MTB Holiday in UK

[bobo]

Hi my son 13 loves MTB, live in London so hes a novice.

We were thinking of going alps this summer for a week course.

But UK might have something decent to offer? Saves on Flights and bike rentals.

Does anyone have any expercience ? Thanks

[TGCOTF-dewey]

It's the weather that's the killer in the UK.

Wales (Bike Park Wales is probably the best) or tweed valley are the two main areas. But they can be miserable when wet.

However, given your location, I'd suggest you book a dad and son skills course here first. Develop the skills to better enjoy a trail centre.

Most trail centres are moving further and further away from what was MTB - steep tricky single track - to smooth, fast flowly jump trails. Not being able to jump safely can be a hinderence.

https://ukbikeskills.co.uk/category/jedi/

[Freakuk]

Why not just google trail centres in the UK and see which offer a range of routes/skill levels and where they are and see which work for you and your son?

Wales has lots of trail centres, some within an hour of each other and there are specific downhill centres like Bike Park Wales. You could probably spend a day or two at the bigger ones doing different loops and staying locally.

Llandegla is the closest Welsh one to me and I know there are B&B's AirBnB's that cater for MTB'ers so I will assume it will be the same at other centres.

There's also more natural stuff around Wales between centres you could look at - Penmancho being one, the trails are easy to follow but there are no facilities there other than a car park etc.

[Lotobear]

base yourself in Cumbria and you have access to the Seven Stanes over the border and Whinlatter, Grizedale and all the superb natural trails in the Lakes in addition to loads in the North Pennines.

MTB heaven up here - okay the weather can be st but getting muddy and negotiating wet roots is all part of the fun of UK MTB'ing

[JQ]

bobo said:

Hi my son 13 loves MTB, live in London so hes a novice.

We were thinking of going alps this summer for a week course.

But UK might have something decent to offer? Saves on Flights and bike rentals.

Does anyone have any expercience ? Thanks

I take my kids quite regularly to Bike Park Wales (https://www.bikeparkwales.com/). They've been going since the age of 9 (now 14 & 16) and it has something for every ability.

We stay overnight in the Travelodge in Merthyr. It's on a leisure park, so it's a trip Nando's for something to eat, then into the cinema. All within walking distance of the hotel and 5 mins drive from BPW. Tavelodge let you keep your bikes in your room. My kids love it.

However, do not go into Merthyr, it's not pleasant. If the leisure park is not for you then don't stay in Merthyr, stay in Abergavenny.

Or if you're happy camping, you could try https://dolygaeroutdoor.co.uk/ which offers kid friendly experiences such as kayaking caving or gorge scrambling when not cycling.

You mention saving money on bike hire - does your son have a decent full suspension, if not, I'd consider renting. Same goes for body armour, make sure you have decent kit. My youngest has spent a day at Merthyr A&E previously and we spent a fair bit of time with the medical staff at BPW and they said there were more frequent and more serious injuries on the Blue runs than on the Reds and Blacks. But please don't let that put you off, the Blue's at BPW are awesome.

My kids absolutely love BPW, although we went to Antur Stiniog (https://www.anturstiniog.com/) a couple of weeks ago and my youngest said he preferred it - but that's not very beginner friendly and is much smaller than BPW, however it is located next to Zipworld (https://www.zipworld.co.uk/location/slate-caverns) and isn't far from Llandegla (https://oneplanetadventure.com/).

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I'm just in the process of organising another trip now - we're going here (https://ukbikeskills.co.uk/) for a days MTB course then heading straight to BPW to put what we've learnt into action.

There are loads of pedal up places in the UK that your son will likely love - my kids favourites are Llandegla or Leeds Urban Bike Park. The problem is they get knackered pedalling up, so they get far less cycling done than going to an uplift like BPW or Antur Stiniog. As such, we regularly go to Llandegla and Leeds but BPW is an occasional treat as it's considerably more expensive.

[Cats_pyjamas]

I had my stag do in North Wales last year, stayed at bike ranch Snowdonia and used pedalmtbltd as a guide.

Although we were probably at the more experienced end of the spectrum (in terms of technical capabilities), they can cater for all levels. And clearly the guide will Taylor this to your ride.

Really really bloody good all around.

[Daveyraveygravey]

How about the South Downs? 90 minutes drive from London, or you could get a train to Brighton. The South Downs Way is 100 miles long, there are loads of trails leading off it, plenty of stuff to do if you want time off the bike, there are places where you can do jumps and man made runs if you want...

[egor110]

Somerset then you've got exmoor and the quantocks to ride.

[EdmondDantes]

Glentress is good, 7 hour drive from London.

Lots of accommodation near by. Peebles is a nice town.

[Lotobear]

EdmondDantes said:

Glentress is good, 7 hour drive from London.

Lots of accommodation near by. Peebles is a nice town.

Glentress is indeed good as is Innerleithen and all of the other Seven Stanes strung out along the border. As I said earlier positioning yourself in Cumbria (north) gives access to all of them as well as the superb opportunities in Cumbria. Granted Glentress is a bit further out but still doable within 2 hrs by car from a Cumbrian base.

