Welcome to our Ride Guide. Here list the UK's top mountain biking trail centres you can visit using your favourite new bike rack, your RoofRider.
Whether you fancy a quick local after work ride or fancy gnarly weekend at the trails with a pint after, this guide's got your back. Find what's nearby and add to your trail centre visit list.
Lots of the centres in this guide offer top-notch perks like bike shops, cafes, parking, and sometimes even showers or a bar!
Whether you're a seasoned shredder or just cutting your teeth on some green trails this guide has your back.
Locations
England
Ashton Court
A 15-minute ride from Bristols city centre Ashton Court boasts two main trails. First up is Nova, a 6.5km flowy blue trail that's perfect for beginners and can be railed by the pros alike.
Next up you've got their red trail, Supernova. Aside for a banging name this trail is just under 1km and offers a nice progressive step up from Nova thanks to slightly steeper and more technical descents.
Price: Free
Cannock Chase
Found in the midlands Connock Chase is home to two red graded XC trails and a downhill area. Follow the Dog, which is 10.8km long and The Monkey, which runs at 22.8km.
Fun fact, Follow the Dog was the Midlands’ first dedicated MTB trail. The vast majority of the trail is fast, flowy singletrack with a bit of tech chucked in for good measure. The trial is aimed at beginner to intermediate level riders.
The Monkey is a little more challenging and technical than Follow the Dog featuring more technical sections and some gnarly descents toward the end.
Known as Stile Cop, this part of Cannock Chase sports lots of fairly short downhill runs that are jam packed with drops, jumps, and a host of technical features. This area isn't suitable for those inexperienced riders so best to avoid if you're new to mountain biking.
Price: Free
Website: www.chasetrails.co.uk
Chicksands Bike Park
Open everyday from sun up to sun down Chicksands doesn't operate with standard hours. Situated in the Forest of Rowney Warren, Bedfordshire this bike park boasts 28 trails in total ranging from green lines to a proline.
The trails builders at Chicksands have been really clever in the variety they they've managed to pack in. Trails here include huge dirt jump lines, dual slalom runs, DH tracks and even a small BMX dirt track.
Price: £10 for an adult and £8 for a young ripper
Website: https://www.chicksandsbikepark.co.uk/
Dalby Forest
You'll find this centre in North Yorkshire and it has everything. Take the kids and ride the family friendly green trails, shred the bike park section, or tackle the black-graded XC loops. Whatever your riding preference this place has something for you.
No fancy names here, Dalby gets down to business and sticks to colour grading to label their trails. First up you'll find their green tails and skills area. They offer a green family route which is 4.7km long or a more challenging 12.4km long route.
Next up you've got their flow and tech blue trail which is just shy of 13km long. Featuring rollers, easy descents and some banging berms. This is a friendly trail to take your family on if the greens just aren't cutting it.
The red trail at Dalby Forest is a long 'un at 34km long at packed with singletrack. Luckily you can shortened via separate routes that veer off to the blue and green trails.
A real gem of the centre is their World Cup XC track. This is a difficult track that measures 6.4km and features Medusa's Drop, a rough, step, swooping section. You'll love it.
Price: Free
Website: www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest
Farmer Johns MTB Park
Probably the best name for a bike park we've ever seen.
Farmer Johns MTB, is just outside Marple Bridge on the fringes of the Peak District. The park is the brainchild of "Farmer" John Thorpe and his partner Jill. With a little help from their local crew of mountain biking enthusiasts, Farmer Johns has blossomed into one of the most renowned and beloved MTB hubs in all of England.
The parks all aboutDH trails. They even host a bunch of DH events throughout the year. They've also got a dirt jumping park on the side with jumps that are not for the faint hearted!
Price: You can sign up for membership for £40 for a year and it'll only cost you £2 per ride or alternatively it's £10 per day.
Website: https://fjmtb.com/
Forest of Dean
Perhaps one of the prettiest places we've ridden Cannop Cycle Centre in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean has a selection of XC and downhill routes including a 17km long family trail and the ever popular Freeminer trail coming in at 11km set amongst some spectacular woodland... you might even seen a wild baord or two.
Having such a variety of trails means there really is something for everyone at this trail centre. The seven downhill tracks are services by an uplift service or can be accessed via a push up track.
Price: Free
Website: https://pedalabikeaway.co.uk/home-pedals/
Grizedale
In the lake district, Grizedale is found between Coniston Water and Lake Windermere meaning it has some pretty epic views.
