Offers of Quad Biking Wales

One of the most unusual races in the British Isles takes place every year in Powys, Wales. It’s the famous Man Versus Horse Marathon, in which runners compete against riders on horseback around a 22 mile track in the Welsh countryside. Although the horses are usually faster than the humans, in hot weather, humans - who are able to regulate their body temperature more effectively - have the advantage. The course is made up of roads, tracks and mountainous terrain, designed to test the human and equine competitors equally. We don’t want to downplay the achievements of those who run the race, as they are worthy representatives of their species, but we know a much better way of getting around the landscape of Wales, that would leave both runners and riders in the dust - quad biking.

They are the modern all terrain vehicles of choice. They boast powerful engines, large wheels with tires kept at low pressure, and minimal bodywork, all of which allow them to get up and down hills, through mud and water, and from one point to another is as straight a line as possible. Not only are they effective, they’re also a load of fun to ride. Quad bike riding and trekking is a hugely popular outdoor activity in Wales, and there are numerous centres around the country that are offering you the opportunity to get onto one of their quads and go for a spin.

Where are the best places to go for a quad bike ride in Wales?

• Cardiff: The Capital, in the southeast of the country, is a vibrant, modern city. That’s all very well and good, but we all need to connect with our wild side once in a while, and what better way to do that than by revving the engine of a powerful quad bike and sending some mud flying. That’s exactly what you can do outside Pontypridd in the Taff Valley, less than half an hour’s drive from the city centre. After warming up on a practice circuit, you’ll have the run of 360 acres of farmland, fields and woodland where you can get a feel for these powerful machines and push them - and yourself - to the limit.

• Brecon Beacons: This is one of three national parks in the country and boasts the most dramatic scenery, including the highest mountains, in the South. There’s a quad biking centre on the edge of the park, within easy reach of Neath Port Talbot and Swansea, Wales’ second city. If you decide to come here, don’t expect a slow and steady “follow the leader” ride around a circuit, instead, you’re in for a cross country trek, where you blaze your own trail. Rough surfaces, hills, streams and trees are the obstacles that you’ll have to avoid, or plough straight through, depending on your preference.

• Pembrokeshire: One of the biggest quad biking facilities in the country is found on the southwest peninsula of the country in the county of Pembrokeshire. The site has both a track, for those with a need for speed, and a trekking area, for off-road addicts. Whether the idea of zooming down a straight at up to 50 miles an hour, or picking your way through mud, rocks and tree roots appeals to you more, you’re in for a great time here in the rural beauty of the Ritec Valley.

• Gwynedd: This region of North Wales is home to the largest national park in the country, Snowdonia. As the mountains and ridges of this rugged landscape descend towards the Irish Sea, the Llyn Peninsula juts out into the ocean, and its wild coastline and rough interior are the perfect setting for a quad bike ride. A woodland based centre between the towns of Porthmadog and Criccieth offers you the chance to do just that, and on some of the most jacked up on the market with huge 350cc engines. Just in case the conditions get too much for them, each one is equipped with a winch that will get them out of the stickiest situation.

• Denbighshire: Also in North Wales, but within easy reach of the cities of Northwest England, Denbighshire is a fantastic place to come if you want to get into the saddle of a quad bike. The centre here is on a site which hosts three levels of quad bike trials, from beginner-friendly circuits, to intermediate treks and advanced challenges. Fields, tracks, streams, and even a cave system make each of these options enjoyable, and the levelling system is a great incentive to come back again and again.

Options for organising an activity

- Quad biking can be a fantastic way to raise your adrenaline levels and take your mind off your routine and responsibilities, or to go exploring in the beautiful landscape of Wales. If you need the first one, you can satisfy your need for speed by taking a ride around a quad track for 15 or 30 minutes at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Quad trekking doesn't involve going so fast, but you might go further, completing a circuit in a large tract of land, and having the opportunity to test out the quad on different terrain types. These activities usually last between 45 and 90 minutes, but you can also find experiences of 2 hours or more.

- If you’re looking for an activity to enjoy as a group, one of the best things to do is to get everyone on the back of a quad bike. There are some centres in Wales that can host groups of 20 people, each with their own machine, while others cater to smaller group sizes. It doesn’t matter the size of your group, your guide or guides will make sure that your special occasion, be it a birthday, a stag or hen do, or a corporate activity - is one to remember.

Who can do this experience?

Full size ones have large engines and can go fast, but they’re so safe that you don’t have to have to be an adult to ride one - in fact, most models are suitable for everyone over 12 years old. They’re simple and intuitive too, so you don’t need a driving licence to operate one. There are junior quad bikes at most of the centres which allow children as young as 8, or in some cases, 6 years old to get involved too! Why not organise a party for your son or daughter? Each child can have their own vehicle, or they can share the machines and take turns riding.

There’s nothing like an ATV for tearing up the Welsh landscape. Let us know when you’re free and come and have a go!