I'd not been to Wharncliffe since 1993, since then the locals have been building and building. Yes there is a XC marked loop but I didnt do it. Instead I did some of the short steep techy awesome trails - I did have a look at mini-whistler and watch some of the DH blokes on big bikes do the big gaps and even rode a little of the easier stuff there but mainly it was the old school lines I rode on my 140mm trail bike.
Just didnt have enough time in a day to see it all, or even go over to Grenoside - only 17 miles but 3300ft on the garmin which strava robbed almost 1000ft of of so its a hilly ride. Immense fun with a little group and great terrain.
You can see why Steve Peat has such skill with this as his back yard!
What do you like?
Proper English forest, no conifers
Loads and loads of 1mins awesome DH trails
I rode here a few years ago and it pissed down relentlessly. The day was awesome even though my gears broke and ended up with a singlespeed for the day. It has some of the funnest downhill and drops you can find.
What do you like?
If you like steep you will love this. If you like rocky you will love this more. If you like technical and challenging in a beautiful wooded surrounded you have found nirvana
What could be improved?
Some of erosion of trails is evident. Very limited facilites beyond a car park.