​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.

Top UK Trails and Tracks for Adaptive Riders (from beginner to advanced)

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

• 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 in County Durham 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.
• The Pedal and Play facility at Hicks Lodge in Leicestershire is for riders who are relatively new to mountain biking and want to boost their confidence. It is suitable for Adaptive Bikes.
• Rother Valley mountain bike trails are situated in Rother Valley Country Park in Sheffield. There is a 5km green trail all-weather surfaced around the lake.
• Burlish Bike Park is in Stourport, Worcestershire has a green track called Rosie Route. It is a 500m family trail/trike trail that's 2.5m wide with minor ascents and descents.
• Okeford Hill, Dorset is also the base of Adaptiv Sports demo days and meet-ups (also operate in Exeter Bike Park) for MTB adaptive sessions
• Woodys Bike Park, Cornwall: Offers trails for all skill levels, praised for inclusive design and maintenance. The Cornwall Bicycle Project do loads locally with adaptive coaching and races in the area (including the blue at Woody's)
• Camel Trail, Cornwall: A flat, scenic ride with upgraded gates and access for adaptive bikes. Cornwall Council
• Lanhydrock Bike trails, Cornwall: National Trust trails with 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.

Wales

• BikePark Wales 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 mountain bike trails are in Margam Country Park in Port Talbot, South Wales. They have a 4km green is flat with wide paths, tarmac in places, or rolled stone.

Scotland

• Tarland Trails at both sites: Pittenderich and Drummy Woods are suitable for Adaptive Mountain Bikes with the exception of the red at Drummy Woods (check the video out below). 
• Lochore Meadows mountain bike trails (also known as The Meedies) are part of the Lochore Meadows Outdoor Education Centre in Fife in Scotland, have blue adaptive trails and hire on site.
• Fort William Bike Park is in Fort William, in Scotland has a 85m adaptive track
• Glentress Forest, Scottish Borders: Features a 2.2km Multi-User Trail connecting the café, bike shop and key trail areas with wide, surfaced paths and gentle gradients.
• Lone Star is black-graded and suitable for Adaptive Mountain Bikes at Kielder Mountain Bike Trail Centre in Northumberland, North East England
• Able2Adventures offer Adaptive Cycles and Off Road Wheelchairs hire and guided rides, based at Glenmore Lodge National Training Centre, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in Glenmore Forest
• The Wolf Cub green at Laggan Wolftrax is an adaptive MTB friendly trail with recent upgrades to increase width.

Ones to watch and investing in Adaptive MTB trails and facilities:

• Innerleithen (Golfie), Scotland: Working with DMBinS to enhance the area for Adaptive MTB

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.

Further Reading

• Jack Simms and the rise of Adaptiv Mobility – Condé Nast Traveller
• Meet the community: Casey Gemma – Adaptiv Mobility
• Creating inclusive destinations – DMBinS

Taster Video

Share

For sharing your story, tips, or experience—including any adaptive trails or organisations you think are worth adding—use the comments section below the article 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.