Epping Forest, London

Mountainbiking within the M25? Yes, and it’s not all that easy. Start at the Conservation Centre in High Beach and take a loop around the forest heading towards Chingford first prior to completing the northerly peddle up the eastern side of the forest towards Epping. The route is a mix of mud and made up tracks that can be tough in winter.

London to Cambridge

Pick up the route just outside the M25 in Cheshunt by taking the A1170 to Ware before joining the B158 to Standon. As you head north from here the hills start to kick in, but after a further 10 miles you have conquered the undulating stage and drop down to the Cambridgeshire flatlands in Fowlemere for the home run. A train will get you back to London in under an hour.

The Camel Trail. Cornwall

All off-road but part tarmac, this easy trail winds through some of Cornwall’s most beautiful and littleknown countryside. You will travel along disused railway beside the River Camel from track bed to trail, linking the towns of Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow and could always pop into to see Rich Steine at the end of your journey

St Austel to Bude – Coast to Coast, Cornwall

Part National Route 3 and known as the Cornish Way. Starting at St. Austell, you will pass the Eden Project and Bodmin before heading north where the route passes Camelford and the edge of Bodmin Moor on the way to Bude. It’s a beautiful journey that literally cuts the peninsula in two, and whilst it’s a challenge, you will be heavily rewarded by the experience.

Haldon Forest, Devon

With wonderful views on offer over Exeter, Haldon forest is home to a network of flat trails for all the family (and also provides paths for more extreme mountain biking).

If you get yourself to Mamhead Obelisk you will experience some of the best views over the Exe. There are two family orientated trails and one technical trail that offers some serious challenges with some hand built jumps and obstacles.

The Quantocks, Somerset

Sweeter than honey, these hills offer a stunning range of mountain biking terrain from steep and narrow descents to rolling hillsides with amazing views across Exmoor. The route takes you across mainly unbroken countryside in a loop through woodlands and across moors.