SHEFFIELD
The Steel City must have one of the biggest mountain biking communities in the UK, and advocacy group Ride Sheffield are a driving force for MTB access and trail improvements in the area. As such, there are a few places around the city that, with a bit of pedal power, can be reached without needing a vehicle. Parkwood Springs, Lady Canning’s Plantation & Grenoside Woods are the three main riding spots.
Parkwood Springs is the most central to the city and has a 2km blue trail with a red offshoot. Flowing berms, a few manmade rock gardens and tabletops spice things up, but it’s gentle riding and ideal for novices. As a bonus there’s a dual slalom track to add a little friendly competition between mates.
On the city’s western edge, Lady Canning’s Plantation has two blue flow trails (1.4km and 1.6km). Both are rollercoaster runs that are wellbuilt, have an all-weather surface and use the hillside to great effect. Riders of all abilities can push themselves here, and there’s a red trail in the planning stages too.
North of the city is Greno Woods, home trails to Steve Peat. This spot is more suited to intermediate and above riders. There are two red descents and one black, and the area features bigger jumps, so it’s best to look before you leap. It’s the venue for Peaty’s Steel City Downhill race, so you can get up to a fair old pace down the trails. Again, this place is well-built and rides well in any weather. Plus, who knows, if you pedal up there you might just bump into the big man himself. Across the road from Greno Woods is Wharncliffe Woods, home to some off-piste techy DH tracks. These are built by locals, and you’ll likely need a local to find them.
Two miles west of the city centre, Bolehills BMX track was revamped in 2015 and boasts four straights, plus a pump track.