Help me with some ideas for a week off?

I have a week’s leave to take before the end of March and stuck for ideas on what to do either riding or non-riding related.

I had thought about flying out to Vancover or San Fran and just chilling out but with the dire state of the pound I am thinking I may use the time to explore the UK and get a cottage somewhere as a base to to some riding, walking and some good local food away from the hustle of the South East.

I am London based and don’t want to have to drive for too many hours so still thinking about the more southern parts of our land.

The riding must be suitable for a relative MTB beginner – my fitness and endurance is fine – but my techical ability is severely lacking (as anyone who has ridden with me can vouch) as I am first and foremost a roadie but have started to ride my MTBs more in the last 12 months

I also prefer the sense of achievement with getting from A to B and back and not simply loops of a trail cente or small forest like Swinley etc.

Ideas I have are (albeit not too much thought behind them to be honest)

1/ Cotwolds – based somewhere near Cheltenham or Evesham?
2/ Mendip/Quantock Hills – based well somewhere nearby?

I am sure the options are endless – but where would be good for say 4 days riding split with a little on foot adventure – nice small towns, villages etc worth exploring.

Thanks
Gary

Mendips are generally very muddy in March, unless we’ve had a dry spell. Qs are great all year but more up down up down and not much sense of travel. Dartmoor or Exmoor? Ask the local experts.

If your skills are a little lacking come to sunny mid Wales for a 2 day skills course…www.forestfreeride.co.uk then have the rest of the week exploring the area.

Theres plenty of there and back stuff, both biking and walking. Plynlimon is just over the hill, a nice out and back epic from here is over the Plynlimon range, down through Nant Yr Arian. Overnight around Devils Bridge and ride back the next day.

Cheers
Stuart

get yourself over to france if your in the south east and go to a vtt centre, the ones below givet look good in the valley, with a few old railway line conversions as well

Stuart – thanks for that – that’s not a bad idea!

Pleasure 😀

Stuart