How to start mountain biking in the UK
How to start mountain biking in the UK: a first trail-centre session, what to hire, Forestry England grades, and how to check a coach is qualified.
In this guide
Mountain biking is cycling off road, on forest trails and purpose-built tracks. A beginner starts at a trail centre, on an easy waymarked loop or with a coach.
A first session
A trail centre is the simplest place to start. British Cycling describes them as one-stop shops, usually on forestry land, with waymarked, graded routes and bike hire.
Forestry England's Forest of Dean Cycle Centre in Gloucestershire is one example, not a review. Its green trails are described as suitable for families and first-timers. The centre lists approved coaches for someone on a first bike. You book the coach, and prices vary.
A led ride is not a skills lesson. A first session should be an easy graded loop, or a coached session with a British Cycling coach.
Cross-country, downhill and four-cross are all part of the sport. None of them is a first session.
Hire before you buy
You do not need to own a bike. At the Forest of Dean you can hire one, and a helmet, and you should book ahead at weekends and in school holidays. Hire an easy-trail bike before you buy one.
Helmet and gloves
On Forestry England trails, always wear a helmet and gloves. The Highway Code says you should wear a cycle helmet that fits and is securely fastened. It says "should", not "must".
Fitness
British Cycling says skill matters as much as fitness, and riders come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Stay on an easy grade. If a condition might affect your balance or breathing, speak to your doctor first.
Trail colours
Colours are a guide, not a promise, and not every UK venue uses the same words. Forestry England's scale, updated on 5 July 2023, is green (easy: relatively flat, wide and smooth, though it can be loose or muddy), blue (moderate), red (difficult), black (severe) and double-black (extreme, with obstacles you cannot ride around). Check the forest you are visiting, and start on green.
Checking a coach
Ask to see the qualification, and ask to see that the insurance is current. ESP checks qualifications, insurance and references only. The coaches it introduces are UK-based.
If you would like help finding a coach, ESP can match you. The fee is £29.99. Nothing is charged when you send the form. The coach's own fees are separate. We refund the fee if we cannot provide a coach, or if your health means you cannot train. If the student is under 18, we need a guardian's consent, we contact that guardian, and the guardian travels with them.