[missing the VR6]

Lotobear said:

EdmondDantes said:

Glentress is good, 7 hour drive from London.

Lots of accommodation near by. Peebles is a nice town.

Glentress is indeed good as is Innerleithen and all of the other Seven Stanes strung out along the border. As I said earlier positioning yourself in Cumbria (north) gives access to all of them as well as the superb opportunities in Cumbria. Granted Glentress is a bit further out but still doable within 2 hrs by car from a Cumbrian base.

I'd agree with all of that, here comes the but... you can be in Morzine with better weather and lifts in the same amount of time. Glentress and a few Stanes about 12 years ago and have been going to Morzine ever since, it just doesn't make sense to us to pedal and probably get wet on our summer riding trips. It of course does occasionally rain in Morzine July, but far less chance than Scotland.

I'd suggest doing a Bike Park Wales trip first, to get a feel for what that type of riding is like

[thisnameistaken]

missing the VR6 said:

I'd agree with all of that, here comes the but... you can be in Morzine with better weather and lifts in the same amount of time. Glentress and a few Stanes about 12 years ago and have been going to Morzine ever since, it just doesn't make sense to us to pedal and probably get wet on our summer riding trips. It of course does occasionally rain in Morzine July, but far less chance than Scotland.

I'd suggest doing a Bike Park Wales trip first, to get a feel for what that type of riding is like

I'd agree with this. Bike Park Wales has plenty for a novice where Morzine can be that little more intimidating and demanding; even the easier, more novice friendly lines are very long and fatiguing. The added benefit of BPW is that you're not a million miles from Forest of Dean which is practically on your route from London and great for camping and different types of rides around the forest, even to Symonds Yat and then also has what is arguably the best blue trail in the UK at FoD cycle centre. There's even an uplift for some downhill if you wanted to add in more.

Because BPW isn't in the nicest area I tend to base myself in Forest of Dean at Bracelands Campsite https://bracelandscamping.co.uk/ and ride the uplift and FoD trail centre, various routes around the forest then drive the hour to BPW and back. Last time at FoD I even saw wide boar, far nicer than staying near BPW in my opinion.

[missing the VR6]

thisnameistaken said:

I'd agree with this. Bike Park Wales has plenty for a novice where Morzine can be that little more intimidating and demanding; even the easier, more novice friendly lines are very long and fatiguing. The added benefit of BPW is that you're not a million miles from Forest of Dean which is practically on your route from London and great for camping and different types of rides around the forest, even to Symonds Yat and then also has what is arguably the best blue trail in the UK at FoD cycle centre. There's even an uplift for some downhill if you wanted to add in more.

Because BPW isn't in the nicest area I tend to base myself in Forest of Dean at Bracelands Campsite https://bracelandscamping.co.uk/ and ride the uplift and FoD trail centre, various routes around the forest then drive the hour to BPW and back. Last time at FoD I even saw wide boar, far nicer than staying near BPW in my opinion.

That's a really good point that FoD is only a hour or so from BPW, makes a great weekend.

[Lotobear]

missing the VR6 said:

Lotobear said:

EdmondDantes said:

Glentress is good, 7 hour drive from London.

Lots of accommodation near by. Peebles is a nice town.

Glentress is indeed good as is Innerleithen and all of the other Seven Stanes strung out along the border. As I said earlier positioning yourself in Cumbria (north) gives access to all of them as well as the superb opportunities in Cumbria. Granted Glentress is a bit further out but still doable within 2 hrs by car from a Cumbrian base.

I'd agree with all of that, here comes the but... you can be in Morzine with better weather and lifts in the same amount of time. Glentress and a few Stanes about 12 years ago and have been going to Morzine ever since, it just doesn't make sense to us to pedal and probably get wet on our summer riding trips. It of course does occasionally rain in Morzine July, but far less chance than Scotland.

I'd suggest doing a Bike Park Wales trip first, to get a feel for what that type of riding is like

But won't you just think about the climate?

But seriously a bit of mud and slippery roots is what makes UK MTBing so enjoyable (for me at least).

[missing the VR6]

Lotobear said:

But won't you just think about the climate?

But seriously a bit of mud and slippery roots is what makes UK MTBing so enjoyable (for me at least).

We always drive, guessing it's about the same for the climate either way, except the climate in the Alps is much nicer than Scotland!

I get more than my fair share of wet muddy riding in the UK, don't worry. I like my holidays to be more pleasant.

[bobo]

really informative, ty for all the responses...

[bobo]

JQ said:

I take my kids quite regularly to Bike Park Wales (https://www.bikeparkwales.com/). They've been going since the age of 9 (now 14 & 16) and it has something for every ability.

We stay overnight in the Travelodge in Merthyr. It's on a leisure park, so it's a trip Nando's for something to eat, then into the cinema. All within walking distance of the hotel and 5 mins drive from BPW. Tavelodge let you keep your bikes in your room. My kids love it.

However, do not go into Merthyr, it's not pleasant. If the leisure park is not for you then don't stay in Merthyr, stay in Abergavenny.

