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Route Contributor Last Updated Where Distance Tags
WMB 118 Marlborough Downs Classic Ride Matt_Skinner May 13th 2011, 01:31 72.2km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Avebury National Trust car park, A4361. OS grid reference SU 099 695 Total distance 73km (45 miles) Time 4+ hours on a dry day. All day if wet. Map Ordnance Survey Landranger 173: Swindon and Devizes Summary Mainly easy-going trail surfaces but distance makes it one for fitter riders. Follow the Easy Route directions to junction with Ridgeway above Avebury taking you from the stone circle, over Hackpen Hill and past Barbury Castle. Turn left onto Ridgeway to descend to A4. Turn right onto road, then left after 500m onto road signed East Kennett. Follow signs for NCN45 through East Kennett to climb on road over Lurkeley Hill. Take doubletrack byway opposite a T-junction. Climb into West Woods, past the transmitter mast on the left and follow doubletrack through the woods, heading east. At the junction with the minor road go straight ahead then turn left at next T-junction to Clench Common, where you take minor road to the right. At the car park at the crest of the hill go through a gate and climb a grassy path to Martinsell Hill. Bear left to follow the permissive path around the ramparts. Return to main bridleway and bear left along a sunken trail in the woods. Cross A345 and follow the bridleway along the ridge. At car park after Knap Hill turn right, ascend the bridleway to the right to resume ridge-top ride alongside Wansdyke. At Tan Hill, turn left to pass the trig point. At road turn right and drop down to Allington, then first right along the bridleway (ignoring left-hand bridleway). Head north then to descend across Allington Down to Beckhampton. Follow signs for Avebury Trusloe, then take NCN4 and byway to Knoll Down. Cross the A4 and bear west on Wessex Ridgeway track. Bear left at junction of byways to ascend Cherhill Down before taking bridleway to traverse the hill towards Landsdowne Monument. After the monument, bear right on steep, rutted bridleway to descend to the A4. Re-cross road to Cherhill. Follow NCN4 signs to return to Avebury via Yatesbury, White Horse trail and Windmill Hill.
WMB124 Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Jun 10th 2011, 01:02 60.9km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Betws-y-Coed railway station, SH794568 Total distance 61km (38 miles) Time 5+ hours Maps Harvey’s British Mountain Map: Snowdonia. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Snowdonia National Park (GPS). Summary Buff trail centre singletrack, rolling doubletrack, big hills, some quiet back lanes and a challenging bog section. From Betws-y-Coed railway station, turn right along the high street (A5), then right over the bridge. Take an immediate left opposite the gear shop and follow this quiet lane away from the town, parallel with the river but climbing. Turn right at next obvious junction. At the top of this ascent, turn right onto fire road at the crossroads with the Marin trail to follow marked route. At crossroads where outbound and inbound routes pass, turn left to take outbound route. Continue on marked trail until road crossing near the Ugly House. Turn left on road, cross river on A5, then turn right onto road to Pont Cyfyng. Take byway that climbs behind house to the left in the village and ascend on loose, rocky track. The path smooths at the top; stay on it to tree line, go through a gate and descend to Dolwyddellan. Turn right onto main road then left for railway station. Cross railway on bridge, then bear left and start to climb before picking up track to the right that climbs more steeply towards Bwlch y Groes. At sharp bend in track, bear left – look for marker in the heather. Don’t follow doubletrack further as it’s a dead end. At top of hill, go straight on to pick up singletrack, go through gate to wooded area. Follow it down towards Penmachno. At junction with manmade singletrack bear right for Penmachno loop one. At crossing of minor road, either bear left to shortcut or straight ahead for loop two. At end of loop two bear left down wide continuation of Bwlch y Groes track to road and then left towards Ty Mawr. Follow minor gated road past Ty Mawr and down into the valley. Turn left to join A470, then left again to rejoin minor road, which will return you to Betws-y-Coed.
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.
