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Clayton Vale MTB Trails
Avg 3.94
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup
Number of Reviews (31)

*You can claim this trail if you are the trail owner

  • Information:
  • Type: Purpose Built Centre
  • Grades: Blue,Red,Black,Orange
  • Riding: Cross Country,Skills Area,Pump Track
  • Facilities: Car Park,Toilets,Visitors Centre,Cafe,Bike Wash,Bike Hire
  • Distance(s): Under 5km, 5-10km
  • Number:
  • Country: England
  • County: Greater Manchester
  • Website: Clayton Vale
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Trail Status

status via Trailforks.com

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🥇 Trail of the Year – Winner Announced!

guest:
Avg 3.30
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

Good but could be great!

Considering this is close to Manchester City centre this is a great place to build skills and confidence. However, even though some of the red and black parts of the trail have recently been resurfaced there is still a fair amount of the trails that get neglected. I know there has been some efforts made however I have noticed more electric Suron type bike ripping up the trails and general disregard of care by the locals throwing rubbish everywhere and even adding features to the trail that make some of the drops alittle more dangerous then should for the grading of the trails! The orange section hasn’t been touched in years and is overgrown and doesn’t appear to get riden much. There are also some once upon a time fun blue bits but these have become overgrown with brambles and other vegetation which give you some arm rash! However in general this is a good place to get away from the city without the massive hike to the hills, would say there is something for everyone here but it’s more of a flow trail/mini XC loop.

What do you like?

Location the fact that it exists just wish it was used alittle more in sections and more visibility of volunteering to help maintain the trail and Clayton Vale in general 

What could be improved?

More community effort to maintain the trail and more people riding replace some of the markers and stop people walking on the trails, pretty every time there is a dog walker etc walking up some of the steeper decents round a blind corner and then shouting at mountain bikers for going to fast 🫣 almost like some driving down a one street in the wrong direction and then blaming others for their mistakes! 

Would you recommend?

yes

Date written:

18/07/2025 - 4 months ago

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tony:
Avg 3.88
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

great for a quick blast

top trail

What do you like?

Its amazing to have this so close to the city centre. If im stuck for time I like to use it for training for XC racing doing a few laps [3 or 4] its a good simulation of a race. Good for the cardio. I can't fault it. Considering it there for free. there are a couple decent sized dropoffs. I reckon its good for people who are new to MTB. I think it good for a family ride too with options for easy rides and picnic areas. Hardtails fine for this. Even ridden the red on my rigid CX bike which is great fun. [missing out the larger dropoffs] Cycle centre nearby with good parking and facilities

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

21/10/2017 - about 8 years ago

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1
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Aanddy:
Avg 5.00
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

Awesome trails for the location

I spend a lot of mtb time in and around the Peak District but when it gets really soggy I Have driven out and spent up to 3 hours riding the trails on several occasions, it can get little monotonous after a while but for purpose built mtb riding so close to a city centre there isn't much better , trails are tame if compared to others but can still be challenging at high speed if you're prepared to put a bit effort in.

What do you like?

Quality all weather trails utilising the location very well, short n steep ish climbs then into very fun twisty descents making excellent use of what little elevation is available. Located right by the national cycling centre which has a cafe toilets and a bike shop on site.

What could be improved?

scallywags and dog walkers (not that bad really don't let it put you off)

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

16/04/2017 - over 8 years ago

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2
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Jules Mc:
Avg 3.90
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

Clayton Vale still holds it's own

A fantastic resource for Manchester.

What do you like?

Even the easy routes are good for building fitness, purpose built routes so challenging and varied. The friends group run a great little cafe in the Education centre, and they do their best to pick up litter and create a welcoming environment. Good if you want a quick blast for a couple of hours. Also has the national cycle centre at the other end and a skills area in Philips Park, that alone is great for kids.

What could be improved?

Occasionally there are pedestrians on the routes who haven't understood the segregation. This is on the fringe of urban Manchester so there are some social issues. The site does get a bit of hammer but I have never experienced any hassle here.

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

29/03/2017 - over 8 years ago

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2
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Liam:
Avg 3.33
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

Fun blast with some short challenging sections

Decent place for a quick blast if you live around Manchester.

What do you like?

Good facilities, decent trail for a few loops. The most fun sections are the original blue drop into the vale, the orange sections and the red which starts with a drop off. I find in some sections doesn't quite flow right on the main trails.

What could be improved?

I find in some sections doesn't quite flow right on the main trails.

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

28/03/2017 - over 8 years ago

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1
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Lofty2332:
Avg 3.62
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

Worth a ride if you live locally

What do you like?

Mix of blue, red & one black trail. Good for an hours or so's riding. Good facilities at the Cycle centre, Evans shop, cafe, etc & small cafe at the Clayton Vale entrance for cheap coffee and food. It's a good place to brush up and learn skills but don't be expecting anything like you would get in Wales since it's an inner city trail.

What could be improved?

As it sits between Newton Heath & Clayton people tend to dump stuff from the housing estates onto the park. Also you will come across kids & dog walkers coming the wrong way up trails occasionally as they seem to think they are short cuts through the park! If riding in the evening I would recommend riding as a group and not alone.

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

28/03/2017 - over 8 years ago

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1
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