Mountain Biking UK

Mountain Biking in the UK has become massively popular with over1 million people in the UK owning a mountain bike, and it’s not hard to see why.

Mountain biking can be an adrenaline filled race down winding trails and flying off jumps, a leisurely ride through the countryside with the family or simply a great way to get from A to B.  It’s a fantastic form of exercise that gets you outside in nature with the wind in your hair and mud on your shoes and with the stunning mountainous views, forest trails, and gorgeous countryside, mountain biking in the UK has something for everyone.  For those that are competitive it’s also an exciting sport with competitions held both locally and nationally through out the country.

Mountain Biking in the UK has become massively popular with over1 million people in the UK owning a mountain bike, and it’s not hard to see why.

Mountain biking can be an adrenaline filled race down winding trails and flying off jumps, a leisurely ride through the countryside with the family or simply a great way to get from A to B.  It’s a fantastic form of exercise that gets you outside in nature with the wind in your hair and mud on your shoes and with the stunning mountainous views, forest trails, and gorgeous countryside, mountain biking in the UK has something for everyone.  For those that are competitive it’s also an exciting sport with competitions held both locally and nationally through out the country.

Mountain biking first started in the early 1980’s and has gone on to be one of the biggest sports and hobby’s in the UK.  It’s estimated that 11% of the UK population cycle each week with mountain biking being the most popular type of cycling.

So what is mountain biking?  Well it’s essentially riding off road on a bike that has been designed to be better suited to go off road.  This is often combined with going downhill on trails that can involve tight turns and small obstacles to navigate over or around.  Mountain bikes have larger tyres, suspension built in and strong frames to deal with the higher levels of strain that bike will experience in these environments.

Mountain bikes are also used on less intense routes through the countryside and in cities where the whole family can enjoy a trip out on two wheels.

Who is Mountain biking in the UK most suited to?

Mountain biking is a sport for the masses and is suited to anyone with a sense of adventure and who wants to pull themselves a little bit.  If riding on dirt tracks in some remote part of the country or on trails through forests get you excited then this is probably a sport you’ll like.

If you’re going to be mountain biking regularly then you will want to buy a mountain bike and it’s worth being aware that this could set you back around £500 for a decent beginners mountain bike and rising to thousands for nicer bikes.  Mountain biking therefore requires a bit of money to get started but once you’ve got the kit then it’s more or less free.

Where to Mountain Bike in the UK?

For the best mountain biking experience you will want to head to a mountain biking trail.  There are lots of mountain biking trails in the UK and you can find these in our interactive mountain biking map above.  At these mountain biking trails you’ll often find routes that are graded and suitable for all levels of riders as well as rental facilities and sometimes uplift services where you and you’re bike can be driven to the top of the trail.

So, when is the best time to go mountain biking?

Remember that this is the UK and for much of the winter it’s a bit too wet and cold to mountain bike for a lot of the time.  You are best off sticking to spring, summer and early autumn as the best time to go mountain biking in the UK.

What gear do I need for Mountain Biking?

If you’re just getting started mountain biking then you’re probably best off renting equipment at the bike trails for you’re first few riders.  Once you’re sure that you want to take up mountain biking then you’ll need to invest in these items

• Mountain bike
• Helmet
• Elbow and knee pads
• Mountain biking top
• Mountain biking trousers or shorts
• Mountain biking shoes

How to get started mountain biking?

The best way to start mountain biking in the UK is to find a trail close to you and see if they offer tuition.  You can use our interactive map to find the closest mountain biking location and details on what is available there.  If you can take a lesson then that is definitely the first step.  If not then it will be very likely that you can rent a bike and helmet at the trail location and give it a go yourself or ask advice from local riders.

At the trails the routes are graded from easy to hard.  Start with an easy graded route and once you are confident on that then move on to the next grade.  You will probably push yourself a bit at the beginning but it is always possible to get off and push the bike if you get stuck.  Our advice is to just give it a go.