The UK is a top destination for fantastic family mountain biking. Many forests have dedicated and graded trails, as well as visitor centres, bike hire and cafe. You don't need to buy lots of biking-specific clothing. Just wear comfortable outdoors clothes and don't forget to take a waterproof jacket in case it turns out wet and muddy. Technical t-shirts are a great idea, too, on warmer days. Here we bring you some of the best mountain biking hot spots for families.
10 great places to mountain bike with a family
1. Fineshade Wood
Near Corby, Northamptonshire
Seven new blue graded taster skills loops, a cycle hire centre and shop, as well as a five-mile Family Cycle Trail will keep all ages entertained for hours.
2. Hamsterley Forest
Near Bishop Aukland, north-east England
A hidden gem that combines miles of cross country routes with the adrenaline fuelled 4X course of Descend Bike Park. This is a fantastic place for all levels of skill and experience.
3. Sherwood Pines
Near Mansfield, East Midlands
A wide variety of graded trails offer great riding for all ages and abilities. A fast developing bike park and dirt jump area gives opportunities for lots of air time, too.
4. Rugeley, West Midlands
Wonderful mountain biking for all ages and experience in the heart of the West Midlands. There's tons of choice including the fun-named Follow the Dog Trail, the new Monkey Trail and Stile Cop Bike Park.
5. Haldon Forest Park
Exeter, south west England
Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Exeter, Haldon Forest Park caters for everyone from family groups to top-notch freeriders. The new red grade XC trail gives you a great introduction to the network of trails that wind through the forest.
6. Alice Holt
Farnham, south-east England
This is a fantastic venue for novice mountain bikers or a family day out. The family trail makes a superb launch point to build skills and confidence before heading out into the wider woodland.
7. Bedgebury
Goudhurst, south-east England
Not far from London, Bedgebury is a lovely location to ride with family routes and high-speed red graded singletrack, so there is something for everyone.
8. 7stanes Glentess
Glentress, near Peebles, Scottish Borders
The Mecca of Scottish mountain biking, Glentress offers trails for all and is a real treat for families. Check out the family friendly skills area, as well as green and blue trails. The views from many of the routes are stunning as you take in green and rolling countryside. Glentress also boasts a tree-high adventure park called Go Ape. Don't miss the Glentress peel cafe, too.
9. 7stanes Glentrool
Glentrool is in Dumfries and Galloway
Welcome to the Wild West of Scotland! Families will love a long road-based ride through the forest, other fun routes for families and beginners and a great blue graded trail, all set amid stunning
scenery. There is also a seasonal café and bike hire can be arranged.
10. Laggan Wolftrax
Wolftrax, near Newtonmore, Highlands
Set in the outstanding Highlands beauty of Strathmashie Forest, Wolftrax provides a green-graded beginners' trail and the thrills of a big-and-bermy Bike Park, as well as a tougher red and black route. So if you're a family with a range of abilities this is a great place to head for a full day of riding.