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Route Contributor Last Updated Where Distance Tags
WMB134 Chilterns Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner Mar 22nd 2012, 05:10 32.7km
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Coombe Hill car park, SP 852062 Total distance 33km (20.5 miles) Total ascent 697m (2286 feet) Total time 2-4 hours Maps OS Landranger 1:50k 165 Aylesbury & Leighton Buzzard, OS Explorer 1:25k 181 Chiltern Hills North. Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50k Southern England & Wales (GPS) Summary Trimmed version of Classic route, ideal for a quicker blast. From car park follow track northeast for 250m to junction. Fork right to descend for 1.5km to road. Descend towards Wendover, over main road and along High Street. Turn right onto Back Street and first right onto Hale Road. Follow for 750m to crossroads then left onto Hogtrough Lane. Follow lane for 1km to trail junction. Take left-hand bridleway and climb for 2km to road. Turn right then keep right for 1.2km until road swings left. Continue onto track between fields for 1km to road. Carry straight on for 500m then turn right onto track at edge of woodland. Descend to farm then follow farm track to road. Head straight down road to T-junction. Turn left then straight over roundabout (take care, fast traffic). Follow minor road for 600m then carry on up Icknield Way Path when lane swings left. At top of hill turn left on bridleway. Cross road to continue on bridleway for 600m. Turn right and descend. Join track then turn left between buildings. Descend to road then left onto bridleway. At trail junction take bridleway to right. Cross road and follow bridleway along field edge then parallel to road for 200m. Cross road to trail opposite and climb. At junction turn right on bridleway, climbing then descending to A4010. Turn left then first left onto track. Follow for 1.4km to car park. Take bridleway running parallel to road. Go straight over at junction and descend to road. Cross over to join trail alongside road. At exit of field take bridleway opposite. At junction turn right and follow bridleway for 1.2km to lane. Continue on for 600m then turn left onto bridleway. Descend then climb to gain ridge. Turn left and follow bridleway along ridge for 3.5km before turning left to finish.
WMB134 Chilterns Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Mar 22nd 2012, 05:09 46.2km
  • MTB
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Coombe Hill car park, SP 852062 Total distance 46km (29 miles) Total ascent 933m (3061 feet) Total time 3-5 hours Maps OS Landranger 1:50k 165 Aylesbury and Leighton Buzzard, OS Explorer 1:25k 181 Chiltern Hills North. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50k Southern England & Wales (GPS) Summary Potentially most of a day, with pub stop. Hills and singletrack treats. From car park go northeast for 250m to junction. Fork right to descend east for 1.5km. Descend on road towards Wendover, over main road and along High Street. Turn right onto Back Street then right onto Hale Road. Follow for 750m to crossroads then left onto Hogtrough Lane. Follow lane for 1km to junction. Take left-hand bridleway and climb for 2km to road. Turn right then keep right for 1.2km until road swings left. Continue straight on onto track for 1km to road. Follow for 500m then turn right onto track. Descend to farm then track to road. Continue on road to a T-junction. Turn left then go over roundabout. Follow lane for 600m to Icknield Way. At top turn left on bridleway. Cross road to continue on bridleway for 800m. Take right turn and descend. Join track then turn left on track between buildings. Descend to road then left onto bridleway following edge of woods. At junction take bridleway right. Cross road and follow bridleway along field edge, swinging left to run alongside road for 200m. Cross road to trail opposite and climb. At junction turn right on bridleway, climbing then descending to A4010. Turn left then first left to track. Follow for 1.4km to car park. Cross road to join Icknield Way. After 2km turn left at junction. At road turn left for 1km. Turn right onto track to road. Turn right then left onto lane for 1.5km. At junction turn left onto bridleway to crossroads. Head north to Great Hampden. At crossroads turn right for 1km to bridleway on left. Turn right onto minor road then first left onto lane. Continue straight on over crossroads and then right at T-junction. After 1km turn left onto bridleway. Carry on along ridge, crossing two roads. Turn right onto bridleway and descend, crossing main road via bridge. At T-junction turn left then left again to re-cross main road and climb. After 500m fork left onto bridleway and climb to finish.
WMB134 Chilterns Beginner (blue) ride Matt_Skinner Mar 22nd 2012, 05:07 22.4km
  • MTB
  • Basic
  • Intermediate
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Coombe Hill car park, SP 852062 Total distance 22.5km (14 miles) Total ascent 427m (1400 feet) Total time 2-4 hours Maps OS Landranger 1:50k 165 Aylesbury & Leighton Buzzard, OS Explorer 1:25k 181 Chiltern Hills North. Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50k Southern England & Wales (GPS) Summary Tour of the Chilterns west of Wendover. Some robust climbs and entertaining descents. From Coombe Hill car park head northeast on bridleway. Continue straight on at trail junction to descend through woods to road. Carry on down road towards Wendover, crossing bridge over main road. Take first right after bridge and then right again onto lane to re-cross main road. Turn left onto bridleway and climb to the ridge. Turn left and follow bridleway along the ridge for 4.5km to meet road at Rignall Farm. Turn right onto road, then first left. Fork right and then turn right at crossroads. After 800m turn left onto bridleway. This meets the road after 1km, carry straight on and rejoin bridleway when the road swings left. After 2.5km turn right at trail junction to join Icknield Way Path. Cross road to join bridleway running parallel to road on right. Go straight over at trail junction to descend to the road. Cross and follow trail alongside road and round edge of a field. Upon exiting the field take bridleway directly opposite and climb through woods to Dunsmore. At a T-junction turn left and follow the road back to the start point.
WMB 133 Ballater Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner Mar 20th 2012, 05:14 29km
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Cyclehighlands, Ballater town centre, NO 369958 Total distance 29.1km (18.1 miles) Total Time 3-4 hours Maps Sheet 44, Ballater & Glen Clova. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Scotland (GPS) Summary Great all-round route that takes you onto the surrounding hills on estate tracks, before descending on singletrack. A short section of trackless hillside in the middle is worth it for the excellent hilltop singletrack it gives access to. Lots of climbing and descending. From the front gate of Cyclehighlands, turn right, left, then right again. This takes you out onto the main street, passing the shops and on over the old bridge. After the bridge turn right and follow the B976 for just over 1km. As the main road swings right over the bridge, turn left up the estate road, beginning the climb up past Balintober. The track continues to climb – keep left at the first fork and right at the second. Keep climbing to the summit. At the summit split left, following sign for Mount Keen. This descends a bit before there’s another signpost for Mount Keen pointing off into indistinct singletrack. Follow as it pops over drainage ditches and climbs back up over a ride to get to a gate with a big iron cross next to it. Go through the gate and start descending. Follow the trail as it descends to a burn, and cross. Keep an eye on the right bank as it is easy to miss this crossing point. Continue down. At the track turn left and follow it down the glen for around 4km, before turning sharp left back on yourself to climb an estate track onto the hillside. Climb for 3km then start to descend to the north. As you descend and the track levels out, look to pick up a pass through a gate. Look for the trail leaving on your left. Follow this through a boggy area before descending past shooting butts on your right. The trail drops down the side of Creag Mullach, splashing through the Pollagach Burn before turning into proper track and taking a sharp right into the trees for the final descent to the farm track. Turn left and descend to the B976. Take a left and ride on the road for just short of 1km. Take the track on your right, forking off and passing through a gate. Stay right at the next junction and follow track to Cambus o’May footbridge. Cross over and follow railway line left back into Ballater. If you have the energy turn left just before the bridge and follow the singletrack down the south bank of the river as per the return leg of the Easy route.
