In the final part of our top ten mountain bike routes in the UK series, we round off the best places to take your bike off road. What better way to enjoy a holiday cottage somewhere rugged than by taking your mountain bike with you?
So far, we have covered Swinley Forest in Berkshire, Fort William in Scotland and Coed y Brenin in Wales, Afan Forest Park in Wales, Coed Llandegla in Wales, Glentress in Scotland and Grizedale Forest in Cumbria.
Each has some immense riding and a range of ideal holiday cottages nearby. Perfect for a weekend away with your bike. So without further ado, let’s complete our list!
Calderdale
Calderdale in Yorkshire has the Mary Towneley Loop which forms part of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail. It begins near Waterfoot and stretches for 75km over the Pennines.
It’s not only a great trail to ride, it’s also an amazing opportunity to see parts of the Pennines that you simply wouldn’t be able to see by car. The trail isn’t technical but demands your complete attention and a decent level of fitness. Combined with the other trails in and around the area, it’s well worth a visit. Calderdale.
Kirroughtree
Kirroughtree in Scotland is another of the seven stanes like Glentress and is a great location for some dedicated mountain biking. The area has routes for all skill levels from blue to red and a range of trails that will really punish. If you’re fit and can handle your bike, this is the place for you.
Located near Newton Steward in Scotland, Kirroughtree has a range of trails with lots of technical rocky sections. The singletrack sections stand out the most, with some punishing but rewarding trails, as well as gentler ones. Kirroughtree.
Bike Park Wales
Bike Park Wales is a purpose-built trail centre that offers everything you need for a mountain biking holiday. It offers bike hire, a café, shop, repair service and even an uplift service, a mountain bike version of a ski lift. If you don’t fancy testing your legs with the ascents, let the minibus take the strain!
The riding is varied, with everything from beginner to professional. The trails can be fast, technical, rocky and challenging, making this park near Merthyr Tydfil a must-see for anyone serious about their biking! Bike Park Wales.
So there you have it. The top ten mountain bike routes in the UK. Each offers amazing facilities, challenging and rewarding routes and all are within easy reach of a premium holiday cottage. What more could you need?