Grizedale boast a green trail, four blues and a red trail. Our pick of the bunch is The North Face. A 16km red track that despite it's grading can be ridden by novice riders just make sure your fitness levels are up as this one is a beast.
Grizedale is part of the Forestry Commission Super Six so you know you're in for. a treat.
Price: Free
Website: www.forestry.gov.uk/grizedale
Hadleigh Park
You'll find this park in Essex and is where the XC race for the London 2012 Olympics was held. Following the end of the 2012 games the track was split into into blue, red and black graded sections, meaning there’s something for everyone.
Given this place was built for the Olympics the riding here is world class. That being said this is XC focused so don't come expecting much DH riding.
A great place to visit for those living in London who want a taste of XC riding!
Price: Free
Website: https://www.hadleighparkcycles.co.uk/cycling-in-the-park
Okeford hill bike park
Nestled right in the heart of Dorset, Okeford Hill Bike Park is a mountain biker's paradise. With a whopping 400 feet of alpine-style downhill trails, there's no shortage of thrills to be had here. This place is tailor-made for folks who've got some off-road experience under their belts, somewhere between intermediate and expert level. And they've got the whole uphill thing sorted with a fleet of open-top Land Rovers towing bike trailers, which means you can get in about 20 runs a day.
What's cool about Okeford Hill is that it's looked after by a bunch of passionate riders, so the vibe is super laid-back and friendly. Plus, you've got a sweet mix of challenging downhill MTB trails to choose from. It's a real hidden gem.
Price: £7 for a pedal pass or £40 for the uplift
Website: https://www.okefordhillbikepark.com/
Windhill Woodys Bike Park
Back in 2017, Windhill scooped up the "Bikepark of the Year" award, and it's easy to see why. They've got a bunch of trails for riders of all stripes, whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro. It's safe to say that everyone who's dropped by Wind Hill has had a blast.
You'll find Wind Hill tucked away in the lush woods of the Longleat Estate, listen carefully and you might be able to hear lions and wolves in the background as you shred down the freeride-focused downhill trails. The Wind Hill crew really nailed it by using the hill's natural features to create an awesome progression pathway for riders that's hard to beat.
Price: £12.50 for a pedal pass
Website: https://www.b1ke.com/b1keparks/windhill/
Woodys Bike Park
The first bike park to be built in Cornwall Woodys is family run and has trails for all abilities. Its blue trails are some of the most fun flow trails we've ridden and for you absolute mad lads out there Woodys' black jump line, Twisted Sister features a huge 50ft double halfway down.
Price: £12 for a pedal pass and £34 for an uplift
Website: https://www.woodysbikepark.com/
Northern Ireland
Castlewellan
Right next to Castlewellan Forest Park you'll find a stunning Victorian Castle, a serene lake, jaw-dropping panoramic views, and some awesome singletrack.
That includes green, blue, and red trails, and even some black options for those seasoned pros. The best part? You can ride here 24/7, day or night. Just keep in mind that the car park shuts at 8 PM.
Price: Free to ride but parking is £5
Website: https://www.mountainbikeni.com/castlewellan
Davagh
Davagh Forest trails are surrounded by rolling hills and expansive forests roughly 6 miles from Cookstown.
You'll find it roughly 6 miles to the northwest of Cookstown. The trail centre has lots of gentler trails for those new to the sport or looking for a more relaxing ride around a beautiful woodland. The jewel in the crown of Davagh is their 16km red trail that features some impressive rock slab drops.
These trails are to ride all day every day and there's free parking.
Price: Free
Website: https://www.mountainbikeni.com/davagh-forest/
Rostrevor
Now we're cooking on gas. Rostrevor trail centre is located in Rostrevor forest park and is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in Northern Ireland.
The trail centre boasts a 30km red trail, a 20km black trail and two downhill trials which really make the most of their natural surroundings. On them you'll find boulder drops, massive berms, and a few gap jumps
Price: Uplifts start at £30
Website: https://www.mountainbikeni.com/rostrevor/
Scotland
Dalbeattie
Dalbeattie Trail Centre is a hidden gem for mountain bikers, nestled in the stunning Scottish countryside. Offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all skill levels, it features everything from flowing singletrack to challenging technical sections, set against a backdrop of lush forests and scenic views. The trails are well-marked and maintained, making it easy for riders to navigate. There are three main trails at the centre, one green, one blue, and one red.