WMB 133 Ballater Easy (Blue) Ride Matt_Skinner Mar 20th 2012, 05:13 13km
  • MTB
  • Basic
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Cyclehighlands, Ballater town centre, NO 369958 Total distance 13.1km (8.1 miles) Time 1-2 hours Maps Sheet 44, Ballater & Glen Clova. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Scotland (GPS) Summary A fast and easy spin out the Deeside Way railway line followed by a picturesque bridge crossing and more challenging ride on the other river bank – good singletrack and woodland trails undulate their way back in. From Cyclehighlands, turn left, then right at the end of the road. At the end of that road, turn left and take the next right into the old railway station square. At the end of the station buildings on your left look for a signpost showing the Deeside Way. Follow this between the buildings and down onto the railway path. Follow this right out of town. Stay on the line until you pass a cottage on your left. At the riverbank, you’ll see an ornate iron footbridge. This is the Cambus o’May footbridge, negotiate the gates to cross it. At the far end turn hard right onto the singletrack along the riverbank. Follow this along to where it swings away from the bank and turns to double track. At this point turn right onto the purpose built ‘multiuser’ trail. This continues to pass through the forest, before the surfacing stops but the trail continues on more grassy surface. Follow this through some gates and an open grassy field – the trail goes a little indistinct in places, but just head across the field and pass through the tall gate. The route goes back to double track shortly after. The track spits you out onto the B976, so turn right and follow it for around 2km before turning right over the old bridge back into Ballater. Follow the main road through the shops, turning left just after passing the Co-Op on your left. You will see Cyclehighlands ahead of you.
WMB 133 Ballater Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Mar 20th 2012, 05:12 40.3km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Cyclehighlands, Ballater town centre, NO 369958 Total distance 40.4km (25.1 miles) Total Time 3-5 hours Maps OS Landranger Sheet 44, Ballater & Glen Clova and Sheet 37, Strathdon & Alford. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Scotland (GPS) Summary A terrific route with a bit of everything in, from high hill tracks to nadgery forest singletrack winding through the Caledonian pines and local lochs. Turn right out of the front gate of Cyclehighlands, then right again. Take the second left, at the entrance to the golf course. Follow this road to where it swings left slightly, and take the footpath going straight ahead on the right side of the road. Follow the railway line for around 1km past the picnic area, keeping an eye out on your right for a narrow singletrack climbing the banking sharply back on yourself. Climb this to the road and turn left for 200m, then take the singletrack road on your right. Follow up Glen Gairn to Lary Farm, where the road turns to track and swings right up into the hills. Go through the gate and begin climbing. Around 1km short of Morven Lodge take the track on your right, through the river then climb the hill. Stay on track for 6km until junction of several tracks. Turn right here, up the hill for a short time before beginning to descend to the east. Drop down through a gate and onto the road. Turn right, then join the B9119. Turn right for 500m and look for a grassy trail forking off on your left. Take this trail into the wood. After 700m take the trail cutting sharply back on yourself. Follow signs on woodland trail to Burn O’Vat visitor centre. At the visitor centre you can continue the route, cutting out Loch Kinord, or ride the singletrack round the loch. To cut out, jump to point 8. To ride the loch cross back over the road from the centre onto the trail, and turn right. This takes you down through the trees and begins the circuit of the loch. The trail is sometimes on grassy singletrack, others on old estate tracks. Keep to the lochside where any options arise until the trail takes you to the small loch at Clarack. Here there is a little observation platform. The trail is a faint singletrack leading directly away from it, through the woods. It gets a little indistinct but eventually leads on to another track. Turn left up to New Kinord Farm. Go through the gate and turn left. Look out on your left for a grass trail dropping down to the loch. Follow this down and through the silver birches before rejoining track to Old Kinord. Turn left – this is the junction you’ve been to before. Retrace steps to visitor centre. At the visitor centre look for the obvious path heading up the hill to the right of the buildings. Follow this until it meets another track. Turn left here for around 700m, before forking right onto another trail. Follow this to meet the track climbing up to the quarry. Turn right here and climb for 100m before taking the singletrack to your left, up a short climb and over a small burn. The trail then gets more defined and drops downhill past a small loch and into the back of Tullich Farm. Go through the gate and onto road, turning right for 500m then forking right onto B972. Ride for 1km, taking first small road on your left. Follow it where it swings right, then ends at a singletrack signposted for Ballater. Follow along the side of the football fields then take the ramp to the right. Cross the road, through the path and onto the railway line. Turn right and you’re back into town.
WMB132 Cannock Chase Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner Jan 30th 2012, 12:38 14.9km
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rural
Start/Finish Birches Valley Forest Centre, grid ref SK 020171 Total distance 15.4km (9.6 miles) Total ascent 280m (920ft) Total Time 1.5-2.5 hours Maps OS Explorer (1:25000) 244: Cannock Chase & Chasewater. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Northern England & Midlands (GPS). Summary A mix of bridleways and purpose-built singletrack in a short but easily-extended loop. Start at Birches Valley Forest Centre and set off along Follow The Dog – entrance to trails is directly opposite Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre. Descend gently on well-surfaced singletrack for 1.8km, occasionally crossing fire roads – check the marker posts for direction. Make the most of it, the next 1km is uphill. After a short switchback descent and similarly-becornered climb, spin gently along fire road parallel to Marquis Drive Forest Centre. If you need refreshment, turn left at first crossroads to reach road and cross to the centre. Otherwise carry on parallel to Marquis Drive to reach road at orientation post S1. Turn left then immediately right onto bridleway, using Sherbrook Trail marker posts for reference. 700m after second road crossing, go straight on over double crossroads, ignoring Sherbrook Trail posts going right. Climb on bridleway across heathland to Camp Road, with Springslade Lodge opposite. Turn right and right again to head north along ridge on bridleway, initially through trees but then in the open with impressive views to the right. Keep right at fork. At road and car park bear right to carry on along bridleway, then left at crossroads. After 500m turn right to descend across valley to fire road. Go straight across crossroads to edge of forest, joining waymarked Sherbrook Trail. Then straight on again to climb Pepper Slade, once again following Sherbrook Trail marker posts. At trail junction turn right, climbing gently to road. Cross over road and carry on towards caravan park. At orientation post D4 rejoin Follow The Dog and enjoy the 2km descent back to Birches Valley.
