Here at FINDRA, we love getting out on our bikes. Whether it’s a favourite local loop or a brand-new trail, every ride brings its own rewards. Local tracks feel like home, but exploring new places challenges our skills, builds confidence, and reminds us why we ride in the first place.
For 2025, we’ve updated our list to share eight of the UK’s best trails - a mix of classics we never tire of and exciting new builds that show how the mountain biking scene keeps evolving. They’re fun, varied, and full of adventure for all levels of cyclist.
1. Gypsy Glen – Tweed Valley, Scottish Borders
We had to keep a local favourite! A wild trail just outside Peebles, Gypsy Glen offers huge views across the Tweed Valley before dropping into a flowing grassy descent that seems to go on forever. It’s less manicured than the nearby Glentress and Innerleithen 7Stanes, giving you that raw adventure feel with a pint or coffee waiting in town at the bottom.
Here's a look at the trail from Street Pigeon MTB.
2. Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park – Scottish Highlands
Opened in 2023, this is one of the UK’s newest bike parks and it is already popular with all levels. With 3.4km of lift-assisted trails graded from green to red, it’s accessible for families but also delivers fast, flowing descents for more experienced riders. The Highland backdrop makes it a truly unique riding experience.
3. Mile Down – Kielder Forest, Northumberland
Launched in 2024, Mile Down has been called England’s longest continuous downhill run. This red trail offers flow, jumps, and optional black-grade features. It’s a proper gravity fix in a beautiful forest setting, and shows how much Kielder is stepping up its MTB game.
Watch the trail in full here!
4. Moray Monster Trails – near Elgin, Moray
A gem in the north of Scotland. Spread across three linked sites, the Monsters offer something for everyone: family loops, pump tracks, technical descents, and the legendary “Gully Monster”. Expect quiet trails, atmospheric forests, and a lot of fun.
5. Hodder’s Combe – Quantocks, Somerset
The Quantocks remain one of England’s best natural riding areas. Short, steep climbs are rewarded with leaf-strewn descents down the combes (narrow valleys), all with views to the Bristol Channel. Pack a sandwich or plan a pub stop — this is a place to make a day of it.
6. Afan Forest Park – South Wales
Still one of South Wales’ top trail centres, Afan combines the convenience of a hub with the feeling of riding far into the hills. A great base for a riding holiday, with BikePark Wales and Cwmcarn nearby. Trails range from flowing singletrack to more technical climbs and descents, and the South Wales MTB community is as welcoming as ever.
7. Forest of Dean – Boneyard Descent, Gloucestershire
The Red Trail by MTB Foodie
Built by volunteers and opened in 2024, this red-grade trail adds something fresh to the already brilliant Forest of Dean. It’s fast, flowy, and feeds straight into the trail centre, making it a must-ride for intermediate and advanced riders.
8. Skiddaw Loop – Lake District, Cumbria
A Lake District classic that still deserves its place. At just 14.5km it sounds short, but the climbing is intense and requires some hike-a-bike. The payoff? Panoramic views and a descent regularly described as “world class”. Not easy, but unforgettable.
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Podcast
The Tough Girl Podcast is always worth a mention and an episode from September last year is especially worth highlighting for all MTB lovers. Josie Fouts shares her story as an athlete, mentor, and advocate in the mountain biking world. Not only is she pushing for greater visibility, she’s also trailblazing for MTB to become a Paralympic sport.
Favourite Quote
