Trail Academy: Red Skills Session - Duke of Kent School, Ewhurst

Advanced trail riding: technique, flow and speed. This session is for advanced riders only. Riders must be confident and experienced on challenging mountain bike trails. Sessions involve a fast pace, technical downhill terrain, jumps (including gaps) and varied trail features. If you are unsure whether this session is suitable for your rider, please email zoe@thetrailacademy.co.uk before booking.

Designed for experienced riders who already have a strong foundation in mountain bike skills, including body positioning, cornering, braking and bike control across a variety of terrain. Coaches help riders develop the skills, confidence and trail knowledge to ride more smoothly, efficiently and faster.

What will riders learn?

• How to read the trail ahead, choose good lines and carry speed
• How to tackle different trail features with greater confidence and control
• Developing cornering technique to find more grip, flow and speed
• Improving body movement and bike positioning over roots, rocks, drops and technical terrain
• Tackling tech sections of trail, off-camber sections and flat corners
• Improving jumping technique, including larger features and gaps
• How to manage speed, balance and grip on steep and technical descents

A big part of the session is helping riders become more confident and independent on the trails. Coaches introduce riders to routes around the Surrey Hills that they can come back and ride again with their friends, showing them how to link trails together and choose the right lines.

Sessions can cover distances of up to 10 miles and start on The Trail Academy's private site before heading off into the surrounding Surrey Hills.

Price per session is £40.00.

Bike hire is available at £20 per three hour session, from a fleet of 2026 Specialized mountain bikes in sizes from small kids' bikes up to adult sizes. Please note your child's age and height when booking.

Staying for the whole day? The Kids Holiday Lunch Club (£10) looks after your child during the lunchtime break between sessions, indoors in the warm or outside if the weather is nice, with toilets on site. It does not include food: pack a lunch with your child's name clearly labelled, plus a carrier bag for wrappers and leftovers.

Location: Duke of Kent School, Peaslake Road, Ewhurst, Surrey GU6 7NS. As you arrive at the school driveway, take the first right hand turning by the lodge house towards the sports fields and follow the road down to the gravel car park on your right. Don't drive up to the main school building.

What to bring on the day: a mountain bike, a mountain bike helmet in full working order (not BMX) and gloves, appropriate clothing (long trousers) and footwear including a waterproof jacket (clothing and shoes can get muddy by the end of the session, so a change of clothes may be handy). Snacks and a drink. The team conducts a safety check on all bikes and advises on correct set up before every course.

Source: The Trail Academy session page