WMB 120 Tweed Valley Classic Ride Matt_Skinner May 13th 2011, 01:30 52.8km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Intermediate
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Junction of Traquair Road and High Street, Innerleithen. OS ref NT329365 Total distance 53km (33 miles) Time 5-7 hours Map Ordnance Survey Landranger 73: Peebles, Galashiels & Selkirk Summary Mixes Innerleithen red and Glentress black routes with big hill riding. Start from junction of Traquair Road and A72/High Street, Innerleithen. Join red route to the top of Minch Moor. After brief descent, turn left onto the Southern Upland Way. Go straight ahead at all junctions/crossroads and follow SUW signage at all gates. In Traquair, turn left onto the B709 for 1.5km, then right onto minor road for Orchard Mains and Glen House estate. Follow road west along the valley, then turn right to Cardrona/Peebles. Follow track with Tweed Trails signage, bear right and go through a gate. Climb steeply up grassy doubletrack straight ahead to the edge of a plantation. Pass through gate then take left onto singletrack that skirts trees and fence (don’t follow fire road). Follow steep path as it slackens, then undulates before steep descent. Cross fence at gate to continue on doubletrack that skirts Birks Hill. Follow track to the top of Kirkhope Law. Go through gate, turn right for path that follows the ridge to Peebles. At a gate with Kailzie Hill sign, bear left to climb on singletrack alongside a wall before descending to gate/original track. Follow track to the river (ford/bridge), along the avenue and into Peebles along the road. Cross the Tweed, bear right and pick up the A72 towards Innerleithen. Turn left onto minor road 0.5km after garage, then right onto fire road signed Janet’s/Jenny’s Brae. Follow Peebles Link track to Buzzards Nest car park. Follow black route to post 80 (after the mast) ascending towards Makeness Kips and Dunslair Heights. Leave black route and follow directions for Moderate route step 4 to Lee Pen (alternatively follow black route back to Glentress for escape route). From Lee Pen, descend to Innerleithen via rocky section and woodland trails.
WMB 87 South Downs Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Aug 27th 2008, 07:11 47km
  • MTB
  • Smooth
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rural
  • Scenic
47km (29.2m), 1295m (4249ft) of climbing. 4-6 hours ride time. Start/finish: Car park at Devil's Dyke (grid ref: TQ 258 111). Map required: OS Landranger 198: Brighton and Lewes (1:50,000). This route takes in some of the highest points in the South Downs and distils a real feel for the area. There's plenty of climbing to tackle, and it's worth taking water and food with you because there aren't many places to refuel on top
WMB 90 North Downs Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Oct 27th 2008, 05:22 46.6km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Scenic
Start/finish: Nirvana Cycles, Westcott village green (grid ref TQ 141 486) Total Distance: 46.5km (29 miles) Height gain: 1053m (3455ft). Ride time: 3-5hrs Maps: OS Landranger 186: Aldershot & Guildford, and OS Landranger 187: Dorking & Reigate A ride taking in the very best of the North Downs, including some legendary singletrack trails
WMB 91 Brecon Beacons Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Dec 17th 2008, 10:55 46.4km
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Scenic
Start/Finish: Whistle Inn (grid ref 228 102) Total Distance: 42km (27miles) Total Ascent: 1,554m (5,100ft) Total Time: 4.5-8 hours This ride takes in two mountains and won't be completed without advanced skill, fitness and bravery levels.
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.
WMB 83 Ambelside, Lake District Intermediate (Red) ride Matt_Skinner Apr 17th 2008, 06:33 45.4km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/finish: The Ferry House, Far Sawrey (grid ref 392 955). 24km (15 miles), 734m (2408ft) of climbing, 3-4 hours ride time. This has singletrack, stony doubletrack, and a couple of tough technical climbs. It is also has one of the best descents in the area. Rated red, with a black descent down the Fox and the Belt Ash.