WMB132 Cannock Chase Beginner (Blue) Ride Matt_Skinner Jan 30th 2012, 12:35 10.2km
  • MTB
  • Basic
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Birches Valley Forest Centre, OS grid ref SK 020171u000aTotal distance 10.4km (6.5 miles)u000aTotal ascent 190m (620ft)u000aTotal Time 1-2 hoursu000aMaps OS Explorer (1:25000) u000a244: Cannock Chase & Chasewater. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Northern England & Midlands (GPS).u000aSummary Straightforward riding on forest tracks, with reasonable climbs and a singletrack finish once you’re warmed up.u000au000a Start at Birches Valley Forest Centre. Head south on Fairoak Trail (starts near Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre) on well-surfaced trail through forest. After 650m reach junction and turn right, following Fairoak Trail marker posts. Carry on along wide track with Fairoak Pools to your right. After 1.2km turn left at junction. Go straight over first crossroads and turn right at the next (or straight u000aon to Marquis Drive if you u000aneed cake from the visitor u000acentre café).u000a At Birches Valley Road, turn left then cross just before crossroads to pick up Sherbrook Trail (blue marker posts) through forest. Turn right then left at trail junction. Go straight over Penkridge Bank Road onto heathland. Turn left at next trail junction.u000au000a Look out for orientation post S2 at edge of woods. Go straight over at crossroads with trail at edge of forest and turn right at second crossroads to join trail running parallel to edge of woods. Descend across heathland, ignoring crossroads and turnings for 1.3km. At crossroads turn right then straight over and back into the forest. Climb Pepper Slade, carrying straight on for 1.2km.u000au000a At trail crossroads turn right and climb to join road on the outside of a bend. Cross road and take trail bearing left to continue to follow Sherbrook Trail marker posts. Turn right at T-junction and go left at next fork.u000au000a At orientation post D4 join Follow The Dog trail. Singletrack descends through forest, occasionally crossing fire roads. After 2km, arrive back at Birches Valley Forest Centre.u000aTotal distance 15.4km (9.6 miles)u000aTotal ascent 280m (920ft)u000aTotal Time 1.5-2.5 hoursu000aMaps OS Explorer (1:25000) 244: Cannock Chase & Chasewater. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Northern England & Midlands (GPS).u000aSummary A mix of bridleways and purpose-built singletrack in a short but easily-extended loop.u000au000a Start at Birches Valley Forest Centre and set off along Follow u000aThe Dog – entrance to trails is directly opposite Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre. Descend gently on well-surfaced singletrack for 1.8km, occasionally crossing fire roads – check the marker u000aposts for direction. Make the most of it, the next 1km is uphill.u000au000a After a short switchback descent and similarly-becornered climb, spin gently along fire road parallel to Marquis Drive Forest Centre. If you u000aneed refreshment, turn left at first crossroads to reach road and cross u000ato the centre. Otherwise carry u000aon parallel to Marquis Drive to u000areach road at orientation u000apost S1.u000au000a Turn left then immediately right onto bridleway, using Sherbrook Trail marker posts for reference. 700m after second u000aroad crossing, go straight on over double crossroads, ignoring Sherbrook Trail posts going right. Climb on bridleway across heathland to Camp Road, with Springslade Lodge opposite. u000au000a Turn right and right again to head north along ridge on bridleway, initially through trees but then in the open with impressive views to the right. Keep right at fork. At road and car park bear right to carry on along bridleway, then left at crossroads. After 500m turn right to descend across valley to u000afire road. u000a Go straight across crossroads to edge of forest, joining waymarked Sherbrook Trail. Then straight on again to climb Pepper Slade, once again following Sherbrook Trail marker posts. At trail junction turn right, climbing gently to road. Cross over road and carry on towards caravan park.u000au000a At orientation post D4 rejoin Follow The Dog and enjoy the 2km descent back to Birches Valley.
WMB132 Cannock Chase Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Jan 30th 2012, 12:34 33.6km
  • MTB
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Milford village, OS grid reference SJ 974206 Total distance 34.5km (21.5 miles) Total ascent 826m (2710ft) Total time 2.5-3.5 hours Maps OS Explorer (1:25000) 244: Cannock Chase & Chasewater. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Northern England & Midlands (GPS). Summary With a mix of natural trails, purpose-built singletrack, open heathland and forestry, this has a bit of everything. Start at the car park 600m south of Milford. Head south-east on obvious fire road for 650m to junction. Turn right for another 650m on fire road. Turn left and climb on bridleway to trail junction at top of hill. Go straight over and descend northwards to fire road. Turn right to reach river crossing with stepping stones. Ford river then turn immediately right and follow singletrack along valley for 3km. Fork left on track climbing through woods. Keep right at first junction to reach fire road, then left. At road, cross over to join bridleway directly opposite. Follow for 300m to trail junction and take second fire road on the right, heading directly south towards caravan park. Join purpose-built Follow The Dog (FTD) trail and descend on singletrack to Birches Valley Forest Centre and official start of FTD. Follow marker posts until turning for Monkey Trail. Take this turning and descend to level crossing and main road crossing. Turn right and follow the marker posts. Watch out for orientation post M5 on fire road – when waymarked trail descends left on singletrack, carry straight on to join track, then right to road. Turn left on road and climb, looking out for trail heading left with warning sign about descending bikes. At top of Stile Cop bike park, choose a descent and follow – one-blob trails are straightforward. Upon reaching fire road, turn left to junction then right. Rejoin Monkey Trail for Lower Cliff climb and descent to return to road and level crossing. Follow FTD marker posts to Marquis Drive Forest Centre. At road turn left then take bridleway on right after 100m. Follow for 1km, cross next road and carry on on bridleway to junction. Turn left and carry straight on at double crossroads to emerge onto heathland. Climb to car park at Springslade Lodge. Turn right and head north on bridleway along ridge. At Coppice Hill junction head north-east to descend through woods back to stepping stones. Turn left on fire road and follow back to start point.
WMB131 Malvern Classic Ride_revised Matt_Skinner Dec 22nd 2011, 09:50 19.6km
  • MTB
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Wyche, OS grid reference SO 768437 Total distance 20km (12.5 miles) Total ascent 980m (3200 feet) Total time 3-3.5 hours Maps Explorer 190: Malvern Hills and Bredon Hill. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K – Southern England & Wales (GPS). Summary Don’t be fooled by the relatively short distance – there’s as much climbing (and descending) here as on plenty of rides twice as long. Start from Wyche and head north along the obvious wide track through the car park. At trail crossing turn left to descend through woodland to the road. Immediately fork right and follow wide track running roughly parallel to road, keeping left at junctions. Just before rejoining road, fork right on grassy bridleway along the edge of the houses. Turn left onto gravel track, following this up hill to the major trail junction on ridge. Take the left trail running straight up the ridge to Sugarloaf Hill and down the other side, crossing over wide gravel track to major junction. Take narrower trail left, descending through woods. At the bottom, turn right on gravel track and climb to ridge north of Table Hill. Descend steeply down valley and between quarries. Turn right on road and then fork right up track. After about 800m double back right and continue climbing for 400m before switching back left to join wide track skirting to south of North Hill. At major junction turn right up and over North Hill to rejoin wide track. Turn left to loop around North and Table hills back to the trail junction. Head south along ridge and climb to Worcestershire Beacon. Continue south on ridge back to Wyche Cutting. At the road, turn left through cutting then right on to track climbing across eastern flank of Perseverance Hill to ridge. Continue on ridge over Jubilee Hill then fork right to traverse western slope. Regain ridge south of Pinnacle Hill and continue south to Wynds Point. Turn left at junction and follow benched trail through woodland swinging north to quarry before descending on zig-zag trail to road. Turn left on road for about 1km to Holy Well. Join bridleway zig-zagging back up to ridge and descend north back to Wyche Cutting.
