Top 5 UK Mountain Bike Adventures for Autumn

Make the most of the last embers of lighter evenings in the saddle of a mountain bike

By Chris Chilton
Published 20 Sept 2018, 16:36 BST, Updated 15 Jul 2021, 10:55 BST

Autumn’s unpredictability makes it the most exciting of all seasons. One minute you’re watching sunlight filter through leaves mid-change from green to brown and the next you could be sheltering from a downpour under the very same tree.

And what better way to taste that excitement, feel the rush of the crisp morning air, or make the most of the last embers of lighter evenings than in the saddle of a mountain bike.

With their surefooted handling, strong, lightweight construction and excellent brakes to keep you out of danger, the best modern mountain bikes, much like Subaru’s range of SUVs, are ready for whatever nature can throw at them. So swap your comfortable sofa for a capable Subaru SUV that’s guaranteed to be more reliable than any autumn weather forecast, and try one of these five UK mountain bike trails.

1. Surrey – Peaslake

The Peaslake area, south of Guildford, is huge fun for riders of all abilities, from the mountain bike novice with the spotless tyres to the grizzly expert with the war wounds to prove it. There are over 50 trails to choose from, or better still, combine, in the Hurtwood, meaning you can keep coming back and always feel like you’re getting something different from your ride.

Subaru’s always-on Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive SUVs love variety too, from sand to snow, and rocks to roads – there’s no terrain or weather conditions too challenging for this capable workhorse. But while the conditions might fluctuate wildly in autumn, your Subaru’s ability to deliver you to your destination safely is an unwavering constant.

2. Wales – Gower Peninsula

The first place in Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower Peninsula in South Wales offers bikers everything from tree-lined green lanes to stunning widescreen vistas of blue sky and miles of ocean.

Still got some energy left? Travel north and experience your Subaru SUV’s unbeatable traction and control on the twisty roads of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Or simply stick your bike back on the roof carrier and reach down your surfboard. The Gower Peninsula’s miles of white sandy beaches and numerous coves make this area the home of Welsh surfing.

 

3. Norfolk – Thetford Forest

Proving that a lack of hills definitely doesn’t equate to a lack of thrills when it comes to two wheels, Thetford Forest in Norfolk is packed with miles of trails. The trees lining each one add to the sense of speed, but it’s the bomb holes, the result of military action during WWII, that will really keep you on your toes.

And if those bomb holes have piqued your interest in the war, skip the official forest café and journey back to Thetford itself to the Dad’s Army Museum and tea shop located in Thetford Guildhall, where several of the original TV episodes were filmed.

4. Peak District – Jacob’s ladder

Definitely not for beginners, this infamous Peak trail isn’t hugely long, but the punishing ascents and tough boulder-strewn descents ensure both bike and body get a serious workout.

Once you’ve loaded your bikes back onto your Subaru using their Genuine Subaru premium bicycle holder or rear bicycle holder. Climb out of your muddy clothes and head over to stunning Chatsworth House, seat of the Duke of Devonshire and home to numerous important artworks and pieces of furniture.

 

5. Scotland – Kinlochleven

Once crowned trail of the year by the experts at Mountain Bike Rider, the Ciaran Path, close to Glencoe on Scotland’s western coast, tests you with its demanding changes in terrain, from fast flowing tracks to more technical rocky sections. And with boggy ground made wetter in the autumn, and streams to cross, finishing the ride with dry feet isn’t a given.

But the journey at the end of your ride promises to be more relaxing if you’re at the wheel of a Subaru SUV. Every model has the maximum 5* Euro NCAP rating and a suite of advanced safety technology fitted as standard. We can’t guarantee your safety on the two-wheel trails, but we’ve moved mountains to protect you on the way home.

 

This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Subaru. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic or its editorial staff.

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