Mountain biking: kit, costs and safety

• What you need first: Nothing. Read this before you book.
• What's next: Head back to the Mountain biking hub to pick your next step.

A tuned bike, a good helmet and honest decisions. That's most of it.

Typical UK prices

• A coached booking: £80 to £250 per person. A trail-centre skills day is about £80, and a private full day is £175 to £250.
• A multi-day skills block: typically £250 to £600. There's no licence just to ride.
• British Cycling's own listed award prices: Off-Road Leader £205 to £275; Trail Leader £370 to £550 plus £250 to £350 assessment; Mountain Bike Leader £550 to £750 plus £400 to £550 assessment; Introduction to Coaching – Off-Road £270; Coaching in Context – MTB XC £415.
• Leaders and coaches also need first aid (two-day outdoor for leaders and Coaching in Context) and safeguarding, which aren't included.
• Private skills coaching: £45 to £70 an hour.

Who does what

• British Cycling, Scottish Cycling and Welsh Cycling: share the off-road leadership awards (Off-Road Leader, Trail Leader and Mountain Bike Leader). British Cycling runs the coaching pathway and national racing.
• Old Scottish MBLA awards: British Cycling says MBLA courses are no longer available, but existing Trail Cycle Leader and MBL qualifications are still recognised.

Source: Scottish Cycling MBLA, Off-Road Leadership and Recognised qualifications and the award pages linked in each guide, British Cycling, checked October 2026.

Governing body: British Cycling. It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for mountain biking, so it's the official place to find out more.

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.