SCOTT FUTURE PRO RANSOM 600 £1,699

The new Future Pro Ransom is a fullsuspension bike designed specifically from the ground up for kids that want to rip (or should that be, parents who want their kids to rip?). Either way, it looks bang on for the task in hand, featuring a lightweight 6061 alloy frame, 130mm of suspension travel and a 140mm fork, both with a lightweight tune for minnows, and kids components. It’s a proper shrunken enduro bike.

Perhaps the most interesting frame feature is the bike’s flip-chip, located on the main linkage – it’s there to let riders switch between 24in and 26in wheels and adjust the geometry accordingly. The idea is the Future Pro is really two bikes in one, it can grow alongside your child without having to fork out for yet another new bike. Then shrink it back down again for the younger sibling. £1,700 is a lot of money to spend, but with the wheel trick you can expect the Future Pro to carry a kid from 8-years-old to around 11 or 12. You could even bridge the gap between the two wheel sizes (and be bang on trend) running a mullet set-up, with 24in on the back and 26in up front.

We really like the attention to detail on this bike too: X-fusion air-sprung suspension; the Shimano Deore drivetrain gives kids 11 gears to winch back up the climbs; diddy 140mm cranks for small legs (and to let the bike sit really low to the ground without bonking pedals); and a short stem and 640mm bar. There’s internal cable routing, Shimano hydraulic brakes and decent Formula hubs with Syncros rims. Perhaps best of all, there’s a dropper post too with 80mm travel, spot on for smaller riders who really couldn’t handle even the shortest of adult dropper posts.

There are two Future Pro Ransom models to choose from, they share the same frame but the 600 comes with the 26in wheels (and a slightly wider bar and longer crank), while the 400 is £50 less and comes with 24in wheels. Scott doesn’t guarantee you’ll get yourself a future pro as a son or daughter, but a bike like this can’t hurt their chances.

NAN BIELD PASS, LAKE DISTRICT 24.4KM (15.2 MILES)

Nan Bield, specifically the descent down towards Kentmere Reservoir, is one of those must-do trails in the Lake District. Techy, twisting and with scenery that makes the rather brutal hike-a-bike to the top worth all the struggle. At the bottom, your options are to turn around and hike back to the top of Nan Bield and ride down what you just hiked up, or cross over into the next valley (Long Sleddale) and over Gatescarth Pass. Gatescarth itself is a dull up and down so this route takes a detour into Mosedale before picking up the Old Corpse Road back down to Haweswater.

This descent isn’t as well known as Nan Bield but just as fun and just as amazingly photogenic.

GPS download bit.ly/nanbield

BURRATOR RESERVOIR, DARTMOOR

22KM (13.7 MILES)

Dartmoor has a well-deserved reputation for being an epic riding destination – a wide, open wilderness a rider could easily get lost in. This route, however, will keep you on the right track, giving you a taste for the expanse of the moors but without the need to ever leave your comfort zone. It’s not a technical ride so can be ridden at speed with no surprises but it also serves up sweeping panoramas and is definitely worth taking your time over, especially when the sun is out.

GPS download bit.ly/burrator

SWALEDALE, YORKSHIRE DALES 27.7KM (17.2 MILES)

Home of the Ard Rock Enduro, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale have some cracking riding, some of it obvious, some of it less so. You’ll have to work for the good stuff though. The climbs are long and tough; Fremington Edge in particular has a reputation for breaking even the strongest riders.

But once you get up onto the moors you’ve got plenty of options as to what you do with that hard-won height. This figure-of-eight ride has two particularly challenging climbs, including Fremington Edge, so pack some extra butties. It also has descents that range from steep to mellow, but somehow all are equally fast.

GPS download bit.ly/swaledaleride

CADAIR IDRIS, NORTH WALES 17.4KM (10.8 MILES)

West Wales makes for a perfect holiday location – sun (sometimes), sea and, er, mountain biking. With Coed y Brenin on hand to give you your trail centre fix, if you’re in the mood for some riding that involves proper mountains, take a look across the Mawddach Estuary to the hulking mass of Cadair Idris. Despite its size there’s only one bridleway available to mountain bikers so you’ll be going up and down on the same trail. It’s a popular mountain so you’ll need to keep your wits about you and ride with caution. An early start or late finish is the best way to enjoy the descent uninterrupted.

GPS download bit.ly/cadairidrisride