iBikeRide.com is thrilled to announce that BikePark Wales has been named iBikeRide UK Trail of the Year for the second consecutive year.

This year's campaign ran for approximately eight weeks and received over one thousand rider votes, ratings and reviews to determine the final rankings.

Martin Astley, Founder and Director at BikePark Wales:

"It really means a lot to win this two years running. Understanding why and what people love about riding here helps us progress. Our ethos has always been 'By Riders For Riders,' and the votes and feedback are fueling that."

iBikeRide Top Ten Trails of 2024

• Rank: 1 - BikePark Wales - Avg: 4.775
• Rank: 2 - Hafod Trails - Avg: 4.709
• Rank: 3 - Phoenix Bike Park - Avg: 4.702
• Rank: 4 - Burlish Bike Park - Avg: 4.684
• Rank: 5 - Cwmcarn Trails and Risca Bike Park - Avg: 4.670
• Rank: 6 - Forest of Dean Mountain Biking Trails - Avg: 4.627
• Rank: 7 - Farmer Johns MTB Park - Avg: 4.570
• Rank: 8 - Bike Park Kernow - Avg: 4.542
• Rank: 9 - Tarland Trails Pittenderich - Avg: 4.521
• Rank: 10 - Chicksands Bike Park - Avg: 4.379

Six trails from England, three from Wales, and one from Scotland make up this year's top ten. Looking at each in turn:

1st Place: BikePark Wales

BikePark Wales stands out as the UK's premier destination for mountain bikers, offering a wide variety of trails. Riders consistently praise the park's well-constructed and maintained trails noting the mix of tech, flow and blend trails covering all skill levels from progressive green trails to challenging pro lines. What appeals to riders is the continuous trail updates to keep the experience fresh, as well as the excellent facilities, including a café, repair shop, and uplift service. The friendly and helpful staff make it a positive experience, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Folk just want to return again and again.

2nd Place: Hafod Trails, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Hafod Trails, an uplift-assisted bike park on the edge of Brechfa Forest, is a standout newcomer. They've quickly built a strong community with tracks for all skill levels and an innovative uplift system that eliminates awkward lifting and confusing straps. This park is one to watch as it continues to grow.

3rd Place: Phoenix Bike Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, England

Phoenix Bike Park is the go-to destination for improving jump skills. It features two parks: one for beginners and intermediate riders, and another for advanced riders.

4th Place: Burlish Bike Park, Stourport, Worcestershire, England

With a 30-year history, Burlish Bike Park has been revitalized by Hannah Estcott and the Open Trail team. The park now boasts beginner, intermediate, and expert jump lines, supporting thousands of riders.

5th Place: Risca Bike Park and Cwmarn Trail Centre, Newport, South Wales

This park uniquely combines official and unofficial biking worlds, creating a synergistic and positive environment for riders.

6th Place: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England

Known for its XC and downhill tracks, Forest of Dean is a model of environmental and commercial sustainability. The Dean Trail volunteers have continually developed the trails, fostering a vibrant community.

7th Place: Farmer Johns, Stockport, Greater Manchester, England

Founded by John Thorpe and his wife Jill, FJMTB offers several downhill runs and a dirt jump park. Despite lacking an uplift, its compact layout ensures minimal travel time between runs, making it a favorite among riders.

8th Place: Bike Park Kernow, Cornwall, England

Located in a serene woodland, Bike Park Kernow is continuously expanding with new trails and features.

9th Place: Tarland Trails, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Tarland Trails, last year's Trailblazer of the Year, has climbed to 9th place. With blue, red, and black trails at its Pittenderich site, plans for a hub with a café, bike hire, and shop are in the works, promising even higher rankings in the future.

10th Place: Chicksands Bike Park, Bedfordshire, England

Chicksands offers a dual slalom, 4X, pump tracks, progressive dirt jumps, a BMX track, a skills area, and short downhill runs. Recent developments like Lines in the Pines and Black Shark Attack have revitalized its status in the UK trail scene.

Daniel Mintz, founder of iBikeRide, commented:

"At its heart, the Trail of the Year campaign celebrates the UK trail scene as seen through the eyes of riders, be it good or bad. Like last year the trend continues towards paid bike parks and community-driven free to ride local ride spots much of which is off piste and unsanctioned. The top ten winners share common traits: a welcoming vibe, a focus on progression, and continuous investment in new trail development. We thank everyone who voted and supported the campaign."

For the first time, trail owners in the Top 10 will receive a confidential summary report of anonymised rider feedback, driven by generative AI, to aid future development.

The lowest-rated trail in the campaign is Hadleigh Park Mountain Bike Trail Centre, which was the MTB Olympic venue for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Rider reviews highlight issues with overgrown vegetation and trail erosion, suggesting a need for investment to restore its former glory and maintain its legacy.

iBikeRide TrailBlazer of the Year Award - Revolution Bike Park

Each year, we also run a poll for the iBikeRide TrailBlazer of the Year Award. This award recognises a trail spot that is new, re-imagined, or breaking new ground. The nominees this year were Burlish Bike Park, Hafod Trails, Revolution Bike Park, and Caersws Bike Park.

We are delighted to announce that the winner is Revolution Bike Park, the downhill bike park in Llangynog, North Wales. The park faced a significant challenge when it was hit by an outbreak of Japanese Larch disease, necessitating the felling of all trees and leading to its closure in January 2023. Despite this setback, the park has made an inspiring comeback, as documented in their regular video blogs. Massive congratulations to Revolution Bike Park for winning this award.

The winners of both campaigns will receive an award plaque for display.

Again, final thanks to the UK riders, trail communities, and organisations for supporting the campaign, continuing to invest in, and developing the UK trail scene.