Review for Gisburn Forest Bike Trails

Chaserider1:

I will be going back with friends who have not been.

Had to go to Leeds for an evening appointment so decided to throw bike in car and set off early and make the 2 hr journey worth while with a ride at Gisburn Forest. Recently read it was voted best in the UK and I can see why. I usually ride Cannock Chase as I live within a 10 minute ride and although it's good can get a bit tedious riding same trails all the time. It's been a few years but I have also ridden CyB, Llandegla and Afan so can give good comparisons. I rally enjoyed GF. I did about 19 miles doing the top loop of The 8 twice as I really enjoyed it. I found the bottom half similar to the parts dog the Chase, lovely enclosed trails through tight trees and then loved how the trails changed once you climb up the steep fire road climb next to the Hope Line. The single track goes up over bed rock at a small quarry and continues to be rocky upto Whepstone Crag. This was excellent and although slow I enjoyed the technical riding, with pedal placement weight shifting essential over such large boulders. The fast flowy stuff soon came and really felt the g force on Hully Gully. I also really enjoyed the surrounding area and gave you sense of isolation which you don't get on Cannock Chase. In this respect, especially on top loop of The 8, I felt it was a little like some parts of Wales. Found trails good quality and with all the rain was surprised to find not that muddy, but held a few puddles.