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Hopefully getting down to penmachno next week with the lad and noticed that the Marin trail is close by.
What are the suggestions for maximum smile per mile. Do the short loop of both? Likely we won’t be able to do both full loops but maybe one full and then a shorter of the other?
I’ve only done the first half of penmachno and that was good fun. Does the top section add more of the same?
Thanks
The short Marin is quite fun, and has the best descent at the end. Its been constantly improved and watch for the large drop off. My mate didn't spot it in time and had to pull the anchors on, meaning we all had to. Good job as we didn't know it was there and were doing a fair speed.
Ive done the short with my son, took about an hour with stops. The long is getting on for 3 hours, did this with my mates in April. Its also much dryer than Penmachno.
I didn't know there was a long and short Marin, but I'd say do the whole thing and stop for refreshments at the Ugly House cafe.
Or if you are time limited, yes the short loops of both would be a good option and best bang-for-buck.
I was in Llandudno last week and just went to Gwydir (where the Marin is) three times because it's so bloody good there (lots of off-piste too).
I would say just do the whole loop at Marin, the final decent is probably the best bit but there are some great sections (first decent that is not part of the short loop) and the furthest away sections that will keep you interested. Have done penmacho a few years ago and would say it’s good but more old skool (less bike parky).
The newish bits of Marin are at the far end and well worth it. Plus you even get a short bit of hike a bike practice, which is a bit bizarre for a trail centre. So do the whole loop of the Gwydir and which ever half of Penmachno is thought to be best.
Top tip - do Penmachno last, as it is a lot wetter.
I like the first loop of penmachno. Then I cycle straight up from the car, not turning right to follow the trail. And you end up at the end of the quarry section and the start of all that final downhill. Check the map, it's basically a straight line with the descent trail weaving around it.
The top loop of the Penmachno doesn't have as much climb as the lower loop but has quite a bit of rock on the trail,which is either a fun challenge or something that could make it hard work depending on your point of view. I enjoyed it.
If your pushed for time you could just stay in one spot and do full Marin and then if time and legs allow go up and do the Short Loop (Which is just first climb/first descent back up to do final descent)or just final descent again .
Another alternative is Short Marin loop and then just the Penmachno top loop as you haven't done it -accessing it more directly from Betws Y Coed side
Just as an update, we went on Saturday and did the full Marin. I was wholly underwhelmed with it and it seemed to need significant climbing for what felt to be really short and relatively flat descents. The purple short loop was a good finale but the rest was a bit meh.
Maybe llandegla, and the fairly relentless technical aspect after three mile climb has spoilt me.
Llandegla is technical ?
As in keeps you on your toes, yes.
Marin was long drags up fire roads with rather tame descents.
Like Penmachno more than Marin - but I still like Marin (lots of climbing though).
Don't see what you mean by tech at Degla though - I think Marin and Machno have much more tech than Degla black. But they're all good fun IMO.