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Adaptive mountain biking (aMTB) is growing across the UK. With better equipment, more inclusive trails, and increasing community support, more riders with disabilities are discovering the freedom and thrill of riding off-road. This guide offers a UK-specific resource for current and aspiring adaptive riders, covering the most accessible trail centres, what makes them inclusive, and how to get started.
What is Adaptive Mountain Biking?
Adaptive mountain biking refers to off-road cycling using specially designed bikes that meet the needs of riders with a range of disabilities.
What Makes a Trail Centre and Track Adaptive Friendly?
Not every trail centre is designed with adaptive riders in mind, but the best ones pay attention to more than just the trails. Inclusivity is about the full rider experience, and the following features make a real difference:
- Wide, stable trails: Trails need enough width for three- or four-wheeled bikes and surfaces that avoid loose, rough or deeply rutted sections. Gradients should be manageable while still offering challenge and fun.
- Clear access: Trails that start or end with kissing gates or narrow barriers can block access for adaptive riders. Centres should ensure trail entrances and exits are accessible to all bike formats.
- Facilities: Inclusive riding doesn't end on the trail. Accessible parking, transfer space, step-free toilets, and covered areas for gear or adjustments.
- Services: Many centres work with community groups to host demo days, offer adaptive bike hire, and train staff to support aMTB riding.
Every venue on this map is also listed below, with its card.
- Trail centre
- Bike park
- Community trail network
- Other venue
Top UK Trails and Tracks for Adaptive Riders (from beginner to advanced)
Please note: trail access, surface conditions, and adaptive features can change over time or due to weather. Before visiting, it's always best to check the trail centre's official website or contact them directly to confirm suitability and availability of adaptive-friendly facilities. Also bear in mind that while a trail may be adaptive-accessible, it still needs to match your technical ability, fitness, and experience level.
England
15 listings
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Features Launchpad, the UK's first purpose-built adaptive trail, and the fully accessible green-graded Old Bob's Trail. The centre has step-free facilities. Also check out Goals Beyond Grass, who provide accessible bike hire and sessions here.
Hamsterley Forest, County Durham
The blue-grade trail Squirrel Chaser, spanning 8.4km (5.25 miles), is designed for moderate and improver riders, including those using adapted off-road bikes and trikes.
Kielder Mountain Bike Trail Centre, Northumberland
Lone Star is black-graded and suitable for Adaptive Mountain Bikes.
Hicks Lodge, Leicestershire
The Pedal and Play facility is for riders who are relatively new to mountain biking and want to boost their confidence. It is suitable for Adaptive Bikes.
Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
The Pedal and Play area is built with wider trail widths for adapted and trike-style cycles, plus accessible seating, across its three linked challenge loops.
Rother Valley, Sheffield
The mountain bike trails in Rother Valley Country Park include a 5km all-weather surfaced green trail around the lake.
Burlish Bike Park, Stourport, Worcestershire
A green track called Rosie Route, a 500m family and trike trail that's 2.5m wide with minor ascents and descents.
Okeford Hill, Dorset
The base of Adaptiv Sports demo days and meet-ups for adaptive MTB sessions (they also operate at Exeter Bike Park).
Lanhydrock Bike Trails, Cornwall
National Trust trails with an accessible red-graded dual slalom and family-friendly surfaces.
Gawton Gravity Hub, Devon
Located near Tavistock, this community-run bike park offers progressive downhill trails. It's a favourite of adaptive rider Casey Gemma, who recommends the HSD trail for its flow, smooth descent and multiple line options.
Ashton Court and Leigh Woods, Bristol
The Yer Tiz trail in Leigh Woods is a blue trail suitable for adaptive MTB.
Gisburn Bike Trails, Lancashire
The blue trail was upgraded to be suitable for adaptive MTB.
Miners Mountain Bike Trail, Warwickshire
The green-graded Newdigate Trail at this small council-run pump track and trail facility in Bedworth is confirmed suitable for most bikes, including disability bikes and hybrids, per the council's own trail information. The blue and red trails require a full off-road/mountain bike.
Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire
The 2.5km all-weather family loop at Sutton Bank National Park Centre is a wide, side-by-side extension of the Cliff Trail, built to give better access for adapted cycles such as handcycles.
Parkwood Springs, Sheffield
Sheffield Cycling 4 All runs pre-booked inclusive cycling sessions here for disabled riders and anyone with a long-term health condition, using stable e-assist cycles, with no experience needed. See the listing for how to book.
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Wales
4 listings
BikePark Wales, Merthyr Tydfil
Has introduced an Adaptive Bike Pass, providing access to selected trails tested for wider adaptive bikes. Riders receive a tailored trail map and free entry for a support rider.
Coed y Brenin, North Wales
The blue Minotaur Trail is specifically designed with adaptive riders in mind, with four accessible loops.
Margam Park, Port Talbot
The mountain bike trails in Margam Country Park have a 4km green that is flat with wide paths, tarmac in places, or rolled stone.
Coed y Cain Bike Park, Llanfyllin, Powys
Offers three short progressive trails and a skills area in a compact woodland setting, with access managed via registration.
Scotland
8 listings
Tarland Trails, Pittenderich, Aberdeenshire
Suitable for Adaptive Mountain Bikes (check the video out below).
Tarland Trails, Drummy Woods, Aberdeenshire
Suitable for Adaptive Mountain Bikes, with the exception of the red.
Lochore Meadows, Fife
The mountain bike trails (also known as The Meedies) are part of the Lochore Meadows Outdoor Education Centre, and have blue adaptive trails and hire on site.
Fort William Bike Park, Fort William
Has an 85m adaptive track.
Glentress Forest, Scottish Borders
Features a 2.2km Multi-User Trail connecting the cafe, bike shop and key trail areas with wide, surfaced paths and gentle gradients.
Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms National Park
Able2Adventure offer adaptive cycle and off-road wheelchair hire and guided rides, based at Glenmore Lodge National Training Centre.
Laggan Wolftrax, Highlands
The Wolf Cub green is an adaptive MTB friendly trail with recent upgrades to increase width.
Comrie Croft, Perthshire
Offers adaptive riders an all-abilities trail called The Slow Worm in the front field, plus a blue trail with widened bridges to accommodate adaptive bikes.
Ones to watch
1 listing
Investing in adaptive MTB trails and facilities:
Orkney MTB Trails, Orkney
The venue's own published copy describes the green trail as suitable for beginners and adaptive cycles.
Getting Started
If you're new to adaptive mountain biking, the best entry point is through community and connection. Peer networks, social media groups, and spinal injury charities often run taster days or link riders to trusted contacts. Demo events allow you to try bikes like the Bowhead Reach or RX and get a feel for what works for you.
Organisations such as Adaptiv Sports, Experience Community, The Cornwall Bicycle Project, Able2Adventure, British Cycling Limitless and the Adaptive Riders Collective are working to create more opportunities, build awareness, and support riders.
If cost is a barrier, Rideable Now's Access Fund offers grants to help riders afford an adaptive bike. We covered how it works in our feature on Rideable Now and its Access Fund for adaptive mountain bikers.
Further Reading
Taster Video
Share
For sharing your story, tips, or experience, including any adaptive trails or organisations you think are worth adding, leave a comment on this guide or get in touch. Also if you know of or are hosting any adaptive MTB events, you can submit them at: https://ibikeride.com/mountain-bike-events.