Nova Trail switchbacks, Ashton Court
Nova Trail switchbacks, Ashton Court
Highlight • MTB Park
Nova Trail switchbacks, Ashton Court
Mountain biking
4.9
(160)
Gravel riding
5.0
(3)
Cycling
5.0
(1)
Tips
May 2, 2018
Mountain biking
June 17, 2019
Mountain biking
July 25, 2018
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Nova Trail switchbacks, Ashton Court
4.6
(33)
513
riders
18.0km
01:22
210m
210m
Explore the challenging Ashton Court & Leigh Woods trails, a difficult mountain biking route spanning 11.2 miles (18.0 km) with 694 feet (211 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 1 hour and 21 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of flowing singletrack, twists, turns, and drops, with sections featuring berms, rollers, and small jumps. The route winds through dense woodland, offering picturesque views overlooking the Avon Gorge and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, especially stunning in autumn. Expect varied surfaces, including stone-based, all-weather trails designed to shed mud, making them rideable year-round.
These trails are conveniently located just outside Bristol, making them easily accessible for a quick escape and reachable via the National Cycle Network. Ashton Court provides excellent amenities, including cafes, toilets, bike wash facilities, bike hire, and coaching services, ensuring you have everything you need for your ride. The purpose-built nature of the trails means they are well-maintained and can be enjoyed in various conditions, allowing for year-round mountain biking adventures.
The Ashton Court and Leigh Woods networks are notable for their variety and progression, offering both blue-graded main trails and optional red-graded sections like Ashton Court's Supernova Trail and Leigh Woods' Gert Lush section. This setup allows riders of all abilities to find enjoyment and develop their skills, with dedicated skills areas and jump lines. The trails are actively managed and maintained by local groups such as the Bristol Trails Group and Ride Bristol, reflecting a strong community commitment to enhancing the riding experience, including a recent revamp of the Yer Tiz trail for improved flow and accessibility.
4.7
(23)
362
riders
8.51km
00:41
100m
100m
Get ready for a dynamic mountain biking experience on the Blue Nova & Supernova trails in Leigh Woods, near Bristol. This combined route covers 5.3 miles (8.5 km) with 322 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 41 minutes to complete. You will ride through dense deciduous and coniferous forests, with some sections offering views overlooking the Avon Gorge and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. The overall difficulty is rated as difficult, reflecting the varied challenges you will encounter.
When planning your ride, remember that the Blue Nova component is a blue-graded trail, offering flowing sections with twists, turns, drops, small rock steps, rollers, and banked corners, perfect for building confidence. However, the Supernova trail is an optional, red-graded section designed for proficient mountain bikers. This 0.5-mile (860-meter) stretch features a pump/jump feel with a rocky descent, including technical elements like doubles, step-ups, rock gardens, and multiple berms. Be prepared for a very rough and technical downhill singletrack on Supernova.
These trails are highly regarded within the mountain biking community for their unique combination of flow and technical challenge. The Blue Nova provides an excellent experience for a range of riders, while the Supernova offers a significantly more demanding test of skill. Part of a larger network managed by the Bristol Trails Group and the Forestry Commission, these purpose-built trails showcase the protected woodland environment of Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve, making for a memorable ride.
4.5
(24)
513
riders
33.5km
02:26
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Details
Informations
Elevation 300 m
Weather
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Saturday 4 July
25°C
15°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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