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Bike Forum
Scartree Trail - Wakerley Woods Northants
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Posted 6 months ago #
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The not so secret trail located above the limestone switchbacks is well worth a try. This section is quite narrow and needs widening, plus there are a couple of small trees that could disappear soon as they catch my handlebars. I assume it's used as an uphill trail but I use it as a downhill section as Wakerley loop lacks gradient. To do the trail uphill ride past marker 2 then down a rooty slope that bears right then left onto the start of the grass track. Immediately look out for a limestone excavation and you'll see the start of the trail to the left of this limestone bank between two trees. To start it downhill go up the grass slope after the limestone switchbacks and look out for a small track on the left just before the entrance to the field.
Posted 6 months ago # -
luckypierre - Member
The not so secret trail located above the limestone switchbacks is well worth a try. This section is quite narrow and needs widening, plus there are a couple of small trees that could disappear soon as they catch my handlebars. I assume it's used as an uphill trail but I use it as a downhill section as Wakerley loop lacks gradient. To do the trail uphill ride past marker 2 then down a rooty slope that bears right then left onto the start of the grass track. Immediately look out for a limestone excavation and you'll see the start of the trail to the left of this limestone bank between two trees. To start it downhill go up the grass slope after the limestone switchbacks and look out for a small track on the left just before the entrance to the field.
Most do use this as an alternative climb to avoid the switchbacks so I reckon caution is advised if you try to use it as a downhill.slainte
rob
Posted 6 months ago # -
Not sure the new sections of trail (or even some of the older ones) will survive the winter in easily rideable condition. Sections aren't draining well and are getting cut up and muddy (Wakerley mud seems to be that odd type that is both slippy and sticky at the same time).
slainte
rob
Posted 5 months ago # -
Interesting music there ^
I used to be quite into sitting in the dark, off my tits, listening to stuff like that
Posted 5 months ago # -
They have 100 ton of hardcore to go down soon.
Posted 5 months ago # -
Went here a couple of weeks ago, fun to do a couple of laps. Its pretty flat so keep your speed up to get the most out of it, there are a couple of nice berm sections. The LBS told me that they are planning more technical features including some woodwork.
Posted 5 months ago # -
Went to Fineshades earlier, not sure if its a different thing to Wakerley Woods (is it?) but its alright for a quick ride. Went with a mate on his first mtb ride (first time on a bike in 8 years!) and he loved it, so looks like its got him into biking
Was a bit weird though, its just like fire road with smaller singletrack loops/sections off to the sides. Is Scartree different and is it just one longer singletrack loop?
Posted 5 months ago # -
_tom_
Fineshades is the other side of the A43 to Wakerley. The route at Fineshades is a Green family route of mostly surfaced fireroads with a few (admittedly big fuin if you blast them) Blue graded 'skills loops'.
If you ride out of the car park at Fineshades, down the hill, straight across the crossroads on the A43 and ride on for about 1/2 mile you will come to the start of the Scartree trail in Wakerley Great Wood. This is a Red graded trail (though a pretty easy one) that is now pretty much all singletrack. Check out my little helmetcam vid above to see the type of riding you'll find there.
slainte
rob
Posted 5 months ago # -
Good to see this new trail is still generating alot of interest - I love it!
Does anyone actually know what firm plans (if any) there are for Wakerley, going forward, after the current trail work has been completed?
I'm also wondering how unofficial trails will be 'tolerated'? I can imagine that modifying the existing trails is a big no-no (and would never advocate that), but I'm wondering what the reaction would be if you cut in some more sections leading off existng routes?
The only thing that does concern me going forward are potential clashes with other users of the woods. I've already had a a few deathly stares from dog walkers on Sunday mornings, even though I've been courteous and slowed down....
Posted 5 months ago # -
Cheers Rob, I think we're going back next week so will take a look at the Wakerley side as well.
Strike, we noticed loads of logs and stuff placed across the trails which we had to move. Not really sure why people are doing it as the blue skills loops aren't even part of the main walking trails.
Posted 5 months ago # -
The only thing that does concern me going forward are potential clashes with other users of the woods. I've already had a a few deathly stares from dog walkers on Sunday mornings, even though I've been courteous and slowed down....
I often go running round Wakerly, and used to bike round there before it was fashionable
Annoyingly, they have cut the bike trail through my fav running routes, which I don't plan on changing, so hopefully everyone can co-exist happily. As a bike rider I will not give any death stares....unless you're overbiked.
Posted 5 months ago # -
^I was riding it on my Bullit with Boxxers yesterday
Posted 5 months ago # -
*Stares at Tom*
Posted 5 months ago # -
I really hope we can all co-exist in peace! And for every bad stare/moody look, there have been many more friendly exchanges with walkers, etc. I've also spoken to the warden for Wakerley as well, and she was pleasent too.
Does anyone know anything about the new Wakerley trail building/maintenance group that has been formed? I saw a poster for it in the cafe at Top Lodge, but can't remember the details!
Posted 5 months ago # -
Posted 5 months ago #
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Also, never had an issue with (dog) walkers in Wakerley. All those I've (not literally) bumped into have been polite and friendly.
slainte
rob
Posted 5 months ago # -
The trail will remain porridge until spring and is extra hard work on a mini dh bike. I take out my dogs in the woods daily as I live a short walk from Wakerley and one thing that concerns me is how churned up and slippery the footpaths are getting. I think the FC should have built separate cycle/footpaths. I think the trail is signed as a shared trail so cyclists don't have priority. I see there are some nice new additions to the trails near Laxton Hall. I rode the hidden trail (located above the switchbacks) as a downhill last weekend. A bit narrow and twisty so I added a few modifications to make the descent easier. Its still not a particulary fast run down but spices up a pretty flat XC course... it is used as an ascent so keep a close look out for oncoming traffic. I still haven't found out if the FC is planning anymore trail building.
Posted 5 months ago # -
Some further building has gone on. Still more to do by the looks of it.
Haven't been since it started raining but imagine it's back to like riding through glue again (after it had just started to dry out).
slainte
rob
Posted 1 month ago #
rob
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