Estimated reading time: 10 minutes and 40 seconds
Here’s the latest UK Trail Talk news - your bite-sized rolling round-up from industry news and fresh features to community wins and losses. As we spot new items, we post them below on the day we find them.
22nd October:
🚀 New Shiny Dirt
- Whippendell Woods’ new mountain bike trail area officially opens on Wednesday, 29th October at 1 pm, with a ribbon-cutting by Peter Taylor, Mayor of Watford.
- The new, free-to-use facility replaces the informal woodland trails previously removed to protect the surrounding SSSI, and was developed in partnership with Watford Borough Council and Bike Park Chilterns. It’s the area’s first fully sanctioned trail zone, designed to encourage responsible riding and community connection.
- Built by the Whippy Trails team with grant support, the site offers a progressive, family-friendly environment for riders of all levels — a big step forward for local off-road access in Watford. 🔗 More on Whippendell Woods MTB Trails
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20th October:
Red Bull Rampage 😢
- Another year of nail-biting, corner-of-the-eye watching. Asking myself, ‘Should I stop watching this?’ And as a platform, ‘Should we stop publicising this show?’ I’ll reflect more, but I increasingly worry. I think the whole community found it traumatic to watch. Yes, the successful runs are awe-inspiring - but what’s the psychological toll on young riders? This year felt even more like a motorway pile-up than previous ones. And that was before the two devastating crashes - Adolfo Silver and Emil Johansson - that stunned the MTB world into the most uncomfortable and prolonged silence.
- My heartfelt wishes go out to Adolfo Silver and Emil Johansson and their families, who were airlifted to the hospital.
- Congratulations to the 2025 Red Bull Rampage Men's winner Hayden Zablotny and the 2025 Red Bull Rampage Women's winner Robin Goomes.
- One day, we will watch someone die in front of our eyes, I fear. I always thought that was a risk with extreme action sports like this, rather than an inevitability. More and more, it is feeling like the latter and more a question of when, not if! I'm not sure that is right. The questions we as a community need to ask are: a) Has it gone too far? b) Is it all worth it? c) Surely it is time to dial it back? To me, all 3 are a yes!
16th October:
Can’t Miss! ⏰
England 🏴
- The UK’s biggest MTB festival is back! The Cannondale Malverns Classic rolls out Thursday–Sunday with racing, live music, food, and family fun. All courses are open for recreational riding outside official sessions — so bring your bikes, mates, and kids for a full weekend of riding and good vibes. 🚵♀️🎶🍔 👉 Read More
The rescheduled Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Demo Event lands at Just Pedal Hurtwood on 25 Oct, 9 am–5 pm. Test the new Levo 4 — 101 Nm torque, 666 W power, 840 Wh battery — and see what sets it apart. Each 90-minute slot includes a drink at the Hurtwood Hideout, and your £30 demo fee can be redeemed against a purchase within 30 days. Limited spaces — book fast! ⚡️ 👉 Book your slot
Scotland 🏴
- It’s the Battle of the Giants! 🤩 Nominations are in for Trail Association of the Year, with Aberdeenshire, Tweed Valley, and Tayside trail crews going head-to-head. The Scottish MTB Gathering & Awards 2025 returns to Comrie Croft, 30–31 Oct, bringing together riders, builders, land managers, and the wider MTB community for two packed days of talks, outdoor sessions, and celebration. 🥇🌲 👉 Read More!
A new kind of adventure begins at Glentress this November — a 7-week wellbeing MTB programme for women aged 55+, blending riding, mindfulness, and community connection. Run by Trail Therapy and Outride, the pilot offers guided sessions, creative journaling, and e-bikes if needed — no experience required. Starts 3 Nov, EOI closes 20 Oct. 🌲🚴♀️ 👉 Read More!
Behind the Berms 🔨
- TVTA are working with FLS and DMBinS to address unauthorised trail building around Innerleithen and The Golfie, aiming for a safer, more sustainable network through new national trail-management guidance. 🌿🤝 Read More!
