Dark Peak, Derbyshire
This is a classic Peak that’s rewarding and tough. It requires the thighs of Jeff Capes and a level of determination shown by Beckham’s Old Trafford performance against Greece. The views and descents to Ladybower reservoir well and truly make up for it.
Grizedale North Face Trail, Cumbria
A trail some adrenalin-pumping singletrack and features that ridersboth love and dread – berms, jumps, boardwalks, all within the spectacular of an oak and conifer woodland. The trail consists of 9 sections of singletrack.
The Medlock Valley & City Centre, Manchester
This valley encompasses a number of well known neighbourhoods and landmarks commencing with a leafy suburb earmarked for new high quality housing. The route then follows on to Holt Town where the River Medlock acts as a tranquil backdrop.
Further east you pass the world-class facilities of Sportcity, home to both the National Cycling Centre and Manchester City Football Club, following on to the open pastures of Philips Park, one of the oldest Municipal Parks in the world.
Bowland Fells and Ribble (Northern Loop), Lancashire
This loop explores the remote Bowland Fells, the rich Fylde Plain and the lush valleys of the Lune and Ribble. Highlights include the Cross o’ Greet pass, at 1400, stunning views of the Pennine Hills, and the beautiful Hodder Valley.
The quiet country lanes of the Fylde Peninsula offer you a respite from steep gradients of the Forest of Bowland. There are outstanding views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District Hills.
Isle of Man
Famous for motorbikes, but pedal power is a far better way to appreciate the island. There are 6 well laid out routes, each providing a loop. The longest route starts in Ramsey, which has a good shopping area and pleasant harbour and covers the Northern Plain, which is a flat expanse of land much in contrast to the rest of the island.
Delamere Forest, Cheshire
If all you want to do is rip up some forest tracks, Delamere forest does the job. There are two courses, both suitable for younger riders.