WMB130 Northumberland_Alwinton Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner Dec 21st 2011, 11:35 31.6km
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Road Junction, Rowhope Farm Road NT860115 Total distance 31.7km (19.7 miles) Time 4-6 hours Maps OS Landranger Sheet 80, Cheviot Hills & Kielder Water. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Northumberland (GPS). Summary A long day out over the tops of the hills, taking in grassy paths, fire roads and excellent singletrack. Trails can be slow going in the wet. Starting at the road junction for Rowhope Farm, turn southeast and pedal down the road towards Alwinton for a 1km to Barrowburn. Turn left through the houses and onto the track up the valley up to Middle Hill. Pass through the gate and carry on down for 50m, keeping an eye out for the bridleway sign on the right that shows where you dive left through the trees. Path is around 20m before it rejoins a grassy track on the other side. Meet this and turn right. Follow it out the forest and over the hillside to cross another track. Follow grassy track ahead climbing north up the side of Hazely Law to summit at the cairn. On your left are the slabs of rock used as the pathway along the border. The first 200m of this path is footpath, so to follow the letter of the law jump the fence into Scotland for a few hundred metres and jump back to rejoin once it’s bridleway again. Follow this to the summit of Windy Gyle. At the summit turn left and descend for 200m before turning hard right and climbing. Follow grassy track along the summit, turning to rocky track in places. Drop down to a track junction. Turn left and through a gate, continuing to climb. Follow this track over the hills, finally dropping back down to where you started the day. At the road turn left. This is the point you could cut the ride short. For more cracking singletrack follow the trail back down the road, left and up to Middle Hill as you did first thing. Instead of branching left through the forest follow the track down to the right and over the small footbridge at Fairhaugh. Go round the back of the house on the obvious singletrack, join the track and turn left before taking the singletrack on your right. This trail follows the valley down to Batailshiel, where the right of way goes round the farm on the left – follow the signs. From the farm follow the track down the valley to Shillmoor, turning right when you reach the road. Follow the singletrack road back up to the start point, around 5km.
WMB130 Northumberland_Alwinton Beginner (Blue) Ride Matt_Skinner Dec 21st 2011, 11:34 24.3km
  • MTB
  • Basic
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Alwinton National Park car park Total distance 24.4km (15.1 miles) Time 2-3 hours Maps OS Landranger Sheet 80, Cheviot Hills & Kielder Water. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Northumberland (GPS). Summary A long ride through the hills for an Easy route, but nothing technical and a great finish down the rolling ridgeline that is Clennell Street. From the main car park/toilets in Alwinton, turn right. The route follows the singletrack road for some miles, so just enjoy the ride. Follow the road for just over 10km until you reach a junction with a singletrack Tarmac road heading off on your right. Take this road and follow it through the farm at Rowhope and Trows, then splash through a ford – be careful as the surface under the water is very slippery, we used the wooden bridge on the right instead. Follow the track forking right up the hill and over into the next valley. Follow the bridleway round the head of the valley through forestry, and look out for the signposted bridleway junction. Turn right here down the grassy track for 100m, looking on your left for a gate. Pass through the gate and descend to a footbridge. Cross the bridge and climb the steep grassy track. As the track passes into the forest it becomes singletrack – quite muddy in places – but it soon turns to forest track for a blast through. You are now on Clennell Street, so follow the Clennell Street signs as it undulates its way down the ridgeline on beautiful grassy track, right back down into Alwinton.
WMB130 Northumberland_Alwinton Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Dec 21st 2011, 11:32 32km
  • MTB
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Alwinton National Park car park Total Distance 32.1km (19.9 miles) Total Time 3-5 hours Maps OS Landranger Sheet 80, Cheviot Hills & Kielder Water. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Northumberland Summary A terrific route taking in the highest point in the area, Windy Gyle, pedalling through remote hill country with some superb singletrack on the way. From the parking area, turn right on the road out of Alwinton. After 1.5km look for the gate on your right signposted as a bridleway. Take this grassy path as it climbs across the hillside and undulates over to meet the road at Shillmoor. Turn right, taking to the farm track up the valley. At the farm of Batailshiel Haugh, the right of way has been diverted to the right of the farm buildings. Look for signs just before the farm gate and follow the trail round. Once back on the valley floor track continue north up the side of the Usway Burn. On reaching the remote house at Fairhaugh, stay right round the back of the house on the obvious singletrack, cross the footbridge and head left to climb doubletrack, (don’t follow the steep track directly in front). The track climbs up through a gate and onto open hillside before descending into the next valley. Drop down to the tearoom at Barrowburn and turn right on the road. Continue for just over 1km to the road junction. Turn right up to pass through Rowhope farm. Just after the ford, fork left up the steep grassy track. Follow this all the way to the summit of Windy Gyle. At the summit fence, take the path right where it quickly turns to rock slabs all the way along the summit ridge. About 200m before the end you will want to jump the fence and take to Scotland as it is officially footpath for a short distance. At the cairn (NT871160) turn right following the signs for Clennell Street and begin the grassy and muddy descent. When the grassy track meets a fire road, cross it onto grass for 100m. Go through the gate on your left and descend to a footbridge. Cross the bridge and climb steeply on grass track up to a forestry gate. Pass through the gate onto singletrack, which turns to forest road and ultimately to grass track as it descends down Clennell Street back to Alwinton.
WMB131 Malverns Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner Dec 21st 2011, 11:26 15.3km
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Tank Quarry car park, OS grid reference SO 770470 Total distance 15.4km (9.6 miles) Total ascent 795m (2600 feet) Total time 2-2.5 hours Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer 190: Malvern Hills and Bredon Hill. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K – Southern England & Wales (GPS). Summary Subtly trimmed version of the Classic route, ideal for a quicker blast if you’re short on time or if you’re feeling the excesses of Christmas and want less mileage (and climbing). Start at Tank Quarry car park at the northern tip of the Malverns. Exit on bridleway heading southeast, quickly forking right to climb. Zig-zag up the side of North Hill to reach a wide, well-surfaced track. Turn right to follow the track anti-clockwise around North Hill and Table Hill. Keep left as the trail descends then climbs again to a major trail junction. Take the track due south over Sugarloaf Hill and descend to a junction. Carry straight on to climb Worcestershire Beacon – be sure to take the track that swings right then left, and not the one going straight up the side. From the Beacon descend via the ridge to Wyche Cutting. At the road turn left through the cutting then immediately right onto the bridleway. Continue to descend, keeping left as far as the buildings and then bearing right to emerge on the road at Holy Well. Continue along the road for 100m then turn right onto the bridleway. Climb generally southwards until a right-hand switchback delivers you onto the ridge at Black Hill. Turn right and follow the ridgeline all the way back to Wyche. Retrace your path left through the cutting and then right onto the track, but bear left initially to stay west of the ridge before crossing over to the east side between Summer Hill and Worcestershire Beacon. Follow the bridleway traversing across slopes as far as the head of the valley then head straight down the valley. At the bottom turn left and follow the track skirting the base of the hills all the way back to the start point.
