Philips Park in Whitefield is hopefully getting some work done soon, yay.
Anyone who goes there (or doesn't, but might) please have a look here:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/StPhilipsMBT
I've done it. Would be good to see the trails improved. The addition of the jumps on the RHS loop has been great, even if they are a little above my skill set
I didnt know there were existing 'official' MTB trails there - I presume its a bit tired and worn out? I'm not local, but I do drive back from working at MAN airport regularly, passing under that bridge always reminds me of racing Hit the North about 10 (15 maybe!?) years ago in relentless pissing rain.
I should probably take my bike in the car and stop for a post-work razz sometime.
ETA I've filled the survey in on the basis of me bieng more likely to stop and visit (and spend a few quid on the parking, cafe, whatever) if I knew there were decent marked and maintained trails.
Parts are worn out, hence the work, but the right loop was redone by Dirt Factory a few years ago so that's in better condition.
It's small but great fun. Certainly worth a visit if you're passing anyway or live in the Manchester area. Winch up the middle and pick a route on either side to get down.
There's also a blue XC route nearby which is good (marked in red as "no work being done" on that map, boo) but the signage is confusing or missing in parts. The trail's mostly fine though.
The large car park at the bottom is a good play area too. Unofficial but people have built a kind of skills area, balance beams, jumps, drops etc.
The Blue trails are in Waterdale and managed by the FC. The Reds are in the park and owned by the council who have handed over the management of them to the NCA, or that is how it used to be when I gave a shit. It was the NCA who turfed Hit The North out of the park.
As already stated, the clockwise Red has been recently reworked and is in reasonable condition, the anticlockwise is worn out.
Had to smile at the mention of adding sculpture. Back in the day we (HTN) showed the council pictures of the installations at CyB and as a result they put in an arch over the start of the anticlockwise, and it looked ace. Then some idiot pulled it over. I hope that the new ones are a bit more robust.
The last section of the blue trail, the optional red bit through the woods, used to be great until it was completely destroyed by the motocrossers. Shame.
<p style="text-align: left;">I've done the survey.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Hopefully the trails will get fixed and add some extra features.</p>
Suggestion #1 - keep the Surron ****s off it
Suggestion #1 – keep the Surron **** off it
I wonder if their budget would extend to snipers in the trees...