4 Scenic Places to Mountain Bike in the UK
Riding a bicycle really has never been my forte. The last time I rode a bike was in Atlantic City in America. I remember being extremely concerned – not for my safety but for the pedestrians around me!Of course, there are many people I know who love cycling – so this post is for you. It also means that, whilst I don’t cycle, I can at least look at all the great places where I would if I could!
If you are going to take to the tracks, make sure you invest in a decent bike such as a Formby Cycles mountain bike.
Table of Contents
Peaslake, The Surrey Hills
Having grown up in Woking and lived in Guildford for the majority of my life, I know this area of Surrey very well. Peaslake has some of the best trails in England with over 50 available. There are four main hills – Holmbury, Leith, Pitch and Winterfold. You can either loop them all together for a full day’s ride or take them one at a time. You can also ride one of the most well-known trails around; Barry Knows Best.
Ullswater, The Lake District
This route, at 8 miles, is fairly short in comparison to many but bear in mind that this is the Lake District we are talking about. This route can feel as long as many others despite the fact that it measures shorter! This particular route takes you past the Lake District’s finest lake – in my opinion – before sending you off round the back of tourist-free nowhere. Returning to Ullswater will take you up hill and down dale from the head of the Boredale Valley.
The Quantocks, Somerset
I had to choose an area close to where I live now so step up the Quantocks. Situated between Taunton and Bridgwater, they were named England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1956. The hills are mainly heathland, oak woodlands, ancient parklands and agricultural land. There is something for every mountain biker here. Whether you are looking for a natural singletrack, or if you are looking to test yourself on some seriously technical descents, then you won’t be disappointed.
Snowdon Ranger Path, Wales
This isn’t one for the faint hearted. There is also a small window of opportunity to ride this one due to the cycling restrictions which states that all mountain bikers are not to cycle up Snowdon bridleways between 10am and 5pm from May to the end of September. Because of this, most people ride it in the winter. With that, of course, comes the bad weather. If you are going to do this, then make sure you plan properly. It is all worth it though. There are various routes both up and down Snowdon. One of the most common routes is to park at Pen-y-pass and follow the Miners track up to Llyn Llydaw. It is one of the easier rides and the track is well maintained. This route takes you to a beautiful high mountain lake with views up into the heart of the Snowdon Horseshoe.
This is a collaborative post.
