Riding the north and south loops tonight.  I am not a great lover of the North trail tbh, i think it is dangerous to newcomers.  I thought it was marketed as a beginner friendly route and tbh 95% of it is.  The other 5% is bloody dangerous because it gives no warning and until you hit it you dont know about it (Even experienced riders).  I am talking about roots which hide on bends, group up in gangs so when you pop the front wheel over the first one the second & third get ya kind of thing.  There is also a lot of off camber rock which is almost permanently wet and slippy.  Every 'newbie' i have passed on the trail has had a right grumpy face.

That said its kinda fun for me because i know what to expect and i also note that the local press now seem to be saying its aimed at experienced riders (Thats not what i thought it was about). 

The north section is a mix of singletrack and switchback climbs which as i have said is quite basic other than one or two bits to worry about.  They have over the last few months opened up some excellent singletrack (Loose rock/flint) climb to take you off the looooong climb up which used to be all fire road and it makes a big difference.  You will love it when you realise the severity of falling off to the side.  Its quite a drop    Its finished off with a downhill section akin to a mini Omega Man (Ae Line).  All easily rolled for xc riders.

Havent ridden the south side yet but am told its one big climb followed by a big descent.  We will see tonight. 

Anyone who wants to stretch the trail out by approx 30-40mins can park right at the bottom of the forest and ride up a trail called seldom seen.  Its a cracker of a climb BUT the real payback isthe descent which is better than any of the Whinlatter trail tofinish.