WMB 90 Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner Oct 28th 2008, 05:05 42.4km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rough
Start/finish: Nirvana Cycles, Westcott village green (grid ref: TQ 141 486) Total distance: 42km (26miles) Height gain: 959m (3146ft) Time: 2-4hrs Maps Required: OS Landranger 186: Aldershot & Guildford and 187: Dorking & Reigate. All the best bits of the Classic ride with a bonus descent to Shere
WMB 118 Marlborough Downs Intermediate (Red) Ride Matt_Skinner May 13th 2011, 01:30 41.5km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Intermediate
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Avebury National Trust car park, A4361. OS grid reference SU 099 695 Total distance 26km (16 miles) Time 2+ hours Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 173: Swindon and Devizes Route summary Gentle climbs and undemanding trails make a perfect beginner’s route. At the centre of Avebury’s stone circle, turn right onto the Wessex Ridgeway and begin climbing. At the junction with the Ridgeway, turn left towards Hackpen Hill and Barbury Castle. Follow clear doubletrack north across one minor road at Hackpen Hill. At the second minor road (Barbury Castle), bear slightly right across Barbury Castle itself on the bridleway. Follow bridleway to next minor road/car park, then bear right to pick up bridleway south past Four Mile Clump to Rockley. As the bridleway meets the road before Rockley, turn left then right on a dead end minor road. At the end of the road in Rockley village, turn left onto ascending doubletrack beneath trees as the road enters a yard. Follow climb as it bears right, crossing a gate to follow the trail along the field edge onto Manton Down. Continue ahead as the path climbs and strike out on doubletrack across open fields. As you crest the hill, the NCN4 joins from the left, continue along it as it drops over Fyfield Down among the Grey Wethers then climbs to the Ridgeway. This is where you joined the Ridgeway after climbing out of Avebury. To shortcut the route go straight over to retrace your steps. Otherwise, turn left to stay with the Ridgeway as it descends over 2.5km of doubletrack to the A4. Turn right onto A4 for just under 1km. Turn right onto the Avenue/B4003 to return to the centre of Avebury.
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.
WMB 84 Cairngorms, Scotland Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Jun 10th 2008, 04:08 38.4km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Offroad
  • Rural
38km (24 miles), 476m (1562 feet) of climbing, 4-6 hours ride time. The hardpacked trails and well drained tracks make this route ideal in all conditions except thick snow. After heavy rain or snowmelt the river crossings will get deeper, but should remain passable. Start/finish: Car park next to Bothy Bikes, Inverdruie, Aviemore (grid ref: NH 901 110).
WMB 117 Howgills Classic Ride Matt_Skinner May 13th 2011, 01:34 37.8km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 (alternative start point: Ravenstonedale NY 723 040) Total distance 38.3km/23.8 miles Time 4.5 hours + Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000. Summary A true classic, including one massive climb to start and some of the best sustained singletrack in the UK. From Sedbergh, take Howgill Lane and head north towards the fell (signposted as part of NCN68). After nearly 1km, take bridleway on right (signed as ‘permissive path to the fell’), climb lane. Go through gate at rear of farmyard. Climb steeply to the saddle between Winder and Arant Haw, staying with the bridleway to climb Rowantree Grains to the summit of Calders. Follow the path to the summit of The Calf (marked by trig point). From Calf summit, bear right past the tarn to take the bridleway, then right again at second tarn to begin descent into Bowderdale. Follow obvious but potentially boggy singletrack down to Bowderdale, initially steep but becoming more gradual and crossing several streams while staying on the left side of the river at all times. Approaching Bowderdale, pass through several gates and join the road, descending to the A685 slip road then turning right to veer away from the main road and head for Weasdale. From Weasdale follow minor roads then bridleway to Ravenstonedale, before heading south out of the village along dead end road signed Artlegarth and Adamthwaite. At top of road climb take bridleway on left that descends steeply to river crossing and then gently to Murthwaite. When meet track before Murthwaite bear right, crossing open fell before technical drop through woods to ford. Cross field and climb track to Narthwaite, bearing left through two gates from farmyard to drop to another ford. Pick up singletrack on the other side and follow past Cautley Spout back down the valley to Thursgill. Follow road from farm at Thursgill, joining A683 for spin into Sedbergh.
