Just been reading in the latest mbr (yes I know should be riding not reading) and theres an atricle about places like Coed-y-Brennin I was just wondering if its only me that thinks these places are not all great news for mountain bikers. As I do a lot of riding in the Lakes I have to put up with a fair amount of stick from walkers and the like about erosion and all that bull shit and the fact that I could ride in Grisdale Forest etc etc. Well Grisedale Forest doesnt offer me what I want, no really great views and pants riding for a start. I know that Coed is probably a lot better but how long will it be before we go the way of 4x4 drivers and speed boaters and start to get pushed into only being able to ride in these places...an extreme but is it possible.... I love riding on bridalways over moors and fells, Snowdon has a train going up it during the day yet bikes are restricted.....

Having said that Coed sounds like it could be good so I should try it (and I will next month!) but even if I love it it wont stop me worrying

What do you lot think

Having riden both the Lakes and Coed loads of times before I can say without doubt that both areas are the Dogs, but the clear advantage that Coed has is the lack of the red sock brigade. It all comes back to what you want out of a ride, If I had to make a choice then Coed would have the edge perhaps it may have something to the with the the excellent cafe at the car park.
ENJOY'

Like you, I love the fells and moorland and that’s the type of mountain biking I do most. However I rate the man-made forest trails as an alternative because I can blast down them safe in the knowledge that I’m not going to encounter a flock of sheep or a group of people coming the other way. I also know the trail is ‘do-able’ no matter how technical because it’s man-made, the only thing stopping me is lack of bottle. It also provides a place for those who like dual slalom or jumping as well as a different kind of terrain to the stuff I’m used to. Go try one of them Andy, see what you think.

Interesting comment about man-made trails being do-able and rambler-free... I rode the black route at Dalby forest a few weeks ago and it was neither - I doubt anyone would be able to ride it all - slimy switchback climbs, track littered with branches, one horribly eroded gully that might go and then on the best descent I came round a corner and nearly piled into a family - kids, dogs, picnic basket, the works...


I think Coedy is an excellent place but am less convinced by Dalby - why build an MTBing centre right in the middle of an area with excellent trails anyway?

I haven’t been to Dalby yet but what Stuart tells us isn’t very encouraging, particularly about meeting pedestrians. It doesn’t help the cause does it? I’ve just been to Mabie and they have spent a lot of time and effort building a jump site. One of the local guys told me that some people had accidentally walked right into the area. There hasn’t been an accident yet but it has made the Forestry Commission people worried. Unfortunately no matter how many signs are put up I suppose there is always the danger that in forest areas like this people are going to wander off course, both cyclists and pedestrians alike. When I was down in Wales one time someone was telling us that people were stealing the signs for souvenirs which doesn’t help either! What IS wrong with us? Try Mabie Forest Stuart, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Try Coed y Brenin Andy - you wont be disappointed,granted it doesnt have that wilderness feel about it like the moors,but it's still a real tester and great fun whichever route you ride (go for the weekend and ride them all).I've got to agree with Stuart,The Dalby forest trail is pants - its just so muddy.With just a little more work on the singlrtrack surfaces it would be a good route as it does have some interesting parts - but as it stands - give it a miss and go to Wales.