WMB131 Malvern Beginner (Blue) Ride Matt_Skinner Dec 21st 2011, 11:23 9.3km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Basic
  • Offroad
Start/Finish Coombe Hill car park, OS grid reference SO 852062 Total distance 9.4km (5.8 miles) Total ascent 443m (1450 feet) Total time 1-1.5 hours Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer 190: Malvern Hills and Bredon Hill. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K – Southern England & Wales (GPS) Summary Very short but still a fair amount of climbing and descending. A decent outing for a beginner or a fast blast for the more experienced. Leave the car park and go south on the road for 100m. Head straight up the steep grassy slope to the end of the ridge and straight over the other side down the zig-zags. Follow the bench-cut trail along the eastern flank of the hills to the quarry. Carry on past the quarry on obvious track then descend the steep zig-zags to the road. Turn left and follow road for 1km to Holy Well. Join bridleway, then double back left. At next junction switch back right and keep climbing to ridge – other trails join to right and left, keep heading up hill. Once on the ridge, head north over Perseverance Hill and descend to Wyche Cutting. At the road turn right to pass through the cutting itself, and then right onto obvious wide track heading south on the eastern flank of the hills. At fork bear left and descend on the trail you climbed earlier. At next fork bear right to continue traverse – if you descend to the road you’ve missed it. Climb steadily until final zig-zags take you on to the ridge at Black Hill. Turn left and descend along the ridge to return to your start point.
WMB129 Inverness Intermediate (Red) Route Matt_Skinner Nov 17th 2011, 11:16 20.2km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Rural
Start/Finish Bellfield Park, Inverness city centre Total distance 20.4km (12.7 miles) Time 2-3 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 26, Inverness & Loch Ness Summary Easy towpath riding to muddy downhill trail switchbacking. From Bellfield Park, cross the road to the River Ness and turn left onto path. Cross several small bridges before crossing the main bridge. Turn left and follow the trail, then road as it skirts round Bught Park. Cross the swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal, then turn right down the opposite bank. At the main road turn left through a roundabout then look for a road on the left heading into a housing estate. Follow this to the second right and round to Woodside Crescent. Turn left at T-junction. After 700m take the track forking left. Climb up, forking left after 500m. Track climbs to the summit and Pictish Fort. At the singletrack road turn right and follow for 700m, forking right onto the track where the Tarmac forks left. Follow for just under 2km until you reach a gate marked with the Great Glen Way symbol. Continue uphill for 200m before turning left at the T-junction, then right after 200m. Round the radio mast the narrow singletrack heads into the woods – follow along the ridge then descend to grassy forest road. Turn right then left on track as it descends under pylons then stays left and climbs up the hill. Stay right (straight on) at next three junctions, then turn left at the fourth. Follow the track back along the hilltop before descending under the pylons again and climbing to regain the grassy forest road you were on. Follow it east for 500m looking out on your right for the downhill trail. Follow this down and out to the track, turning left then staying right through farm buildings after 600m. Follow track to A82. Cross the main road and pass into the abandoned quarry. Follow the obvious trail and keep heading southwest until you pop over a rise, take a steep descent down and meet the canal. Turn left and follow the canal bank to the swing bridge. Turn right over the swing bridge, then immediately right back onto the road round Bught Park. Retrace your steps back through The Islands to the start.
WMB129 Inverness Easy (Blue) Ride Matt_Skinner Nov 17th 2011, 11:15 14.7km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Basic
  • Offroad
  • Urban
  • Rural
Start/Finish Bellfield Park, Inverness city centre Total distance 14.7km (9.1 miles) Time 1-2 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 26, Inverness & Loch Ness Summary Easy spin down the banks of the River Ness and Caledonian Canal. Ideal for beginners and families. From Bellfield Park cross the road to the River Ness and turn left onto the path along the riverbank. Follow the trail as it crosses several small bridges over The Islands before crossing the main bridge to the other bank. Turn left here and follow the trail, then the road as it skirts round Bught Park. Just before reaching the main Caledonian Canal swing bridge turn sharp left, staying on the east bank of the canal to pedal down the easy canalside trail. This carries you out of town with great views over the canal and River Ness to your left. At Dochgarroch turn right over the canal lock and make use of the tearoom just out by the main road. At this point you are going to turn back down the opposite bank of the canal, returning the way you came. At the Caledonian Canal swing bridge, turn right over the bridge then immediately right back onto the road round Bught Park, back to the finish the way you came out through The Islands.
WMB129 Inverness Classic Route Matt_Skinner Nov 17th 2011, 11:13 29.5km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
Start/Finish Bellfield Park, Inverness city centre Total Distance 29.6km (18.4 miles) Total Time 2-4 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 26, Inverness & Loch Ness Summary A great variety of trail surfaces, with terrific views down Loch Ness and the River Ness. Mostly easy surfaced, but with a few rooty trails to keep you interested. From Bellfield Park turn left onto the B862 towards Dores. Pedal for just under 3km along flat road before taking a left at the roundabout up Holm Road. After 300m look out for a footpath on the right, leading to a trail heading down into trees. It drops into a wooded glen, skirting the path of Big Burn until meeting a singletrack road. Turn right and follow the road for 1.5km. Throw your bike over the fence and go into the woodland singletrack. After entering the forest from the stile go straight ahead until you come to a fork in the trail, take the right hand trail, follow this until you come to a T-junction of fire road, approx 500m, turn left. Continue on until you reach the small pond and turn left. Stay on this trail until you reach the farm track. Turn left up the farm track past Cullaird farmhouse. Follow this track up the hill and keep going as it swings 90 degrees to the right. Stay on this track for just over 5km. Cross over the road and continue for another 1.5km. Just after crossing a river passing under the track turn right onto singletrack descending through the trees. Pop onto the road at the bottom and turn right. Turn left into the Dores Inn car park (stopping for a swift one, or lunch) and take to the trail round the back of the beach. This beachside singletrack runs into estate track after a few hundred metres and skirts the edge of the loch at Tor Point. It swings north and passes through the grounds of Aldourie Castle and comes to a junction with a singletrack road. Turn left and the road turns shortly back to estate track along the banks of Loch Dochfour. It eventually pops out back on the B862 again. Here you have the choice of either riding straight back on the B862 to Bellfield Park, or retracing your steps back through the singletrack in the woods by Torbreck. If you do this then take some time to explore the rest of the trails in the woodland – there is a good network and you can’t go far wrong as there are roads on three sides of the woods.