WMB 117 Howgills Classic Ride Matt_Skinner May 13th 2011, 01:35 37.8km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Offroad
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 (alternative start point: Ravenstonedale NY 723 040) Total distance 38.3km/23.8 miles Time 4.5 hours + Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000. Summary A true classic, including one massive climb to start and some of the best sustained singletrack in the UK. From Sedbergh, take Howgill Lane and head north towards the fell (signposted as part of NCN68). After nearly 1km, take bridleway on right (signed as ‘permissive path to the fell’), climb lane. Go through gate at rear of farmyard. Climb steeply to the saddle between Winder and Arant Haw, staying with the bridleway to climb Rowantree Grains to the summit of Calders. Follow the path to the summit of The Calf (marked by trig point). From Calf summit, bear right past the tarn to take the bridleway, then right again at second tarn to begin descent into Bowderdale. Follow obvious but potentially boggy singletrack down to Bowderdale, initially steep but becoming more gradual and crossing several streams while staying on the left side of the river at all times. Approaching Bowderdale, pass through several gates and join the road, descending to the A685 slip road then turning right to veer away from the main road and head for Weasdale. From Weasdale follow minor roads then bridleway to Ravenstonedale, before heading south out of the village along dead end road signed Artlegarth and Adamthwaite. At top of road climb take bridleway on left that descends steeply to river crossing and then gently to Murthwaite. When meet track before Murthwaite bear right, crossing open fell before technical drop through woods to ford. Cross field and climb track to Narthwaite, bearing left through two gates from farmyard to drop to another ford. Pick up singletrack on the other side and follow past Cautley Spout back down the valley to Thursgill. Follow road from farm at Thursgill, joining A683 for spin into Sedbergh.
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.
WMB 83 Ambelside, Lake District Classic (Black) ride Matt_Skinner Apr 17th 2008, 06:39 37.5km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Intermediate
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/finish: Ambleside Mountain Rescue Car Park (grid ref 377 038). 39km (24 miles), 3.5-6 hours ride time, 1236m (4055ft) of climbing. This black-rated ride has got rocks, roots, drops, technical climbs, long descents... You'll need a good level of fitness, technical ability and navigational skills to complete it.
WMB 115 North Downs Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Nov 5th 2010, 10:51 36.4km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Smooth
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/Finish Reigate Hill car park midweek or early at the weekend; alternative start point with more parking at Headley Heath. Total distance 22.6 miles (36.5km), 671m ascent Time 2.5-5 hours Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer 1:25k Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate. Route summary Relaxed day’s riding with plenty of varied trail types and plenty of peace and quiet, too. Directions From Reigate Hill car park, take the North Downs Way west for 1.5km. Bear right on the bridleway and go through the gate to pass over the M25. Take a left turn at the crossroads in 500m towards Mogador. Bear right to pass the Sportsman pub before continuing straight onto Banstead Heath. Follow the signed bridleway path north across the heath, then bear left towards Walton on the Hill, crossing over the busy B2302 and exiting the woods at the duck pond. Take the first right (Sandlands Road), bearing left at the T-junction of track and road, then take a right. Continue straight onto the bridleway descent, which leads down to Langley Vale. Bear left along the valley and through the farmyard, then turn left again to climb alongside the road on a track. At the crossroads with a minor road, continue straight past the stud farm and onto Stane Street (this bears left). Follow this over three minor road crossings and at next crossroads turn left to climb up towards Mill Way. Do not join the road but bear right to descend back towards Stane Street and Mickleham via White Hill. At the exit onto the road opposite Juniper Hall, turn left onto the minor road. Take the first bridleway right and climb steadily onto Box Hill. Bear left along the road for 1km, then take the bridleway left towards the outdoor centre, bearing right at the edge of houses on the bridleway to Headley Heath. Cross the B2033 at the cricket pitch and pick up the bridleway (Tye Lane) heading south-east. Cross the B2032, bear left and then right on the byway to the edge of the escarpment. At the junction with the bridleway, take the right-hand fork and descend steeply to Buckland, at first on singletrack, then through fields and onto a lane. Cross the A25, following Dungates Lane as it loops around Reigate Heath, emerging onto the A25 opposite Cliftons Lane byway. Climb the increasingly steep trail to the top of escarpment. Turn right onto the North Downs Way via the bridleway route and return to Reigate Hill on the top of the escarpment.
WMB 85 Exmoor Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Jun 10th 2008, 04:22 35.2km
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
35km (22 miles), 1373m (4505ft) of climbing, 3-5 hours ride time. This route is punctuated by several long climbs where decent fitness is a real bonus. There's also a mix of fast grassy, rooty and stony descents, plus stretches of easier ridge riding to recuperate. Start/finish: Minehead promenade (grid ref: SS 973 463).
