As anyone who tried and failed to purchase a bike last year will know, cycling shot up in popularity during the pandemic. In fact, government data shows that between the start of March and May 2020, cycling increased up to 384 per cent.
Foreign travel may still be, at best, a massive pain in the bum, but the good news is that the UK has loads of amazing mountainous ranges and forest trails for the adventurous cyclist. Obviously, these are strictly for mountain bikes (our general best mountain bike or best mountain bikes under £500 guides will help you pick if you haven't got one yet) – don't be taking your new road bike here.
Leisure Lakes Bikes conducted a study into the most popular locations for mountain biking enthusiasts, based on data from Tripadvisor reviews. Read on for the top seven. If you're looking to get your wheels muddy this summer, these might be a good starting point.
- YouTube fitness guru Lilly Sabri has 3 million followers and she’s just getting started
- Under Armour sent me a Virgin Galactic Flight Jacket to try and I'm not sending it back
Topping the list is St Michael's Mount, a beautiful Cornish tidal island connected to the mainland via a man-made granite causeway. This location, with its coastal views and trails suitable for a range of ability levels, has garnered 5,033 reviews.
Following in second place with over 3k reviews is Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales. Steep ascents and rocky trails are a draw for seasoned mountain bikers, as is the option of getting the train up if you don't want to bike it. Note though, if you fancy tackling Snowdon on two wheels, you'll need to respect the Snowdon Voluntary Cycling Agreement, which asks cyclists not to cycle on Snowdon between 10am and 5pm from May to September.
At number 3 Scotland enters the ranking with Cairngorm Mountain, with its ski slopes making for ideal biking trails in the warmer months, closely followed by Ben Nevis at number 4. Standing at 1,345 metres, it's the tallest mountain in the UK, and offers plenty of trails (known as 'the Witch’s Trails') for bikers of all abilities.
At 5 is New Forest National Park, sitting between Bournemouth and Southampton and providing a top destination for cyclists in the South of England. Scottish cliffside Kilt Rock, with its stunning views and waterfall, makes number 6, and the remote Loch Ness rounds out the top 7.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).
-
This BISSELL steam cleaner is exactly what you need for the pre and post Christmas clean-up
BISSELL expands into steam cleaning with its new Steam Shot OmniReach cleaner
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Loved The Revenant? New Netflix Western series looks just as epic
American Primeval looks chilling
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
This rugged adventure Garmin is mega cheap in Walmart’s Black Friday sale
The Instinct 2 is a top watch for outdoor and sport enthusiasts
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
YETI’s best-selling products are ridiculously cheap in Amazon’s Black Friday sale
Fancy yourself a tumbler, rambler or cooler? Amazon's reduced them all
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2 review: Lightweight, storm-proof shelter with room to stretch
A superb tent, tweaked to make it perfect for pedal-powered adventurers
By Pat Kinsella Published
-
Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Shell review: the most waterproof (and shiny) jacket I’ve ever worn
It might not have the matt finish most people expect from a jacket, but the Wyldwood really shines when it comes to protecting you from wet and windy weather
By Pat Kinsella Published
-
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: Smart bone conduction headphones with enhanced bass
Shokz's headphones changed my opinion about running while listening to music, and now I struggle to go out without them
By Pat Kinsella Published
-
Is this Adidas’ next record-breaking running shoe?
With new technology and stiff competition, Adidas’ latest racing shoe aims to leave rivals in the dust
By Matt Kollat Published
-
AKASO Seemor 200 night vision goggles review: unparalleled clarity for nighttime adventures
AKASO’s new NVD unlocks the night with cutting-edge colour vision technology
By Derek Adams Published
-
Canyon Grizl:ON CF Daily review: from gravel to groceries, this ebike can do it all
One bike for every occasion, Canyon’s Grizl:ON CF Daily is a versatile steed that just rolls with it, from getting you to and from work to exploring trails on weekends
By Pat Kinsella Published