14th October:
iBikeRide Update 
- The Tracks tab on iBikeRide trail listings has been extended to include both Trailforks trail network maps and Strava rider segments, bringing mapped trails, current region status, and popular rider segments together in one place. 👉 Read More!
Closures and Diversions 🔐
- Felling starts at North Third on 20 Oct under Tilhill’s long-term plan. No core path closures, but MTB trails — Psilocybin, Mycelium, Liberty Cap, Food Of The Gods, Veggie, Route 77, and Candy Crush — will shut during works to mid-Dec. OTA says Tilhill and Stirling Access Officer are working to minimise trail impact — a good example of builders, riders, and managers pulling together. 🌲🚵♂️ 👉 Read More
13th October:
What We're listening to👂🏻
- Charlie Kingswood, co-founder of Hafod Trails (winner of the iBikeRide Trail of the Year 2025), is interviewed on the Ride to Success Podcast. 'Building Britain’s Most Welcoming Bike Park — The Hafod Trails Story' Oh!, and I don't think it is a big spoiler, but I did hear they have a new red and new black on the way soon :) 👉 Check it Out!
New Shiny Dirt 🚀
- Tarland Trails Drummy Woods – Tarland, Aberdeenshire is set for a major refresh, with its red, blue and pump track areas due for an overhaul in the coming months. 👉 Read More!
12th October:
New Shiny Dirt 🚀
- 🟠 Twisted Oaks Bike Park, in East Anglia have been busy — 23 Jump Street reopens this weekend with new jumps and refreshed features, plus Mouse Trap is back after a full overhaul. 👉 Read More!
iBikeRide Update
- The Tracks tab on iBikeRide trail listings has been extended to show both Trailforks trail network data and Strava live rider segments, bringing official mapped trails, current region status, and real-time riding all together in one view. Each listing now includes a compact Trail network & live segments lozenge with a mini-map preview and live status, linking through to the full tab. The Trailforks integration is currently a pilot, starting with a selection of Welsh and Scottish trails and a smattering in England, with more regions to follow over the next few weeks. 👉 Read More!
11th October:
Closures and Diversions 🔐
- Bikini Line trail at Swinley Forest has been closed following a review by The Crown Estate. A redesign of the route is planned in line with the other red-graded trails. 👉 Read More!
iBikeRide Update
- Keep an eye on the new live ticker running across iBikeRide — it pulls together the freshest news, new trail listings, and mountain bike events as they’re posted. A simple way to stay up to speed with what’s happening across the community.
10th October:
Behind the Berms 🔨
- Singletrack has launched a Crowdcube campaign inviting its readers and supporters to take part in a new community investment round aimed at helping shape the future of the long-running mountain bike publication. 👉 Read More!
Can’t Miss! ⏰
Wales 🏴
- the Trailhead, a one-day workshop hosted by Trailrippers Project CIC in collaboration with Mòr Diversity and The Anne Matthews Trust, takes place on 27th October 2025 at Braich Goch near Hafren Forest in Mid Wales, exploring how the MTB community can take meaningful anti-racist action and foster inclusion on and off the trails. 👉 Read More!
Scotland 🏴
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The Aberdeenshire Trail Association has announced its 25/26 Dig Season, starting with a clean-up dig at Pitfichie on 11th October and continuing through December with trail days at Scolty, Aboyne, Drumtochty, Corrennie, and Kirkhill.
9th October:
Can’t Miss! ⏰
Scotland 🏴
- Ochil Trail Association are hosting their first official dig day on the Menstrie Heritage Trail — Saturday 15 November 2025, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. 👉 Read More!
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Bike Trossachs Trail Association have just listed their trail maintenance schedule at the Go Ape Descent (Go Ape Aberfoyle, The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Aberfoyle, Stirling, FK8 3SX) — dates: Sun 5 Oct 2025, Sat 8 Nov 2025, Sun 7 Dec 2025, Sat 10 Jan 2026, Sun 7 Feb 2026 (9:00 am–12:30 pm); meet at the top of the Go Ape Descent; focus on finishing works to get both Go Ape trails running. 👉 Read More!