WMB 123 White Peak Classic Ride Matt_Skinner May 17th 2011, 03:50 34.4km
  • MTB
  • Difficult
  • Rough
  • Rural
Start/Finish Miller’s Dale Station/car park, OS grid ref SK 138 732 Total distance 34.6km (21.5 miles) Total ascent 1256m (4122 ft) Time 3.5-plus hours Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50k: Buxton & Matlock 119. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Peak District National Park (GPS). Summary Plenty of ups and downs to stretch your legs: steep, semi-technical ascents and descents, fast double track, and rail trail and farm roads. Join westerly Monsal Trail at Miller’s Dale station. Leave rail trail in Chee Dale, dropping to river and Blackwell Mill to follow track to A6 at Wye Dale car park. Join the A6 towards Buxton. Care is needed, as the road is busy and fast, with poor visibility. After approx 1km turn sharp left onto rough doubletrack that climbs the hill behind you. Ascend to King Sterndale, turning right onto the road to leave the village and pass the church on the right. At a right hand bend in the road, turn left onto the bridleway, then pass through a gate to cross diagonally over two open fields (signed but unclear on the ground). At far gate descend steeply into Horseshoe Dale, making a sharp left/right to continue straight ahead at the bottom and climb up to the A5270. Pass through a gate and turn left onto the road at the top. At the next junction turn right on The Ditch (road), then left to Chelmorton at next crossroads. Follow the road as it passes through the village and becomes track, bearing right on bridleway at the end to climb up on the hill behind the church. At the top, turn left at the crossroads onto Pennine Bridleway (PBW) and follow this as it descends to A6. Turn left onto the A6 for 1km then leave road and rejoin PBW at head of Chee Dale. Stay with PBW to cross Monsal Trail, the river and exit the valley before passing Tunstead Quarry. At junction bear right on PBW to Wormhill and continue across Monk’s Dale via road climb to crossroads. Turn right onto the track and continue south, returning to Miller’s Dale on Limestone Way. Join B6049 and climb towards the A6. Turn left onto Long Lane and follow the byway to Priestcliffe and then Bull Tor. Continue on the same track to Brushfield and onwards to descend to Monsal Dale. Turn left onto the Monsal Trail to return to Miller’s Dale Station.
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.
WMB 121 Blaenavon Classic Ride Matt_Skinner May 13th 2011, 01:28 33.5km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Intermediate
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
Start/Finish Cwmtillery Lakes, Abertillery, SO217061 Total distance 33.6km (21 miles) Total ascent 1230m (4035ft) Time 4-7 hours Map 1:50000 sheet 161: Black Mountains Summary Substantial ride mixing rocky trails, moorland and industrial heritage. From car park at Cwmtillery Lakes, turn left on lane through houses. Take hairpin left to climb to cattle grid and open hillside. Opposite farm buildings switch back right onto steep track (224070). Climb to crossroads. Go straight over between fenced-off areas. Trail swings right downhill, across stream and up bedrock section. Follow moorland trail, looking out for a left turn. Join and follow across moors to descend on steep singletrack to lane at Forge Side. Join National Cycle Network 46 north-west past Big Pit museum and railway. Meet B4248 next to pub. Turn right on road for 100m, turn left onto bridleway through coal tips to lane at Pwll Du. Turn right and follow road to Keeper’s Pond car park. Follow path around pond, over bridge and across hillside heading north-east. After 1.75km take descending left fork from marker stone (265120). Join railway track bed (269127), follow to the right to climb past old tunnel. Trail narrows to singletrack descent then into wider, grassy trail to gate. Pass through and climb into Punchbowl. Head along pond edge and take trail on the right along the tree line. Climb steeply to gate, pass through then follow more moderate trail to join road at 278112. Carry on west, climbing to radio masts. Continue for 1km to T-junction, turn right and Keeper’s Pond car park is about 200m away. Retrace path back down and through Blaenavon to Forge Side, climb on to Coity Mountain and cross moors to return to crossroads from earlier. Turn left, climbing with fence to your left. Descend as trail swings left through a sandy corner, then watch out for a narrower trail switching back to right. Follow trail down slope towards Abertillery with patch of woodland to left. Join singletrack heading right upslope of a stone wall. Descend on singletrack to rejoin vehicle track above Abertillery, turn left and descend back to Cwmtillery Lakes.
