Everything you need to know about Kermit

If you’re new to the world of mountain biking or thinking about getting started. You might think bike parks are a bit scary.
Whilst many tracks at BikePark Wales test the abilities of some of the most talented riders, our green trail Kermit has been a huge hit among people looking for an introduction to mountain biking.

This trail is fantastic for schools, youth groups and corporate groups who are wanting to try something new and exciting. To find out more, please get in touch: groups@bikeparkwales.com

Kermit was designed and built to give novice riders a taste of what BikePark Wales is all about, but without the high-speed, high-risk sections of the harder trails.
We’ve painstakingly set the route of the trail so that your speed is managed with careful changes in the gradient. This keeps you rolling along without the speeds ever getting dangerously high yet is still loads of fun! We’ve given an awful lot of thought to risk management, taking nothing for granted when it comes to designing safety into the trail. It’s even got 14 rest areas you can safely stop at for a rest along the trail if you’re not used to the length of ride.

Kermit starts at the BikePark Wales summit so it’s accessible via the uplift. That means there is absolutely no pedalling up so you can save all your energy for pure downhill fun!

The trail is the longest trail at BikePark Wales, measuring at a full five kilometres, using every metre of descending available in a controlled manner. The entire trail is fun, flowing singletrack, so if you’re used to green trails being wide, flat, and boring gravel paths you’ll soon realise this is the real deal!

We’ve answered a few questions we often get, so read on for everything you need to know:

I’ve barely ridden a mountain bike, is it something I can have a go at?
Absolutely. Riding Kermit at BikePark Wales is the ultimate introduction to mountain biking. For private groups and specific packages, we have mountain bike hosts on hand to guide you down the trail while giving you tips and tricks along the way.

Do I need an expensive mountain bike?
No. We do recommend having a decent quality mountain bike that is fit for purpose with suspension at least on the front. Alternatively, you can hire a bike here at the park. We have a range of options for all abilities and sizes. Our smallest bikes accommodate from 4ft 3 and above!
We also have full face helmets, knees, and elbow pads available too.

How fit do I need to be?
It helps like with most sport to have a general level of fitness. Don’t think you need to be an elite athlete to ride down Kermit. It is designed and made for beginners plus with our uplift, you arrive at the top fresh as a daisy regardless!

Can the kids come too?
Of course! There is no minimum age limit at the park. We know quite a few experienced 4-year-olds who love riding an array of the park’s trails.
We often have school groups & various youth groups visiting the park. Some complete novice’s others little rippers! The only limit is with hiring bikes, our minimum height is 4ft 3.

How long will it take to get down Kermit?
Depending on how confident you are on a bike; it will take between 15 & 45 minutes to get from top to bottom.

What if the weather is bad?
The track surface is designed to be ridden in all weather and we’re set up to cope with everything South Wales weather can throw at us, short of snow and very high winds. As long as you check the weather and dress accordingly, you’ll be fine!

What does Kermit look like?
To help give a better understanding of just what Kermit looks like we have a top to bottom go-pro video here, so you can see exactly what it’s like before you visit! 

If you have any further questions about Kermit or any trail at the park when you visit. Chat to a member of staff from our Visitor Welcome team or the uplift drivers are a fantastic group who know the trails well and are always keen to share their knowledge.

The team at the park love to see riders at every level loving the sport we are passionate about. So don’t hesitate to get booked on for a day of adventure and fun. See you on the trails soon!