THE YORKSHIRE DALES’ BEST KEPT SECRET. It’s not easy to get to, and on a bad day, it can be very grim, but a good day in Swaledale can rejuvenate your love of mountain biking. Dave Anderson braves the weather just to ride the enigmatic and elusive Schoolmaster Pasture.
Sandwiched neatly between Snowdonia and Offa’s Dyke, the Berwyn Mountains are a deserted
mountain gem – merely rushed through by most riders on their way to Snowdonia and equally
neglected by walkers. This makes them ideal for the solitude seeking mountain biker.
Steve Thomas, the self-proclaimed King of the Berwyns, takes a moment to show us a corner of
this hidden kingdom.
2008 saw the launch of a new kind of “Trail Centre” nary a stone’s throw away from Singletrack Magazine’s HQ. Here’s the official report about how 2008 went and a few teasers about what’s in store.
Blairadam Forest dates back to the 18th century when a chap called Sir William Adam bought the estate and planted trees to enhance the landscape. The Adam family (no connection to Morticia) still own an estate adjacent to the forest and one of the current generation can occasionally be seen MTBing in the forest named in his family’s honour.
The Moray Monster Trails are a result of collaboration between Forestry Enterprise (Moray), Moray Mountain Bike Club and others and are a linked network covering 30km of trails, graded from green to black, including a freeride section.
Legend has it that the Witch of Leanachan (“lee-nach-an”) fled to the hills of Aonach Mor in the 1800s. Keeping her spooky spirit alive, the world-famous Witch’s Trails continue to bewitch mountain bikers. There are 45km of trail to tackle.
The Whinlatter Altura Mountain Bike Trail is an exciting new development within Whinlatter Forest Park. The 19 kilometre bike trial will be the longest purpose built trail in the Lake District and will involve 15 kilometres of new single track trail.
The Mountain Biking Centre at Coed Llandegla Forest opened during late summer 2005 and has already proved to be extremely popular with mountain bikers from across North Wales.
Warren Boulder Trail, This is a man made trail built to the highest specification by SingletrAction. You can expect the most severe of descents and the most difficult of climbs. The Norwood Edge Trails are natural trails that have been discovered and cleared by SingletrAction. There are two trails in this section of Stainburn Forest, the longer Black Route and the shorter Gold Route which Loops off the Black.
Carron Valley mountain bike trails are fast, fun and purpose built for year round use – guaranteed to entice you back for more! The routes feature testing singletrack climbs, flowing descents and stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding areas. There is something for everyone at Carron Valley – links provide a short fun route or something longer and more challenging. Whatever you choose the emphasis is firmly on fun!
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