WMB 116 Edinburgh Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Nov 5th 2010, 11:16 33.1km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Intermediate
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
Start/Finish Bonaly Country Park car park. Total distance 33.2km (20.6 miles) Time 3-4 hours Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer 344: Pentland Hills, Penicuik and West Linton (1:25,000). Route summary A long day through some spectacular rolling hills, with most tyre time being spent on picturesque grassy singletrack trails with wide, open views. Directions Head up the hill from the car park, through the wooden gate. Bear right immediately and follow the singletrack up and over to Torduff Reservoir. Drop down the steps and over the dam, turning left around the reservoir on Tarmac road. At Clubbiedean Reservoir turn left through a small gate just below the dam, following singletrack up the hill by a stream. Follow the trail through the woods before popping out on the track then turn left at Easter Kineith Farm. Follow the road past Harlaw Farm. About 500m on, where the road goes hard right, turn left up singletrack. Turn right just after the Ranger Centre and follow the track on the west side of the reservoir – alternatively take the singletrack round the far side, making sure you meet up at the far end of the water. 200m after the left for Easter Bavelaw, stay left on the trail. Follow this singletrack for about 400m. Turn left at the road to climb very steeply up Exponential Hill. Turn right at the top of the hill, then almost immediately left onto a track through a gate. Climb to the top of a pass where there is a stile to cross. Take the grassy singletrack climbing up to your right. Go over the shoulder of Cap Law, before dropping to Nine Mile Burn. Turn left at the bottom onto the road, then left again on the A702. About 1km after Silverburn take the grassy trail to the left over the steep pass between Scald Law and Carnethy Hill. Drop into the glen and turn right on the trail at the bottom. Follow the road down past Glencorse Reservoir by around 500m. Turn left and climb to the shooting range. Turn right at the top, skirting the buildings to a car park. Follow the fire road climb up Castlelaw Hill over the shoulder and cross the drystone wall. After 500m, take the singletrack on the left, through a gate. Turn right on a grassy path, up Capelaw Hill — this trail isn’t marked on the OS Landranger map. As the trail drops off the shoulder it turns right and drops to go through a gate. Stay on the track for 500m, then bear left on the grassy path, keeping the forest on your left. Go over the gate and into the forest. This spits you out onto the main Country Park trail to the car park.
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.
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.
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.
WMB 86 North Pennines Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Jul 7th 2008, 05:25 32km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
32km (20 miles), 981m (3219ft) of climbing, 4-6 hours ride time. Navigation issues: the moors are a place where even skilled navigators can lose their way. With few landmarks and a mix of trails on the ground - often unrelated to bridleways on the map - it's easy to go wrong. Get used to reading contour lines and looking for the shape of the land from the map, especially spurs, summits and valleys, as this will help you find your way. There are no decent guidebooks to this area so if you want to explore, get an OS map and a compass and be bold. If you want a big challenge then Cross Fell is not far away. That's the highest peak on the Pennine Way, and you can loop round it from this side; if you're ready for a huge descent into the Eden Valley then climb back over Hartside Pass.
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.
WMB 95 Dartmoor Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Mar 16th 2009, 10:45 30.9km
Start/finish: car park behind Tourist Information Centre (TIC), Princetown, OS grid ref: SX 589 736. Total distance: 32km (19.9 miles) Height gain: 420m (1378 feet) Time: 2-5 hours Maps required: OS OL28 Dartmoor Our big ride takes you from the bleak moortop to deep valley avoiding the worst of the bogs: you only need to worry about the trails!
WMB 93 Glasgow Classic Ride Matt_Skinner Feb 4th 2009, 10:05 30.4km
  • Recreational
  • MTB
  • Steep
  • Difficult
  • Offroad
  • Rough
  • Rural
  • Scenic
Start/finish:Milngavie town centre (grid ref. 553 745) Total Distance: 30.4km (18.9miles) Height Gain: 647m (2121 feet) Total Time: 3-5 hours Maps Required: OS Landranger 64, Glasgow, Motherwell & Airdrie (1:50,000) A tough route over energy-sapping ground, with tricky navigation and a fair amount of climbing. Very satisfying to finish!

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