hi guys, we’re organising a group ride for a mate’s birthday in March. not planning on stopping over, so 2 – 2 1/2 hours driving distance is the max we’re looking at.

Any suggestions? We’ve done the localish trail centres – cannock, degla, CYB, lee/cragg quarry, altura trail, and a done malvern and long mynd.

so what’s epic? A lot of people on here seem to recommend the peaks?

Nant yr Arian is worth a visit.. Not quite epic but lovely place and really fun place to ride.
You could also squeeze in a few laps of Climach X.

This was yesterday at the Top of the Wrekin in Telford.

Snowden?

Berwyns.

if you’ve never done the peak its worth the trip..

i’m sure collectively a great route could be put together!

Elan Valley.

Brecon beacons

peak district.

trail centers are not, nor will they ever be ‘epic’. you just ride longer.

+1 for Berwyns. Love Nant Yr Arian but it’s quite a bit further from Bham. Plus my guess is you won’t see anyone else riding the Berwyns. The trails aren’t technical but the routes are definitely long and remote.

Peaks or you could just get to the South Lakes on a good run but Peaks would be bettered for distance to travel.

Long Mynd is a comfortable run up the M6 / M54 too.

There is a 100km and a 70km loop in the Vertabrate Publishing Dark Peak guidebook.

The 70km is fine, doable in an afternoon (depending on fitness). The 100km does go on a bit!

Peak District is just up the road really. Snowdon is a good call though

The lakes if you use the toll road

Peaslake

Peaks, routes of all lengths to suit and no massive journey.

Conwy Mountains?

It’s one of my Favourite routes atm, not overly techy, grassy moorland, ST through the heather/Bracon, good climbs (4500ft over the 40km route), a few tasty and quick descents, a little hike a bike if you fancy it, awesome views from The Drum and Conwy Mountains of Anglesey and Puffin Island, Conwy Castle, the Harbour, Llandudno, The Great Orme. and prob just about within your 2.5hr travel time.

Yeah I love The Peak, but on Saturday I bet we only saw a dozen people all day, no other Mtb’ers and a couple of para sailers.

I’m with Carlos on this one.

Birmingham to Llandudno easily 2 hours, though I go up through Nantwich to Chester rather than m6 all the way up.