Take your trails to the next level by visiting the most magnificent and mesmerising locations in the UK for mountain biking. With plenty of places to discover, routes to tackle and scenery to admire, there’s something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Get your bike gear packed and start planning your visit to a cycling paradise now.
Please note: Due to Covid-19, some visitor centres and cafés may not be open - make sure you check out these places online first to avoid disappointment.
Coed y Brenin, North Wales
Situated in Snowdonia National Park, Coed y Brenin is a forest which is extremely popular for its many mountain biking routes. There are a several man-made tracks located in a woodland setting, which range from around 12 to 38km. And don’t worry if you’re not an expert, there are tracks for all abilities - they even have a skills and training area for beginners!
Nestling in the forest is a full service bike shop and rental centre, which stocks a wide range of accessories and bikes, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. Next door to this, you will find a visitor centre café serving food and drinks, as well as on site showers and 24-hour toilets. You can find all the information, including the different graded cycling trails, here.
Grizedale, Lake District
In the heart of the Lake District, a mountain biking hotspot, Grizedale Forest is home to some magnificent trails. Positioned between two beautiful lakes, Conistion Water and Lake Windemere, the elevated trails offer stunning panoramic views.
The area has some of the best natural trails the UK has to offer, which are suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders, including a double-black-diamond option for those who want a challenge. The forest is also famous for its outdoor sculptures, which can be seen whilst on your rides.
. So, soak up the greenery and appreciate the breath taking scenery which the Lakes has to offer, whilst winding along paths and through forests, for the ultimate mountain biking experience. You can find out more about mountain biking in Grizedale Forest here.
Swinley Forest, South East England
Located just outside of London, Swinely Forest is another popular destination for mountain biking. Featuring a green, blue and red trail, the forest is suitable for mountain bikers of all abilities.
The easy green route offers relatively flat and wide trails, making it ideal for children and families, or those who are just starting out and need that extra practice. The blue trail is made up for a more difficult terrain, offering sweeping slopes and bumpy routes. And finally, the red route includes steep climbs and sheer drops, making is the most challenging trail of the three.
Swinley Forest also has some fantastic facilities, including Swinley Bike Hub which is a hire centre, coaching academy and trail shop. You can find all the information about the bike hub, including bike hire and trails here.
Kirroughtree, Scotland
Just by looking at Scotland’s landscape you can see that it is made for mountain biking. Made up of rocky paths, mountains, forestry and scenic trails, it has it all.
Kirroughtree is one of the world class 7stanes mountain bike destinations, which are dotted around Southern Scotland. This superb location features a variety of green, blue and red graded trails, making it suitable for a variety of abilities. It also has an extreme downhill section for the experts, and a skills area for those who want to improve their technique.
Kirroughtree is home to one of the longest black-graded loops in Scotland, so for those who want to take on a fast, rocky route to test their ability, then this location is perfect. There is a large visitor centre here too with a bike shop and restaurant. Take a look here to find out more.
Ashton Court, England
Located in Bristol, Ashton Court is a country park and mansion with 850 acres of woodland and grassland, featuring special trails for mountain biking.Made up of mainly a blue trail, it’s an ideal place for beginners, as it isn’t too steep or technical. However, they also have a short red trail extension, which is filled with jumps and rocky sections, for those who want to ride a more difficult terrain.
Just down the road, you will find another blue trail in Leigh Woods, which is around 5.5km. Once you’ve finished exploring the area on your bike, you can then visit one of the two on site cafés for a drink and a snack. For more information on Ashton Court click here.
So, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, with your family or alone, there’s a mountain biking experience for everyone! If you want to tackle some new trails or take up some coaching to learn new skills, then book your mountain biking adventure now..