WMB128 Chilterns Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner Oct 6th 2011, 05:34 33km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
Start/Finish SU602/805, Goring & Streatley railway station car park Total distance 33.1km (21 miles) Total ascent 702 metres Time 2.5-4.5 hours Maps OS Landranger 175. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Southern England and Wales (GPS) Summary A ride into the Chiltern hills, using lots of fun singletrack trails. Turn right out of station on the road for approx 1.4km, then keep straight ahead off road when the road turns sharp left, bearing left uphill. Cross the B471, after 0.6km turn left onto bridleway. Follow this over the B4526 and a minor road through Common Wood. Go straight over at crossroads in Abbot’s Wood, uphill bearing left to and over the A4074. Continue through woods, then take left on road. Take first right signed Hook End. Take bridleway past Lower Farm, through Heath End towards Ipsden Wood. Go right on road, downhill. At T-junction go left for 0.4km, then right on doubletrack to a crosstracks and turn left. Go left at/on a road to Stoke Row and right at X-roads. Turn right on bridleway as you enter the trees. Follow white arrows right then left, downhill and right on doubletrack. Turn right to cross Kingwood Common then continue on bridleway. Cross the A4074, continuing straight on for 0.6km, then go left across Kempwood. After 1.3km, turn right at crossroads and right again on a bridleway. Turn right on road then left after 0.5km at Goring Heath and right on bridleway, then left at the X-roads. Go right on bridleway, left at road and left on a bridleway. Go left on road, uphill then right when road turns sharp left. Go right on a bridleway at the bottom, past the stud farm and join road ahead to a T-junction in Whitchurch. Turn right, then left to join the Hartslock bridleway. At a T-junction past Gatehampton Manor, turn left to rejoin road back to Goring.
WMB128 Chilterns Beginner (Blue) Ride Matt_Skinner Oct 6th 2011, 05:33 21.3km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Basic
  • Offroad
Start/Finish SU611/895, Wallingford riverside car park Total distance 21.6km (13 miles) Total ascent 286 metres Time 1.5-2.5hrs Maps OS Landranger 175. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Southern England and Wales (GPS) Summary A great introduction to the Chilterns, with classic countryside and singletrack. Turn left out of the car park, then right after 50m onto bridleway. Pass under the A4130 and join the Ridgeway (south) to North Stoke. Keep straight ahead leaving the Ridgeway to join farm track ahead when road turns left. Join and follow the road to the B4009, and go straight ahead on the Swan’s Way (bridleway) for 2km, ascending slightly. Then as you descend turn left onto the Icknield Way for 1.4km, then turn right towards Hailey on to Bixmoor Wood. Then descend to Homer Farm. At crossroads turn left, then left at second crossroads descending into Mongewell Woods and through Wicks Wood. Past Woodhouse Farm turn right on the road then shortly left on the Ridgeway. Follow Ridgeway singletrack for 2.2km, crossing minor roads until you reach the A4074 (don’t cross it). Turn right (this side) past the roundabout then cross the road and go right then immediately left onto a path. Keep straight ahead past the farm and heading towards Crownmarsh Gifford. At T-junction turn left to return to the car park.
WMB128 Chilterns Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Oct 6th 2011, 05:32 54.4km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish SU645/820, Woodcote village hall Total Distance 51.8km (32 miles) Total Time 3.5-5.5hrs Total Ascent 1020m Maps OS Landranger 175. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Southern England and Wales (GPS) Summary A classic Chilterns ride, with lots of singletrack, rolling hills and countryside. Go left out of the car park, left at crossroads and left on Whitehouse Road. Descend into Common Wood following white arrow markers on trees straight ahead to and over the B4526. Follow bridleway, joining a driveway and go right and right again back into the woods. Go right on road, then left on private road and right on bridleway. Go left at crossroads and right on bridleway. Turn left on road, then left on bridleway. Turn left on road, steep uphill and right when road turns left. Go straight ahead, turning right on Tarmac at bottom. Go straight ahead on road for just over 2.5km past Bozedown Farm to Whitchurch. Go right then left at the B471, on Hartslock bridleway, parallel with the river past Combe Park. Continue past Gatehampton Manor towards Goring. At Goring (start of Moderate route), doubleback on yourself, but stay on the road, uphill then left through Great Chalk Wood. Follow bridleway signs to the B471 and go left to and left on B4526. After 0.7km go right on a bridleway down through Park Wood and Wrexhill Wood. At the road turn right. After airfield turn left on bridleway then left onto Swan’s Way. Continue on Swan’s Way for 2km until the B4009. Cross the B4009. Turn right past Littlestoke Manor towards North Stoke. Turn right at Carmel College/Mongewell Park. Take a brief spin on A4074 then turn right onto the Ridgeway. At junction with Swan’s Way turn right, then left to ascend through Wicks Wood and Mongewell Wood. Cross road and continue past Oakingham House then up through Bush Wood. In Bear Wood, go right then left and right on doubletrack. Right across Kingwood Common and continue for approx 4km. Turn right, continue for approx 1km then go left near Exlade Street. Turn right on the bridleway and cross A4074. Follow the white arrows and go left at fork, over a doubletrack. Go right at crosstracks then keep straight ahead to return to Woodcote.
WMB127 Drumlanrig Easy (Blue) Route Matt_Skinner Sep 7th 2011, 03:21 8.5km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Smooth
  • Basic
  • Offroad
Start/Finish Rik’s Bike Shed, Drumlanrig Castle Total distance 8.5km (5.3 miles) Total ascent 201m Time 1-2 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 78, Nithsdale & Annandale/Drumlanrig MTB leaflet map. Or Garmin Discoverer 1:50K – Scotland (GPS) Summary A short non-technical route with optional red graded sections. From the car park for Rik’s Bike Shed, take the forest track west following the Drumlanrig MTB route signs for the blue route. You’ll follow these for the whole route. Follow the track up the hill, by Beech and Coldstream Lochs. Take the singletrack left of Hillhead Loch before rejoining the track and climbing again. After the stretch of straight track follow the blue sign right, then right again, cutting through fire roads. You are at the high point of the loop, so it is largely descending down to the river from here. As the track follows Boghouse Burn, keep an eye on the left for a wide singletrack turning. Turn left down the blue signposted singletrack, following it through some fun berms and fast descents. Cross the track and continue descending to cross the minor road and drop down the track into Carse Wood. At the bottom of the track take the hard right to turn back on yourself and follow the riverside track all the way down, keeping to the blue signposts. This eventually spits you out onto the red Tarmac of the castle driveway, where you turn right and follow it all the way back to the start, admiring the castle as you approach it.
