New research from GoOutdoors claims to reveal the best mountain biking destinations in the UK. The Tweed Valley doesn’t make the cut. Swindon does.
The study looked at factors such as the number of trails in each UK region, as well as the number of 4*+ hotels and holiday homes, plus typical weather conditions, to reveal the best bike hotspots in the UK.
The UK’s best biking destinations
 per 100,000 people  Percentage of  Rank City Mountain biking trails Bike repair shops Average rainfall (mm) Moderately difficult mountain biking trails Hotels rated 4*+ Apartments rated 4*+ Holiday homes rated 4*+ All accommodation rated 4*+ Mountain biking score (/10) 1 Cambridge 6.7 4.0 38.4 90% 42% 19% 33% 27% 9.83 2 Brighton and Hove 9.0 1.6 44.9 55% 39% 28% 46% 31% 9.08 3 Sheffield 8.8 2.3 43.7 53% 41% 12% 29% 21% 8.74 4 York 7.9 1.8 41.3 46% 57% 36% 25% 40% 8.49 5 Manchester 5.1 1.9 55.8 55% 48% 26% 15% 24% 8.29 6 Reading 5.8 1.9 43.1 47% 55% 20% 33% 35% 8.27 7 Derby 9.8 1.5 44.3 46% 35% 37% 38% 28% 8.03 8 Edinburgh 4.3 1.4 50.1 52% 61% 40% 50% 39% 7.92 9 Belfast 3.3 1.5 62.6 55% 62% 32% 33% 32% 7.89 10 Swindon 6.7 1.0 46.3 54% 40% 27% 20% 29% 7.80
GoOutdoors press release:
Cambridge has the best mountain biking trails in the UK, scoring 9.83 out of 10. The city also has the highest cycling rate in the country, with one in three residents cycling to work. Cambridge recorded the most moderately challenging biking trails, with nine in 10 (90%) and four bike repair shops per 100,000 people. On average, Cambridge receives less rainfall than most other cities, with 38.4 mm per year.
Brighton and Hove also impressed with its mountain biking activities, scoring 9.08 out of 10. There are nine trails per 100,000 people, and more than half are considered moderately challenging.
Some popular trails include an enjoyable flat route along Brighton Beach Promenade, estimated to take around one hour and 46 minutes to complete.
The green city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, placed third for its mountain biking options. Sheffield has 8.8 mountain biking trails per 100,000 people and offers the most bike repair shops nearby (2.3 shops per 100,000). Located on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park, the city is surrounded by natural beauty and rugged terrain, offering many options for adventurous cyclists
Further findings
- Belfast is the best place to visit for a fishing holiday
- York offers the best running trails
- Peterborough is the best bird-watching location
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