The best MTB trails around Bury

Bury offers a diverse range of mountain bike trails, from well-maintained paths in parks to more challenging off-road routes. You'll find flowing singletracks through woodlands, paths along river valleys, and trails across open moorland. The region caters to various skill levels, with options for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Yes, Bury has several excellent options for families and beginners. The Philips Park Waterdale Trail is an easy 4.2-mile flowing singletrack ideal for families and novices. Another great choice is the Outwood Trail – Ringley Old Bridge loop from Prestwich, an easy 11.4-mile route that follows a former railway line through ancient woodland.

For those seeking a challenge, Bury offers routes with significant elevation gain and varied terrain. The Scout Moor Wind Farm – Path Up Scout Moor loop from Ramsbottom is a difficult 17.1-mile trail. Another demanding option is the Singletrack to Lee Quarry – Lee Quarry Trails loop from Ramsbottom, a moderate 21-mile route with over 800 meters of elevation gain.

Bury's trails often pass by notable natural features and landmarks. You can ride towards Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill for expansive views, or explore the picturesque Elton Reservoir. The Outwood Trail itself features the impressive Grade II-listed Outwood Viaduct. Burrs Country Park also offers diverse terrains along the River Irwell, with historical industrial remnants and public art.

Yes, many mountain bike routes in Bury are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Scout Moor Wind Farm – Singletrack to Lee Quarry loop from Ramsbottom, the Lumb Viaduct – Peel Tower loop from The Elton High School, and the Clifton Viaduct – Philips Park Red Route loop from St Matthew's Church.

Spring and summer are generally considered the best times to explore the mountain bike trails in Bury. The weather is more pleasant, and the natural scenery is vibrant. However, it's always advisable to check local weather conditions, as trails can become slippery after rain, especially in wooded or moorland areas.

The mountain bike trails around Bury vary significantly in length. You can find shorter routes like the Philips Park Waterdale Trail at 4.2 miles (6.8 km), which takes about 28 minutes. Longer routes, such as the Route Starting Point – Elton Reservoir loop from Ramsbottom, can be up to 24.2 miles (38.9 km) and take several hours to complete.

For those looking to practice skills or enjoy purpose-built facilities, Bury offers options like the Nuttall Park BMX Track and Radcliffe Pump Track. These provide jumps, berms, rollers, and other obstacles for riders to hone their technique.

The mountain biking routes in Bury are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 80 reviews. Riders often praise the varied parklands, river valleys, and open moorland, appreciating the diverse terrain and options that cater to different ability levels.

Yes, Philips Park is a highly popular spot with a network of well-maintained trails through woodlands and open spaces. Burrs Country Park also offers diverse terrains and scenic views along the River Irwell, with trails ranging from gentle paths to more technical challenges. Both parks provide excellent mountain biking opportunities.

Bury has good public transport links, and many parks and trailheads are accessible. For example, routes like the Clifton Viaduct – Outwood Trail loop from Prestwich are easily reachable from Prestwich, which has Metrolink tram services. It's always best to check specific route starting points for the most convenient public transport options.

There are over 60 mountain bike trails available in the Bury area, offering a wide variety of experiences. These include approximately 20 easy routes, 40 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every skill level.