Where are England's most challenging mountain biking areas?
If you are keen to pull on your cycle clothing and enjoy an adrenalin-pumping mountain biking break in England, you won't be short of places to visit. All across the country you will find red and black-grade trails that are sure to prove an exciting challenge for your skills.
One of the best destinations for bikers seeking to push themselves to the limit has got to be the Lake District.
Here, you will find a wide range of trails to tackle set in the picturesque Cumbrian countryside. Although there are several routes suitable for beginners and families, experienced cyclists may be especially interested in taking a tour of the Great Langdale valley.
This 16-mile route will lead you from Ambleside right into the heart of the district's mountain range, with the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags among the many peaks you can see. However, don't get too carried away with taking in the alpine-like scenery, as there are many steep climbs for you to tackle. If you need a breather, you'll be glad to know there are several pubs and cafes that you can stop off at.
Alternatively, you may want to follow the 22-mile Old Coach Road, which combines technical challenges with some amazing descents.
Travelling along country lanes, main roads, exposed moorlands and fells, this should take between five and six hours to complete. As you cycle you should be able to take in panoramic views of Blencathra and Skiddaw - as well as see Castlerigg's prehistoric stone monument - before arriving in Keswick where the trail ends.
Norfolk's Thetford Forest Park - the largest lowland pine forest in Britain - can also make for a wonderful mountain biking holiday.
Here, you will get the opportunity to cycle the ten-mile black-grade run - a category of difficulty that only skilled off-road riders should attempt to tackle. With the Forestry Commission recommending that it is unsuitable for those under the age of 15, a high level of endurance is vital here.
Not only will you see beautiful forest areas and experience a variety of different terrains as you cycle, but there are also many narrow tracks, steep slopes and descents that will make this a thrilling - albeit highly-challenging - ride.
For something slightly less taxing, you may want to try the red category trail. However, this is still a fairly difficult route and at 11 miles long and consisting of a range of surfaces - including gravel and mud - it should not be taken lightly.
The Sherwood Pines Forest Park, the largest publically-accessible woodland in the East Midlands, will also make for a wonderful cycling holiday.
While there are several routes designed for families to ride together, those seeking a real challenge of their cycling abilities may be interested in tackling the eight-mile Kitchener's Trail.
A red-grade run, much of this single-track course has been designed by local riders, so you can be sure it has been built by likeminded people with a passion for mountain biking.
The forest is also home to a bike park that offers dirt jumps and extreme downhill trails to race along, something that is sure to get your pulse racing.
The above are just a selection of the finest cycling areas in the country, but no matter where you decide to put on your mountain bike gear and explore, you can be sure of having an amazing time.
