Top 13 Bike Parks around North Somerset

For a wide range of cycling opportunities, Ashton Court Estate and Leigh Woods near Bristol are excellent choices. Ashton Court features the popular Nova Trail — End Section, a 5-mile blue-graded trail suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, with optional red-graded sections for more challenge. Leigh Woods offers trails like the Yer Tiz Blue MTB Trail, catering to various fitness levels and including some portions requiring advanced skills.

Yes, several locations are great for families. The Clevedon Cycle Centre provides pump tracks and dirt jumps suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it ideal for honing skills and family outings. Additionally, the Cannington Pump Track and Castle Cary Pump Track are designed to be versatile, welcoming beginners and younger riders while still offering engaging experiences for more advanced users.

You'll find excellent pump tracks at the Clevedon Cycle Centre, which features pump tracks and dirt jumps. Further afield, the Cannington Pump Track and North Petherton Pump Track in Somerset offer high-quality, all-weather asphalt circuits designed for momentum-based riding. The Castle Cary Pump Track is also a valuable community resource, designed to build confidence in younger riders and provide an engaging BMX experience.

The terrain varies significantly. Trails like the Nova Trail at Ashton Court are hard-packed with rollers, making them enjoyable in both wet and dry conditions. Other trails, such as the Bourton Combe Bridleway and 50 Acre Wood Trail, feature more natural elements like roots, rocks, and can be slippery when wet. Some sections, like the Old Lane Bridleway, become more technical with drop-offs and rocky sections towards the end.

Generally, spring through autumn offer the most favorable weather conditions for riding in North Somerset. While some trails, like the Nova Trail, are designed to be enjoyable in both wet and dry conditions, natural trails with roots and rocks can become very slippery after rain. Checking local weather forecasts before your ride is always recommended.

Yes, experienced riders seeking thrills can find challenging options. Pedal Progression at Compton Martin offers a range of cross-country routes and challenging downhill tracks. The 50 Acre Wood Trail is a volunteer-built section with a natural feel, including roots, rocks, and optional medium-sized drop-offs. The Dundry Singletrack Descent also provides a challenging experience.

Beyond bike parks, North Somerset offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore easy hikes, such as the Leigh Woods Veteran Tree Walk or trails around Goblin Combe. For gravel biking, routes like The Strawberry Line offer moderate to difficult rides. There are also numerous running trails, including coastal paths from Clevedon Lido or challenging routes in the Mendip Hills. Find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, gravel biking, and running trails guides for North Somerset.

Yes, particularly around the popular Ashton Court Estate. You'll find an MTB centre, carpark, coffee stop, and the Pedal Progression bike shop where you can hire bikes and kit. This makes it convenient for visitors who may not have their own mountain bike or gravel bike.

Yes, the Mendip Hills AONB, located south-west of Bath and encompassing parts of North Somerset, offers numerous mountain bike trails through picturesque landscapes. Areas like Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Combe are popular for mountain biking. There is also an approved pump track near Cheddar Reservoir within the Mendips.

While popular spots are well-known, trails like the Bourton Combe Bridleway offer a brilliant linking trail through woodland with a challenging rock slab section. The 50 Acre Wood Trail is another volunteer-built section that provides a more natural-feeling ride with roots, rocks, and optional drop-offs, often appreciated for its unique character compared to more manicured trails.

While many pump tracks are suitable for children, the Mill Farm BMX Track in Bridgwater (Somerset) is designed with children in mind. It features a loop over a stream, two jumps, a table-top, a wall, and a water splash, and is free to use for campers at Mill Farm.