Local-ish places to ride - Warwickshire

[ImDesigner]

Hi all,

I'm looking for somewhere to ride located in or around the Warwickshire/West Midlands area. I'm used to being spoilt for choice as I've spent the majority of my mountain biking years in South Wales until I took a break from riding for a few years. I now live in Warwickshire and have re-discovered my love for the sport.

I'd like some local trail suggestions based around Leamington Spa too if anyone knows of anywhere?

I'm aware of the bigger trail centres that surround the Midlands at a push in Cannock Chase, Sherwood Pines and Thetford and I'm keen to try these out but I need somewhere to ride after work for decent, quick blasts.

I'm looking for a variety of riding but before my sabbatical I spent most of my time riding Freeride and Downhill with a spattering of XC thrown in. I currently ride a custom Kona Stinky.

If anyone could point me towards some fun riding spots I'd be grateful.

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Edited to remove accidental dogging references!

Edited by ImDesigner on Friday 7th June 16:05

[chrisga]

ImDesigner said:

... I'm keen to try these out but I need someone to ride after work for decent, quick blasts.

I'm looking for a variety of riding...

Think you may be in the wrong website...
There isn't much downhill riding to be had around Warwickshire. Plenty of bridleways but may be hard work on a stinky. Where in warwickshire are you? If near Leamington there is a bmx track up on campion hills. If further south there is Burton Dassett country park. No trails but is a fairly steep hill with some interesting bomb hole type crater things up on the top. Also edge hill just up the road but only a couple of bridleways there. If you go a bit further afield the Cotswolds are quite hilly but nowhere really to do a stinky real justice around warwickshire in my opinion.

Edited by chrisga on Friday 7th June 16:00

[ImDesigner]

Sorry about that

Back on topic. You're confirming what I had in mind already tbh. I suppose my best bet for a days riding is the DH at Cannock?

I really do need somewhere local too though.

[robpearson]

There is a local riding club in Leamington, but locally there's really only very light XC, there are trails in Northampton, otherwise it's as you say, cannock would be my first choice, but I live that side of Birmingham

[chrisga]

Could you add to your bike fleet? I have one bike which only gets used for trips to Wales and another for local use. Still OTT for round here (456 carbon) but very pedal able on the bridleways but great when pointed downhill.

[ImDesigner]

Northampton trails sound promising.

I would consider a new bike too. Pedalling around on the Stinky is hard work so I'd love a nice lightweight with reasonable front and rear travel as a good all rounder.