2Wheel Chick: 5 Favourites - Off-road biking trails

Friday, 26 August 2016

5 Favourites - Off-road biking trails

In this lovely weather why not get your bike out and have a quick spin on some off-road trails. They are mainly on disused railway lines and are easily rideable as they aren't too technical. Some are longer than others and are family friendly, with picnic areas and refreshment stops along the way.

Here are my top 5 (in no particular order) for the weekend:

1. Tissington Trail: 13.5 Miles - Ashbourne to Parsley Hay

Set in the Peak District: The oldest, and one of the most popular trails in England

2. Cinder Track: 21 miles - Scarborough to Whitby

One of the most spectacular off-road trails. You are never far from the coast as you journey between these two North Yorkshire seaside towns. Don't miss the beautiful views from Robin Hood's Bay.

3. Middlewood Way: 10 miles - Macclesfield to Marple

A scenic ride through Cheshire. There are lots of little villages to stop at along the route, with the beautiful Lyme Park nearby.

4. Downs Link: 37 miles - Guildford to Shoreham-by-Sea

A slightly longer ride, but very rewarding as you end up at the seaside on the Sussex coast. It might be a little long for a family ride with children, but it is perfectly possible to ride sections of it and there are various places to get refreshments along the way. If you have energy at the end of the Downs Link you can ride an easy 10 miles along a tarmacked coastal cycle path to reach Brighton. I did this ride earlier in the year, though rather than taking the coastal path I decided to challenge myself by going across the South Downs!

5. Longendale Trail: 6.5 miles - Hadfield to Woodhead tunnel

Very pretty ride going along the side of the Torside reservoir at the north-west end of the Peak District. I rode along it while doing the Transpennine Trail.