Price: The trails here are free to ride but there are charges for parking
Website: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/dalbeattie
Fort William
Fort William is Scotlands premier mountain biking destination. Set against the stunning backdrop of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. The town is home to the world-famous Nevis Range Mountain Resort, which features of huge range of trains graded from Blue to Black. The centre also hosts the iconic UCI World Cup downhill track, which should give you an idea of what this place has in store for you.
Price: There is a gondola uplift service which will set you back £39.95 for a days riding. Alternative you can pay as you ride which will cost you £28.50 per gondola ride.
Website: https://www.nevisrange.co.uk/activities/bike/uplift-prices/
Glenlivet
Glenlivet Mountain Bike Centre is found in the in the beautiful Cairngorms. It features a variety of trails, including the gentle Blue Trail which allows you to take in the beauty of the area, there a more demanding Red Trail and there Black Trail (graded Orange at Glenlivet) that features a series of gap jumps and drops. There’s also a pretty impressive Skills Area.
Price: Much like most other trail centres riding is free but there's a charge for parking
Website: https://www.bikeglenlivet.co.uk/
Wales
Afan Forest Park
Located in Neath Port Talbot (fun fact the area's also known as the dramatic heart of Wales) this trail centre has 6 flow trails, ranging from 7km to 40km+ and a graded bike park.
The bike park has 5 trails from blue to black so there's something for everyone.
Price: Free to ride but parking charges will apply
Website: https://www.mbwales.com/agents/afan-forest-park/
Antur Stiniog
You'll find Antur Stiniog in Blaenau Ffestiniog. The park is uplift only and boasts 14 trails graded from green to black. Antur Stiniog has previously hosted major events like the British Downhill Championships.
Price: Monday / Thursday - £40 per rider
Friday / Saturday / Sunday - £44 per rider
Website: https://anturstiniog.com/
Bike Park Wales
No guide to mountain biking in the UK would be complete without a mention of the daddy of them all, Bike Park Wales. Located in Merthyr Tydfil this place is the UK's answer to Canada's Whistler.
This behemoth of a bike park has over 40 trails form the green Kermit trail right up to pro lines including Vanta where Red Bull hold their Vanta Jam.
A must visit for any mountain biker.
Price: Monday / Thursday £49 per rider
Friday £52 per rider
Sat / Sun £54 per rider
Website: https://www.bikeparkwales.com/
Coed Y Brenin
Near Dolgellau Coed y Brenin was Britain's first purpose-built mountain biking centre. There are eight purpose-built mountain bike trails that start from the visitor centre ranging from 3km to 35km long and are rated from green to black.
Price: Free to ride, just pay for parking
Website: https://www.mbwales.com/agents/coed-y-brenin/
Cwmcarn Forest
No points for guessing that this trail centre is located in Cwmcarn. The older trails there were built by the founders of Bike Park Wales and it shows. You'll find everything from XC trails for full on downhill race trails all situated in a beautiful valley, what more could you want.
Price: Free to ride but like most trail centres there are parking charges
Website: https://www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk/en/activities/mountain-biking-at-cwmcarn/
Dirt Farm
Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons and formerly known as Black Mountains Cycle Centre (BMCC), Dirt Farm is full of fast flowing blue trails like Berm Baby Berm right up to it's pro line Full Moto that includes two forty foot tabletops, it's a beast.
Price: Pedal pass: £16
E-bike pedal pass: £25
Mid week uplift: £48
Weekend uplift: £51
Website: https://dirtfarm.wales/
Dyfi Bike Park
Dyfi Bike park is a 650 acre bike park set in the heart of the Dyfi Forest. This bike park is built by mountain biking royalty, the Athertons. Dan Atheron, is a World Cup champion, is globally celebrated for his trail-building expertise and is the mastermind behind Red Bull Hardline. Over five years, Dan and his dedicated dig crew built the trails at Dyfi. Trails here start at Red Grade and just get more gnarly from there.
Price: Thursday £46
Friday / Sunday £50
Website: https://www.dyfibikepark.co.uk/
Margam County Park
Located in Margam and featuring a 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion this is a pretty unique place. You'll find 4 trails here including a green, blue, red and black all around 4km long. If you're lucky you may even see one or two of the resident deers.
Price: Free to ride but you will need to pay for parking
Website: http://www.margamcountrypark.co.uk/
Mountain View Bike Park
You'll find Mountain View Bike Park in Caerphilly. The crew at Mountain View have built 10 trails and two pump tracks. If you're into pump tracks and jump lines this place is one for you.
Price: £10
Website: https://www.mountainviewbikepark.co.uk/