KILLER LOOPS
The perfect place to start for new riders and young ‘uns – all killer, no filler mileage
DUNSOP BRIDGE, LANCASHIRE 19.3KM (12.0 MILES)
Fancy getting that out-there feeling without getting too far from civilisation? This is the route for you. The empty, grassy fells of the Forest of Bowland provide a gentle introduction to some of the North’s wilder scenery. Starting on farm tracks you’ll wind your way up onto Dunsop Fell before dropping off the front of it on fast, fun, flowing singletrack. If you want to keep the ride going turn into Grizedale forest for a trail centre fix. GPS download bit.ly/dunsop
WATLINGTON, OXFORDSHIRE 20.0KM (12.4 MILES)
The Chiltern Hills have long been a refuge for riders in the South-east and their generally unintimidating nature makes them the perfect place to get your off-road fix. Most of the ride is on easy-going hedge-lined bridleway and farm track but there’s some tight and twisty singletrack tucked away in the trees to keep you on your toes. As the Chiltern Hills are made of chalk, exercise a bit of caution in the wet – things can get a little slippy.
GPS download bit.ly/wattlington
LOUGHRIGG TERRACE, CUMBRIA 14.6KM (9.1 MILES)
There are few finer feelings than riding your mountain bike amongst mountains. You don’t even have to go up one to appreciate them either. Keeping to some of the lower fells this ride acts as a Lakes taster, hopefully whetting your appetite for bigger – and higher – days out. Being The Lake District there’s no avoiding some tough climbs, but there’s also plenty of rewarding descents. And views. And pubs. And cafes.
GPS download bit.ly/loughriggterrace