Hicks Lodge is a great place to visit if you would like to try mountain biking without feeling any of the anxieties that can face a cyclist when visiting a fully fledged MTB centre for the first time! It has a couple of trails, a green and a blue, with the blue trail being about five miles of winding singletrack. Almost all of the trails have easy exit points, making it easy to pause for rests or to allow speedier cyclists through. There is a parking, toilets and a very nice cafe.
In terms of challenge, the blue route is very mild, and only slightly more challenging than a regular cycle path that you may find in a town. As such, it is perfect for families and beginners. I've visited two or three times now, and I always enjoy the blue route, and the trail has helped me to gain a little more confidence in tackling basic features.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge/cycling-and-mountain-biking-trails-hicks-lodge
