Top UK Mountain Biking Trails to Explore This Summer | Simons Bike Shop

Summer is here, the days are long, the trails are dry, and there has never been a better time to get out and explore the best mountain biking the UK has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned rider who knows every rock and root on your local loop, or someone who's just picked up their first mountain bike and is starting to wonder what all the fuss is about, this country has an incredible variety of trails waiting to be ridden.

From the rugged fells of the Lake District to the purpose-built trail centres of Wales and Scotland, UK mountain biking is genuinely world-class. Here's a roundup of some of the finest trails to get on your list this summer.

Grizedale Forest, Lake District

For Simon, the Lake District is home. It's where a lifelong love of mountain biking first took hold, back when the sport was young and the trails were rough and untamed. Grizedale Forest sits in the heart of the southern Lakes and offers a brilliant mix of natural singletrack and well-maintained trails through ancient woodland.

The North Face Trail is the headline act here, a red-graded route that winds through forest and open fellside with fantastic views across the Furness Fells. It's technical enough to keep experienced riders engaged, but not so gnarly that a confident intermediate won't absolutely love every metre of it. There's also a green trail for newer riders, making Grizedale a great destination for a mixed-ability group.

The Lake District as a whole is worth exploring beyond the trail centre, too. There's incredible natural riding on the fells if you're comfortable navigating off the beaten track, and the scenery is simply unmatched anywhere in England.

Glentress, Scottish Borders

If you're willing to travel, Glentress in the Scottish Borders is one of the finest trail centres in the entire country and well worth the journey. Part of the 7stanes network, Glentress has earned its reputation over many years as a destination that genuinely caters for every level of rider.

The blue trails are smooth, flowing, and enormously satisfying for newer riders building confidence. The red routes are longer and more challenging, with proper technical sections and some brilliant descents. And if you're chasing something more serious, the black trails at Glentress are proper test pieces that will push even experienced riders.

The cafe at the trailhead is excellent, the parking is good, and the whole set-up is well organised. If you're planning a mountain biking weekend away this summer, Glentress should be near the top of your shortlist.

Afan Forest Park, South Wales

Afan Forest Park in South Wales has a strong claim to being the mountain biking capital of Wales, and it's not hard to see why. Nestled in the valleys of the Neath Port Talbot area, the trail centre offers a genuinely impressive range of routes, from beginner-friendly green tracks to the legendary Blade trail, a black-graded route that has become something of a rite of passage for serious riders.

The climbing at Afan can be relentless, but the descents more than make it worthwhile. Long, swooping sections of singletrack through pine forest with the occasional rocky technical challenge thrown in for good measure. The scenery is dramatic and distinctly Welsh, and the whole place has a brilliant atmosphere, especially on a warm summer weekend when riders from all over the country make the pilgrimage.

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

For riders in the Midlands or looking for something a little closer to home, Cannock Chase is a genuine hidden gem. It doesn't always get the same headlines as the trail centres in Wales or Scotland, but the riding here is excellent and the access is hard to beat.

The Follow the Dog trail is the main event, a red-graded route with some great flowing singletrack, berms, and technical features that make it endlessly rerideable. There's also a skills area for those wanting to work on specific techniques, and a blue trail for less experienced riders. The forest setting is beautiful and the trails are well maintained throughout the year.

Swinley Forest, Berkshire

For riders based in the south of England, Swinley Forest near Bracknell offers some of the most accessible trail riding in the region. Set within the Crown Estate's beautiful woodland, Swinley has a network of well-built trails ranging from gentle green routes to more challenging blue and red options.

It's not the biggest trail centre in the UK, but what it lacks in scale it more than makes up for in quality. The trails are smooth, well-signed, and consistently enjoyable, and the location makes it ideal for a quick summer evening ride or a relaxed weekend morning session. If you're new to trail riding and based anywhere near London or the Home Counties, Swinley is a brilliant place to start building confidence on the bike.

Tips for Planning a Great Trail Day

Wherever you decide to ride this summer, a little preparation goes a long way. Check the weather and trail conditions before you set off, particularly for natural routes where heavy rain can make things significantly more challenging. Make sure your bike is in good working order, tyres pumped up, brakes sharp, and drivetrain well lubed. Carry enough water, a snack, and a basic repair kit including a spare inner tube and a multi-tool.

If you're heading somewhere new, download the trail map or use a GPS app so you know where you're going. And if you're riding with others of different abilities, choose a trail that gives everyone a good experience rather than pushing the least confident rider beyond their comfort zone.

Of course, if your bike needs a check over before a big day out, or if you're looking for a reliable second-hand mountain bike to take on these trails, the team at Simons Bike Shop is always happy to help. Every bike we sell goes through a full in-house safety check, so you can head out with complete confidence.

Get Out There and Ride

The UK mountain biking scene is thriving, and summer is the absolute best time to make the most of it. Whether you're ticking off trail centres, exploring natural singletrack, or simply getting out into the countryside for the first time, there's a ride here with your name on it.

So get the bike out, check the weather, and make this the summer you discover somewhere new on two wheels. The trails are waiting.