That is a real evil push back up to the top, I wouldn't want to do it more than a couple of times.

You mentioned the uplifts starting at the end of the graveyard/ Bryn Bettws cabins with the potholed track. If you take the right hander before the one advertising the mountain centre, this track is mostly tarmac, so a hell of a lot smoother and still brings you out in the same place.

Have stayed a good few times in Gerry's cabins at Bryn Bettws, not cheap compared to some places in the area. But starting your days riding with the wall descent is one hell of a wake up!!
Hope this helps.

As mentioned before, I think they'll be making a dedicated DH track

Not true, the uplift finished because of external pressures applied to Gilbert,it was more hassle than it was worth.

The argument that you should be fit enough to ride to the top is horse pucky,good job the europeans and canadians don't feel the same.If the UK is going to produce world class dh'ers in any number we need as many uplift facilities as possible and the fact that Cwmdown is booked out weeks in advance is sure proof that there is a strong business case for more of the same.I was in Cwmcarn when Scott Beaumont had to push up because the van was full,do you think that would happen to to any other world class athelete in any other discipline?

There is NOT going to be a dedicated DH track built at Afan until the uplift is reinstated but because a  number of landowners are involved it is unlikely to be in the near future.Fact.