The COLD-AF Dirty Lines Map
Top of the Hill
"Where the wind hits and the grit starts."
- → 50 Shades of Grey (The warm-up)
- → Root Maneuver (The technical mud bath)
The Lower Slop
"Speed, clay, and inevitable slides."
- → A470 (The sendy one)
- → Terry's Belly (The long, flowy burner)
Official Trail Info & Pricing
BIKEPARKWALES.COM →The COLD-AF Grit Rating
4.5/5
Status: The Swamp Factor
- The Vibe: High-speed technicality mixed with classic South Wales clay.
- The Risk: Losing a shoe in the uplift queue or sliding out on a "shiny" rock on Root Maneuver.
- The Reward: Clearing a line in the pouring rain while everyone else is hiding in the cafe.
Recommended Kit for the Park
COLD TECH TEE
The park standard. Lightweight, quick-dry, and gritty enough for the slide.
View in Shop →Testing Log (16/02/26)
"Ran the Black Tech Tee under a shell today. Clay was flying but the wicking kept the chill off between runs. The 'Root Maneuver' line is currently a slip-and-slide—recommend dropping 2psi if you're on a hardtail."
Park Specs
| Feature | COLD-AF Verdict |
|---|---|
| Primary Surface | South Wales Clay & Limestone |
| Grit Level | Extreme (Swamp Factor 4.5/5) |
| Tyre Recommendation | Maxxis Shorty or Mary (Spikes) |
| Best Post-Ride Fuel | Hafod Breakfast Burger |
Local Knowledge
The Hafod Cafe
Don't bother with a soggy sandwich in the car park. The Hafod Cafe on-site is actually elite. Grab a Hafod Breakfast to fuel the climb or one of their local beef burgers when you're done. Their coffee is the only thing that'll wake you up after the 6am drive.
The Wash Station
Use it. Your parents will thank you when you don't trail half of Merthyr Tydfil through the front door. It’s worth the 2 quid.
Tyre Choice
If it’s wet, leave the semi-slicks at home. You want spikes. Big, ugly ones. If you aren't running mud tyres, you're just a passenger.
Common Questions
Can I ride a hardtail here?
Yeah, but your legs will be jelly by lunch. Stick to the blues and the flowy reds unless you've got ankles of steel.
What's the best time to visit?
Mid-week is best for empty trails. If it's raining, even better—the clay gets hero-grip once you're through the top slop.
"Sent it too hard on A470 and ended up in the bushes. Jersey survived, my pride didn't."
— @TeenySender