7 most popular UK mountain biking spots revealed

(Image credit: Tim Foster on Unsplash)

published 1 August 2021

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.

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.

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).