My slightly nervous 10 year old is generally happy round the Moors Valley XC route (and similar local singletrack). We have the chance of a weekend away together soon and I was thinking of taking him to a trail centre such as Cannock or Swinley. I have never been to a trail centre, but fancy somewhere different where the trails are easy to follow, tea/cake/sweets are available and is not too daunting for my 10 year old

Anyone with direct experience of Moors Valley and one (or both) care to comment?

TIA

The Monkey at Cannock would be OK for a reasonably confident 10 year old. Bits might phase him but I think most have alternative chicken runs now so its quite family friendly. Forest of Dean was good fun for a youngster.

My 12 year old loves Swinley and its the first trail he has ever ridden,go for it.

Loads to do around Cannock

http://www.chasetrails.co.uk/leisure-cycling/
http://www.chasetrails.co.uk/xc/

Its easy to cherry pick the bits you want to do and/or bale out of the bits you don’t like. The friendly locals will be happy to advise on the day

Swinley is a piece of cake ridden normally. Nothing to catch a novice out. At least that’s how it used to be, but I’m sure the new trails haven’t got any harder.

Gets more interesting the faster you go of course 🙂