekend is simple: two days of big descents, tired legs, and just enough time off the bike to enjoy good food, a pint, and a comfortable bed. Merthyr Tydfil is the ideal base for that kind of trip. If you stay in Trailblazer Stay’s accommodation near BikePark Wales, you can pack in more riding, less travelling, and still see a bit of what the South Wales Valleys have to offer.

Friday Evening – Arrival and First Impressions

Roll into Merthyr on a Friday evening and head straight to your Trailblazer Stays property. All our holiday homes are ready-made for riders, the houses all allow bikes to be taken inside or have secure bike storage, comfortable living rooms, and kitchens that can handle a hungry crew.

If there’s still light in the sky, stretch your legs with a wander through Cyfarthfa Castle Park. The lakeside paths and open lawns offer a peaceful contrast to the adrenaline waiting for you in the morning. For dinner, The Tiger Inn is a top choice for relaxed pub dining, while The New Crown Inn offers hearty portions in a lively setting. Keep it relaxed — tomorrow will be a big one.

Saturday – BikePark Wales

Start with a proper breakfast. The BikePark Wales café will be open once you arrive, but fuelling up at your accommodation means you can head straight for the uplift queue when you get there. From any Trailblazer property, it’s a quick and easy drive to the park’s Gethin Woodland entrance.

If it’s your first time, warm up on a couple of trails like Kermit (green) or Terry’s Belly (blue). They’ll get your confidence up and your suspension bedded in before tackling something spicier. As the morning goes on, experienced riders can mix in reds such as Popty Ping or Vicious Valley, then, if you’re feeling ready, hit the A470 for a run of pure jump-filled flow.

Lunch is easy — the on-site café is buzzing by midday, serving hot food that hits the spot without slowing you down for the afternoon.

The second half of the day is your time to push. If you’ve got the skills, Enter the Dragon is the ultimate test — black-graded, huge jumps, and an optional Pro-Line for the truly brave. Or keep stacking laps on your favourite reds until your legs start to feel it. Aim for that last golden-hour run when the light cuts through the trees and the trails are a little quieter.

Back in town, swap riding kit for something comfortable and head out for dinner. 

Sunday – One More Hit or a Change of Pace

Sunday morning can go one of two ways. If your legs are still game, head back to BikePark Wales and ride the pedal-only trails via the climbing route — a quieter way to earn your descents without relying on the uplift. Routes like Melted Welly or Blue Belle are great for squeezing in a few more smiles before heading home.

If you’d rather slow things down, explore more of the area. The Taff Trail runs north towards Pontsticill Reservoir, offering gentle riding or walking alongside water and woodland, or if still seeking adrenaline, try one of the many adventure outfits in the Beacons National Park. Alternatively, dig into local history at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum or simply enjoy a coffee and cake at Coffee Continental before packing up.

The Trailblazer Stays Advantage

The beauty of staying with Trailblazer Stays is that you’re never far from the action. You can be at the park in minutes, ride until your legs give up, and be back at your base with your feet up before most visitors have even left the car park. Whether you’re chasing black-graded lines, perfecting your flow on the blues, or mixing your riding with a bit of sightseeing, Merthyr Tydfil — and a good dose of accommodation near BikePark Wales — makes the perfect weekend package.