Bikepark Wales is bidding to add 23 new mountain bike trails to its current operations, more than doubling the current number of trail, giving more variety to its visitors.

The new trails, which will be laid on the existing 2.36 hectare site, will vary between 0.25km and 3.2km in length and will be between 0.75m and 2m wide.

The centre is anticipating the new trails will mean a 20% increase in the number of people visiting the operation and it recently received planning permission to expand the car park from 204 spaces to 236.

A report to Merthyr council said to provide “interesting and challenging” mountain bike routes, various features, like berms, tabletops, rollers and drop offs, will be built into the trails.

The application made by BikePark Wales, which as well as its trails currently boasts a cafe, hire and bike shop and campsite, is recommended for approval by Merthyr councillors at the planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

The report added: “The additional trails would expand the current trail offer for visitors and maintain the appeal of the mountain bike facility.