Or if you're happy camping, you could try https://dolygaeroutdoor.co.uk/ which offers kid friendly experiences such as kayaking caving or gorge scrambling when not cycling.

You mention saving money on bike hire - does your son have a decent full suspension, if not, I'd consider renting. Same goes for body armour, make sure you have decent kit. My youngest has spent a day at Merthyr A&E previously and we spent a fair bit of time with the medical staff at BPW and they said there were more frequent and more serious injuries on the Blue runs than on the Reds and Blacks. But please don't let that put you off, the Blue's at BPW are awesome.

My kids absolutely love BPW, although we went to Antur Stiniog (https://www.anturstiniog.com/) a couple of weeks ago and my youngest said he preferred it - but that's not very beginner friendly and is much smaller than BPW, however it is located next to Zipworld (https://www.zipworld.co.uk/location/slate-caverns) and isn't far from Llandegla (https://oneplanetadventure.com/).

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I'm just in the process of organising another trip now - we're going here (https://ukbikeskills.co.uk/) for a days MTB course then heading straight to BPW to put what we've learnt into action.

There are loads of pedal up places in the UK that your son will likely love - my kids favourites are Llandegla or Leeds Urban Bike Park. The problem is they get knackered pedalling up, so they get far less cycling done than going to an uplift like BPW or Antur Stiniog. As such, we regularly go to Llandegla and Leeds but BPW is an occasional treat as it's considerably more expensive.

So helpfull thanks !

[Spuffington]

Depending on where you are in London, I'd suggest heading out to Epping Forest on the Central Line (out to Woodford and pick up trails to Epping) or heading out Surrey way towards the hills.

I cut my teeth in Epping Forest and whilst no the gnarliest place in the world, there are lots of variations in singletrack, some decent downhill bits and mixture of singletrack & bridlepaths. In Highams Park, the bike shop (Heales Cycles) used to do guided rideouts which would be useful for finding your way around, but I'm guessing Strava would be useful too.

I spent my entire teenage years riding in Epping Forest but now live close to Thetford Forest which is now my regular stomping ground but head up to Lake District several times a year to ride Whinlatter & Grizedale. If I fancy a big day out then Helvellyn/Skiddaw but rarely have time for that with 3 small children, nor the stamina in my mid-40s.

Whilst trail centres are fun, there's much to be learned from local areas (although appreciate if you're in the depths of London, that's challenging).

[Lotobear]

Spuffington said:

Depending on where you are in London, I'd suggest heading out to Epping Forest on the Central Line (out to Woodford and pick up trails to Epping) or heading out Surrey way towards the hills.

I cut my teeth in Epping Forest and whilst no the gnarliest place in the world, there are lots of variations in singletrack, some decent downhill bits and mixture of singletrack & bridlepaths. In Highams Park, the bike shop (Heales Cycles) used to do guided rideouts which would be useful for finding your way around, but I'm guessing Strava would be useful too.

I spent my entire teenage years riding in Epping Forest but now live close to Thetford Forest which is now my regular stomping ground but head up to Lake District several times a year to ride Whinlatter & Grizedale. If I fancy a big day out then Helvellyn/Skiddaw but rarely have time for that with 3 small children, nor the stamina in my mid-40s.

Whilst trail centres are fun, there's much to be learned from local areas (although appreciate if you're in the depths of London, that's challenging).

...just avoid the battles there.

PS: did the North and South loops at Whinlatter on Wednesday evening, brilliant fun as usual but the black off the top of the South loop is getting almost unrideable in places (and not in a good way), needs a bit of grooming. The best bits at Grizedale are the unofficial single tracks.

...and then there's the 'Borrowdale Bash'

[SwissJonese]

Bike Park Wales is the best paid trail centre in the UK (Europe?). Myself and daughter have season passes, so spend a lot of time here. If you are not used to DH it might be a step up, but the trails are nicely progressive so there is no scary moments.

Forest of Dean is 1hr away, again a massive favourite. Hard climb, so either eMTB or use the uplift service, but Countdown into Launchpad trails are some of the best free trails I have ever ridden, the skills area down the bottom is also epic (good cafe too and lots of XC trails to cycle around).

We also have Mountain View Bike Park linked to Sunset Cycles, excellent place to ride for an afternoon. Dare Valley used to be good fun for beginners but sadly as they couldn't invest further has gone down hill. Everyone says Cwmcarn is good, but I have never really understood why, maybe because it is natural trails?

Flyup 417 near Cheltenham is also a great place to introduce kids to DH MTB'ing. The trails are perfect sized, so not too long or too short. The centre is having issues with the highways agency expansion road plans so have only recently reopened after a few weeks being closed. This is where my kids started to learn DH biking some 6yrs ago.

If you want to go further into Wales, then Nant yr Arian is probably the most beautiful place to ride in the UK. They have Red Kites feeding site. 40mins away is Coed y Brenin which again is like Forest of Dean, epic fun.

Glentress is also a brilliant area to cycle, they have spent a lot of money making it even better.