WMB127 Drumlanrig Classic Route Matt_Skinner Sep 7th 2011, 03:20 27.8km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Layby on A76 (NS857042) Total distance 28km (17.4 miles) Total ascent 1104m Time 4-6 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 78, Nithsdale & Annandale. Or Garmin Discoverer 1:50K – Scotland (GPS) Summary Only 17 miles but the ground conditions, nav issues and altitude gain make it a challenging, but worthwhile ride. From the layby, cross the road onto the singletrack road, under the railway line heading for Coshogle. After around 1km look for a track cutting back on yourself on the left. Take this, climbing to Kirkbride farmhouse. Turn left just before the farm on a track and skirt the farmyard and buildings up a grassy track. Go through a gate and the track climbs dead straight in front of you. Go only a few metres though, before passing through the gate on your right. The navigation is tricky here, but if the sheep track is visible under the grass, follow this as it contours round the hillside above the ruined church and cemetery on your right. Keep contouring, aiming for the gate on the opposite side of the field. Pass through this and continue on the same line, dropping down through the small burn and climbing steeply up to the wall corner above. Follow the increasingly distinct path up the left of the wall here. It is marked on the OS map, but there isn’t much on the ground. Climb over the hillside and descend down the east flank of Knockconey Dod until you pass through another gate and get onto a good grassy track. Follow the grassy track as it skirts round the north side of the abandoned steading. The singletrack path then drops down into a small glen, splashes through a burn then climbs steeply up through the bracken. Follow this up the hill to meet the well surfaced estate track. Turn right on this and climb some more. When the track stops you want to bear right over open hillside for a short time, passing through a large washed-out burn cutting. At the other side of this the trail gets very distinct and is very good singletrack. This is the Dempster Road; descend on it until you reach the Mennock Water, splash through and climb up the banking to the road. Turn right on the road and follow it to Wanlockhead. In the village fork left for the mining museum and café, or go straight on to carry on. Just as you pass out of the village take the private Tarmac road on the right that climbs to the radar station. Climb up this to the summit of Lowther Hill and the radar ‘golf ball’ – the extra climb is well worth it for the view. Retrace your tyre treads back down to the far corner with the radio mast and signpost for the footpath. Descend off the steep estate track here, down to the saddle. Go over the gate here and then descend on the very narrow singletrack along the line of the telegraph poles. After descending down the Enterkin Burn, meet the track and turn left up the climb to the first sharp bend left. Carry straight on to the west of the ridgeline. Cross the ridge, through a gate and into an open field. Follow the line of the track again, down the ridgeline to meet the track for Chapel. Keep descending southwest, staying right at the next junction. At the minor road turn sharp right and follow it all the way down to the A76 and your layby.
WMB 126 Isle of Skye Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner Jul 27th 2011, 03:02 25.5km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
Start/Finish Bridge over river at head of Loch Slapin Total distance 25.6km (16 miles) Total Time 3-4 hours Maps required OS Landranger sheet 33, South Skye and Cuillin Hills. Or Garmin National Parks 1:25K Isle of Skye (GPS). Summary: Incredible coastal ride with picture perfect moorland singletrack, technical sections along cliffs and shore, finishing with a fast and stony descent. Ride south along the coastal road towards Torrin, climb through and out of the village. Look for singletrack road on the right, turning hard back on yourself signed as footpath to Suisnish. Take this turn and follow the road as it turns to track and then gets gradually rougher as you progress down the coastline. It finally pops out in Suisnish, where you pass a house with a rusted red corrugated iron roof. Continue on to a green shed just further ahead. Ride round the left of the shed, then contour round the meadow, being careful not to disturb any livestock. Splash through the burn and look for the short section of fence that has been lowered to make crossing easier. Jump over this then continue on the grassy singletrack round the coast. It drops through some technical sections in the cliffs so be careful, then continues along the shore side. When you get into the village of Boreraig the trails start to wind between the house ruins. Continue on the path as it gets a little indistinct, but keep an eye up on your left for a large standing stone that marks the start of the trail climbing over the hill. Grassy at first, it firms up into gravel and carries you over to Strath Suardal. Follow the main track through a gate, and look for a grassy path dropping away on your left. Follow this down to the road, turn left past the church and cemetery and follow the road back through Torrin (stopping for a break in the Blue Shed) and back to the car.
WMB 126 Isle of Skye Beginner (Blue) Ride Matt_Skinner Jul 27th 2011, 03:01 12.7km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Basic
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
Start/Finish Broadford car park Total distance 25.8km (16 miles) Time 2-3 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 33, South Skye and Cuillin Hills. Or Garmin National Parks 1:25K Isle of Skye (GPS). Summary An easy gravel path ride up the flanks of Strath Suardal followed by a stony track around some spectacular coastline to the ruins at Suisnish. Simply reverse the route to return to Broadford. Our Easy route starts in the car park situated right next to the petrol station in Broadford. Head up the B8083 towards Torrin and Elgol, keeping an eye on the left for a kissing gate after you have been riding for around 1km. Take this onto the wide gravelly singletrack. Follow this track for just short of 3km. Here you will see a small grassy trail that heads directly down the hill to your right. Take this path across the field and eventually down to the road by the ruined church of Cill Chriosd. Turn left on the road, passing by the church on your right (which is well worth a stop) and continue past Loch Cill Chriosd. Around 1.5km after the end of the loch take the minor road up to the left signed as a footpath to Suisnish. Follow the track through a gate and then out onto the coastline. There are views to your right of the Cuillins, slightly marred at this point by a marble quarry. At the end of the track you can stop at the abandoned house at Suisnish. This is an amazing spot to take a lunch break shaded under the trees and overlooking the sea. Turn round here and retrace your steps to Broadford.
WMB 126 Isle of Skye Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Jul 27th 2011, 03:00 13km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish: Sligachan Hotel Total distance: 26km (16.2 miles) Total Time: 4-6 hours Maps: OS Landranger sheet 33, South Skye and Cuillin Hills. Or Garmin National Parks 1:25K Isle of Skye (GPS). Summary: Short on paper, this ride is still a strenuous challenge in the best of weather. If you enjoy technical riding, you will love it. Starting at the Sligachan Hotel – don’t park in its car park – cross over the arched bridge and turn immediately right through the gate and onto the well signposted trail. Climb up the initial stone pitched rise and take in the views before setting off in earnest. Approximately 8km along the trail there is a small cairn to mark a junction in the trail. Right turn to Loch Curuisk if you are on foot, but our route stays left/straight on for Camasunary. On the shores of Loch na Creitheach you will see another trail junction, with the left turn climbing steeply over a hill. Ignore this, staying right along the lochside. At the end of Loch na Creitheach the path splits (not on the map) with one going right round the beach at the loch head and up the hill. Take either here – or vary them on the way out and back – as they both end up in the same place. Drop down the gradual slope to the sea and turn right after the occupied, but isolated, farmhouse. Scoot along the beach to the bothy – a great place to sit and have lunch – before deciding whether to tackle the whole circuit or just return the way you came. We recommend the straight return as the circuit turns into a bit of a slog with little in the way of good riding once you hit the road at Kilmarie.
