State of MTB trails around Leith HIll?
Discussion
As per title - got a free weekend away from the family and I can either drive up to NWales for a bit of a hoon and riding around Coed y Brenin, and Afan Bike Park or I can stay in London and do Leith Hill/Bedgebury. One thing I have noticed with LH is that it is extremely muddy compared to Wales. I hate mud, I really do! Hence, if any of you has been there recently and can update on the state of play it would be great.
Many thanks in advance
Many thanks in advance
Leith was muddy on Saturday, but still fun on the trails south off the Tower. Holmbury was in much better nick and I'm sure the sandier parts of Pitch and Winterfold will be all good. It's not meant to rain aroudn here for a good week or so, so the longer you leave your trip the better! Hell, even Ranmore and East Horsley trails might start drying out in a week or so!
Wooderson said:
Leith was muddy on Saturday, but still fun on the trails south off the Tower. Holmbury was in much better nick and I'm sure the sandier parts of Pitch and Winterfold will be all good. It's not meant to rain aroudn here for a good week or so, so the longer you leave your trip the better! Hell, even Ranmore and East Horsley trails might start drying out in a week or so!
Many thanks,The trip has to happen this weekend... The more I think about it, the more N Wales sounds like the better option...
I was up on Pitch & Holmbury last night and have to say the trails aren't that much fun right now. Loads of splashy puddles especially on Pitch, Holmbury not much better to be honest. I think Leith is actually running the better of the three right now but still muddy in places. Needs a week or so of no rain to improve things.
I'd head to Wales if you have the option !
I'd head to Wales if you have the option !
richardxjr said:
Any excuse to go to N.Wales imho. Off again next month for a long weekend of Marin & CYB
More welcoming and picturesque than S.Wales and the riding's still excellent.
A trek from Sussex so its only once a year or so for us.
So yeah that a million times over Bedgebury for sure.
Haven't done Marin, but did Penmachno (both loops) and although I am glad I did it, I won't be rushing to go back. It was August but it felt like I needed a wet suit and flippers on many sections of the trail due to poor drainage. CYB is amazing, very keen to do Nant y Arian too. I get the chance to visit Wales 2 or 3 times a year so I guess I am lucky. More welcoming and picturesque than S.Wales and the riding's still excellent.
A trek from Sussex so its only once a year or so for us.
So yeah that a million times over Bedgebury for sure.
I like Bedgebury because it is very convenient - only 45mins door to door and despite a lot of the stuff being levelled off in the name of H&S, it still has a nice flowing feel to it, which is perfect when I need a quick fix.
Have never done Swinley Forest - perhaps I should give it a try...
I live 2 miles from Bedgebury so it's my local loop, it's not too bad mud wise. Certainly compared to the old days!
Swinley is great, in many respects it's better than Surrey Hills as you don't have to find the runs.
If you're going to that part of Wales I'd suggest Coed Llandegla, it's brilliant and the cafe food is spot on.
Swinley is great, in many respects it's better than Surrey Hills as you don't have to find the runs.
If you're going to that part of Wales I'd suggest Coed Llandegla, it's brilliant and the cafe food is spot on.
missing the VR6 said:
I live 2 miles from Bedgebury so it's my local loop, it's not too bad mud wise. Certainly compared to the old days!
Swinley is great, in many respects it's better than Surrey Hills as you don't have to find the runs.
If you're going to that part of Wales I'd suggest Coed Llandegla, it's brilliant and the cafe food is spot on.
Always start with Coed Llandegla - set off from London at 4am to get there for 8-ish on Saturday. A loop of the red, light bite to eat and I am ready for another red loop. Some amazing segments and views to die for... And agree - the food is great. Why can't all cafes at centres be like that? Or should I call them kaffi? Swinley is great, in many respects it's better than Surrey Hills as you don't have to find the runs.
If you're going to that part of Wales I'd suggest Coed Llandegla, it's brilliant and the cafe food is spot on.
missing the VR6 said:
I live 2 miles from Bedgebury so it's my local loop, it's not too bad mud wise. Certainly compared to the old days!
Swinley is great, in many respects it's better than Surrey Hills as you don't have to find the runs.
If you're going to that part of Wales I'd suggest Coed Llandegla, it's brilliant and the cafe food is spot on.
The race has been cancelled (bedgebury )this week due to poor trail conditions from what I’ve read ,swinley has big diversion as red route flooded ,thetford is in good condition,hope this helps .Swinley is great, in many respects it's better than Surrey Hills as you don't have to find the runs.
If you're going to that part of Wales I'd suggest Coed Llandegla, it's brilliant and the cafe food is spot on.
richardxjr said:
Excellent. We'll have a look at Llandegla too next month.
Swinleys worth a visit if yr nearby, but only during the week imho. Gets rammed at weekends.
When on the weekends are you riding Swinley? Swinleys worth a visit if yr nearby, but only during the week imho. Gets rammed at weekends.
I usually do the blue & red with my boys starting at about 11 on a Saturday then have a lateish lunch, and whilst the car park will be rammed the actual trails at that time of day are pretty empty. I imagine they're only rammed if you start at 09:00 or 14:00?
stuarthat said:
The race has been cancelled (bedgebury )this week due to poor trail conditions from what I’ve read ,swinley has big diversion as red route flooded ,thetford is in good condition,hope this helps .
Had to stay in London due to unexpected things, which really needed doing on Sunday. Having spent the day driving around between various bike shops on Saturday I got to Bedgbury at the end of the day - 17:45 to be precise. Was done and dusted by 19:00 - enjoyed it a lot, except having to put in a new contact lense half way through without a mirror. That was fun - not! State of trails - some mud here and there, but nothing compared to the Somme like conditions that I have experienced near Leith Hill on other occasions. On the whole - 2/3 of the route was dry and perfect. Credit to the club/staff that put the effort in. With the dry weather coming up, next weekend should be an absolute blast.
Thanks for all the replies and I hope you find the above helpful.
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