Trail Centres I've visited
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As a novice MTB'er, I like to know where I'm going. I also like to know that I'm cycling on a red or blue route (I know my limits - black or orange is well beyond my capabilities, and green is a little too lacking in adrenaline). I even like to park in a real car park, taking a strange comfort from paying for a few hours worth of parking. As such, it is no surprise that I love trail centres.
Most trail centres have well marked trails and a car park. Quite often, there is a cafe for a cup of hot chocolate (or whatever else is your own personal choice of reward) on completion of the trail. Trail centres sometimes have a bike hire facility and repair shop - very useful for technical don't-know-hows like myself.
There follows a list of trail centres that I've visited, with just a few of my own thoughts shared.
Cannock Chase
Website: http://www.chasetrails.co.uk'Follow the Dog' (7 miles) and 'Monkey Trail' (additional 8 miles) are two superb red routes (with optional black sections) found at this superb trail centre. I love visiting Cannock Chase when I get the chance, particularly enjoying the beautiful woodland scenery and miles of singletrack cycling. Cannock Chase has the honour of being the first trail centre that I've visited. Excellent facilities, including a cafe.
Whinlatter Forest
Website: https://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8z4eetAn amazing trail, with incredible views. Mountain biking through Whinlatter Forest is also officially 'mountain biking' - all of the other routes on this pages should be re-titled 'hill or hillock biking'. Cycling to the summit (Seat How) has to be one of my favourite cycling experiences. The Altura trail is 12 miles in length. Excellent facilities.
Dalby Forest
Website: https://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8yzdgqCurrently hosting England's longest red route (21.5miles) in addition to blue, green orange and black routes, Dalby Forest has an incredible range of cycling experiences. As a family, we loved cycling the two green routes, and I enjoyed disappearing by myself for a few hours to cycle on the blue and red routes. During our family ride, we enjoyed watching experienced MTB'ers attempting very tricky orange sections. We also enjoyed watch cyclists soar through the air in Dixon's Hollow bike park. Superb visitor centre and cycle hire.
Swinley Forest
Website: https://www.swinleybikehub.comGreen, blue and red trails are available at this brilliant trail centre. Lots to see and do for the whole family. The red and blue trails are suitably challenging and scenic for a great ride. Excellent facilities.
Aston Hill (Wendover Woods)
Website: http://astonhillbikepark.co.ukWhilst there is a 5 mile cross country route that I have enjoyed several times, Aston Hill specialises in the downhill trails, almost all of which are black and way beyond by technical abilities.
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