WMB 125 South Downs Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner Jul 12th 2011, 11:21 15.6km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish GR 120120, south of Washington Total distance 16km (10 miles) Total ascent 500m (1640 feet) Time 1-2 hours Maps Maps OS Explorer 1:25k121 Arundel and Pulborough. Or Garmin 1:25k The South Downs Way (GPS) Summary Open downland, rooty singletrack, hills and steep descents Start at the car park below Chanctonbury Ring. Head east and up from the car park, keeping left on the main track until you gain the ridge. Turn left along the ridge track and continue to climb past trig point to Chanctonbury Ring. Stay on obvious track descending south-east from the Ring. Follow South Downs Way signage. After 1.5km look for left turn heading down hillside. Follow singletrack as it traverses, descending to fork after 400m. A short climb leads to singletrack through the trees, look for the left-hand switchback 400m from the fork. Descend on steep singletrack, past jump spot on left and reach trail junction. Turn left and climb on wider track to join stretch of singletrack at open fork. Switch back left and re-ride the twisty, rooty singletrack but this time carry on at the left turn. The trail gets brisk and entertaining, eventually coming out of the trees and into the open. Take the left turn and head south back onto the Downs to five-way trail junction. Take second trail on the right heading west (Monarch’s Way) to No Man’s Land. At No Man’s Land keep right as Monarch’s Way continues to left. Go straight over at next crossroads then fork right after 200m and descend towards North End. Take right turn opposite Gallops Farm, cross minor road and continue to next crossroads. Take right turn and follow sustained climb towards trig point west of Chanctonbury Ring. Take left turn near to trig point, through gate and across field to next gate – you can’t see it from the top. After gate, descend on steep trail that rejoins main track from car park.
WMB 125 South Downs Beginner (Blue) Ride Matt_Skinner Jul 12th 2011, 11:16 12.9km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Basic
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish GR 087120, Chantry Hill (or start in Storrington itself) Total distance 13km (8 miles) Total ascent 275m (900 feet) Time 1-2 hours Maps OS Explorer 1:25k121 Arundel and Pulborough. Or Garmin National Trails 1:25k The South Downs Way (GPS) Summary Characterful, straightforward and short loop with opportunities to extend. Start at end of Chantry Lane at the top of Chantry Hill, south of Storrington. If you’re confident, head back down Chantry Lane for 150m and take bridleway on the left. Climb on singletrack to top of Kithurst Hill, then descend on more singletrack for just over 1km to join South Downs Way at the car park. For an easy intro, head west from the car park (right as you reach top of Chantry Lane) along the signed SDW. When you reach the next car park, you’re on the route. Follow the SDW west along the ridge to Downs Farm. Double back left to climb parallel to SDW, passing a bridleway joining from left and continuing to T-junction. At T-junction turn right then left onto singletrack descent heading south through trees. Descend for 1.5km to trail junction. Cross straight over and climb to trail junction on Wepham Down. Turn left onto obvious track, descend to pass Lee Farm then swing left and climb along ridge back to Chantry Hill. If you get back to Chantry and want more, head west on SDW to the next car park then do the opening stretch over Kithurst Hill in reverse. An easy extension is to go straight over at the Wepham Down junction, carry on down New Down to join the Monarch’s Way, then east across Wepham Wood and Angmering Park to Michelgrove. At Michelgrove leave the Monarch’s Way and continue north to join standard route just east of Lee Farm.
WMB 125 South Downs Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Jul 12th 2011, 11:15 37.8km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish GR 087120, Chantry Hill, or start in Storrington itself Total distance 38km (23.6 miles) Total ascent 893m (2750 feet) Time 2-4 hours Maps OS Explorer 1:25k 121 Arundel and Pulborough. Or Garmin National Trails 1:25k The South Downs Way (GPS) Summary Sturdy South Downs loop that packs in a bit of everything – open downland, woodsy singletrack, bluebells and ancient hill forts. Start at the end of Chantry Lane at the top of Chantry Hill. Head back down Chantry Lane for 150m and take the bridleway on the left. Climb on singletrack to the top of Kithurst Hill, then descend for just over 1km to join South Downs Way (SDW) at car park. Follow SDW westwards along ridge to Downs Farm. Double back left to climb parallel to SDW, passing bridleway joining from left and continuing to T-junction. Turn right then left onto singletrack descent heading south. Follow the trail straight ahead for 5km, eventually bearing south-west at the edge of Wepham Wood. At trail junction take the first trail on the left, climbing north-east through woods. At junction with track, go straight over and descend. At next T-junction turn left (Monarch’s Way) for 900m, then left again to Michelgrove. Follow Monarch’s Way north through a gate then right towards a farm. At a lane go straight over, climbing the grassy hillside before descending to main A280 at Tolmare Farm. Cross the road and continue on the wide track heading south. After 1.2km fork left, descending steeply to the crossroads at Roger’s Farm. Turn right, then left onto minor road. At the main road turn right then left on short Tarmac climb to car park. Exit the car park via the bridleway heading north-east and climbing through the woods. After 1km, switch back right and continue climbing across a grassy slope. Circuit the Cissbury Ring, keeping the earthworks to your left, before reaching the car park and track junction. Head north, climbing gently for 2km to reach the South Downs Way. Turn left and follow the SDW to the Chanctonbury Ring. Keep left to pass the trig point, then fork right, descending across grass to a gate and steep chalk descent to car park and main road. Cross the main road (take care as this is fast dual carriageway) and follow the South Downs Way signs back to the start point.
WMB124 Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia Intermediate (Red) Route Matt_Skinner Jun 10th 2011, 01:04 25.7km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Penmachno, SH785497 Total distance 26km (16.2miles) Time 1.5 hours + Maps Harvey’s British Mountain Map: Snowdonia Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Snowdonia National Park (GPS) Summary Typical trail centre challenges – lots of stiff fire road climbs, loose surfaces, rock slabs and duckboard. Start at the parking layby just outside Penmachno village. Head almost due north up very steep fire road climb. Continue to contour around the hill as path undulates and becomes singletrack. After a sustained section of singletrack through trees, bear right up the fire road, climbing gently before beginning to descend gently. The trail is marked in the trees below to your right; follow this or stick to the fire road as the two rejoin several times. Follow the markers left and climb on steep switchbacks before contouring again to meet the road. At minor road which leads to Ty Mawr, go straight across and continue on the marked trail, at first on fire road and then on singletrack as you head north-east and then double back on yourself to ride south-west, returning to the minor road at the end of loop two. At crossing, go straight over on fire road and look out for trail as it leaves on left, bearing up and back towards the road before running parallel to it in the trees. Cross the wide, rough track in the clearing which comes in from Bwlch y Groes, then continue along singletrack, not losing much height and exiting onto fire road. After climbing briefly, join very clearly defined singletrack across open hillside; the path you’re travelling is barely visible on the hillside opposite and gives a great sense of scale to this section. At high point of singletrack, descend sharply to fire road. Stay with the marked trail and follow it on a brief fire road before entering the final few kilometres of ups and downs.

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