GET in touch with your adventurous side at a Gwent beauty spot's special woodland festival.

Cwmcarn Forest Drive is holding the special day on June 14 to introduce people to a whole range of new activities.

As well as a fete and entertainment, children will have the chance to try out fishing and willow weaving.

The team in charge of the mountain bike trails will also be giving youngsters to take cycle proficiency tests.

The mountain bike trails are rapidly developing an international reputation - a team of Mexican riders recently hit the Gwent slopes.

Area manager Mark Langley told Mono of his ambitious plans for mountain biking in the area.

Mr Langley said: "Numbers using the slopes have risen from a few hundred to more than 1,000 a month.

"Now we're trying to get the funding for a great new downhill stage with tunnels and other exciting features.

"We may even get a chair-lift, which would really be something special."

Graeme Layzell, 39, is the ranger responsible for the course which is maintained all year round.

Mr Layzell said: "The trail is part of a new group of specially funded mountain biking areas in Wales.

"Each has its own character testing riders in different ways.

"It is a single track descent which means it is only a foot wide.

"That makes for a really on the edge experience.

"This isn't just a quiet family ride along the canal path this is pretty extreme, challenging stuff."

Even so the trail attracts riders from the age of nine right up to 60-plus.

Graeme said: "If riders find a stretch too challenging they can get off and walk it.

"We are also hoping to start guided rides to show people different areas around the mountain.

"At the moment we don't have races because being a single track there is nowhere to pass but in the future we may hold time trials."

Unlike some extreme sports, mountain biking does not have to be expensive to get into, especially with such a great trail on your doorstep.

Riding the trail itself is free and your bike does not have to be top of the range. Graeme said: "The price of the bike is not important. Decent tyres and brakes are the most important thing.

"The bike should be generally well-maintained and a helmet is also a must.

"I would recommend gloves as they can really save your hands if you come off.

"A waterproof and windproof jacket helps as it gets pretty cold up the hill."

For more information call 01495 270010.