England 🏴
- Cycle Sistas women’s rides for October and November are out — with friendly, supportive sessions where no-one gets left behind. Malvern Hills rides (MTB only, 6:30 pm from Dirt Works), Powick rides (MTB / gravel / hybrid, 6:30 pm from The Red Lion), plus the Worcester Glow Ride — all run with a relaxed, women-only ethos. 🪖 Helmets and 🔦 lights are essential. Event pages: Malvern Hills • Powick • Worcester Glow Ride.
8th October:
New Shiny Dirt 🚀
- Partington Pump Track, Greater Manchester – Work is almost complete at Cross Lane Park, where Velosolutions UK are finishing the 130-metre asphalt pump track, 40-metre jump line, and learn-to-ride zone. The floodlit facility, built for Trafford Council and to be activated by Access Sport, will soon open for bikes, scooters, and skateboards. 👉 Read More!
7th October:
Can’t Miss! ⏰
Scotland 🏴
- Women in the Bike Industry Summit returns to the Tweed Valley in 2025 — now a two-day event after the success of 2024. 👉 Read More!
On the Ground 🔧
- A new group for organising rides at Lee Quarry has launched — 👉 Check them out!
- Richmond Bike Park is running a logo design competition for young people aged 9–16 (younger entries welcome) — any style, any format. The winning design becomes the official park logo, with the creator working alongside a top designer. Entries close end of October; drop off at Neep’s & Tatties or email: richmondbikepark2024@gmail.com
What We're Reading 👀
- DMBinS have a handy guide for what to do if something happens out on the hill. If it all goes wrong — would you know what to do? 👉 Read More!
6th October:
On the Ground 🔧
- BikePark Chilterns are heading into a busy autumn, with trail construction about to begin at Aston Hill Bike Park and the build phase nearly complete at Whippendell Woods. 👉 Read More!
5th October:
iBikeRide Update
- 📍 A new Tracks! service is live on iBikeRide. Every trail page now shows live Strava segments — climbs, descents and loops in real time. 👉 Read More!
Can’t Miss ⏰
England 🏴
- 🧘 Mindful Meet-Up – Whinlatter Forest (15 Nov, 10am). Community ride through North & South Red loops (plus Blue). Focused on connection, headspace and good vibes. 👉 Read More!
4th October:
New Shiny Dirt 🚀
- Just added — Berwyn View Pump Track, Ellesmere, Shropshire. Built by Clark & Kent Contractors next to Lakelands Academy; a 240-metre all-weather loop completed in August. 👉 Check It Out!
Closures and Diversions 🔐
Most Forests and Bike Parks closed due to high winds from Storm Amy for Sat 4th October. Check before riding. Keep Safe 🌪️
Can’t Miss ⏰
Wales 🏴
- The legendary Night Enduro returns to Llandegla on Saturday 15 November 2025. Over half the entries already gone. 👉 Read More!
England 🏴
- Pegasus MTB — Jumping and Dropping Course at Cannock Chase; beginner to intermediate riders. £55 per rider, min group 3. 👉 Read More!
Can't Miss ⏰
Wales 🏴
BikePark Wales is going all-out for Halloween on Friday 31 October — ghost trains, spooky games, fancy dress prizes and more. 👉 Read More!
England 🏴
Cyclewise one-day demo on Saturday 11th October at Whinlatter Forest with Deviate Cycles — try the new 2026 Claymore and Highlander builds. 👉 Read More
Scotland 🏴
- The TWMBA Jam supporting the Troserch MTB trails is on Sunday (5 Oct) — fresh-prepped trails, prizes, first ever raffle with support from Intense Factory DH Team. Sign up as members in advance; roll from 10:30. 👉 Check them out!
Closures and Diversions 🔐
- Gawton Gravity Hub — CLOSED WEEKDAYS for October due to thinning works; OPEN weekends. 👉 Check them out
- ⚠️ Temporary Trail Closure — Scolty: “Corona Time Upper and Lower and Dee Drop will be closed from 6th–31st October (may be extended). Trails open evenings when operators leave site.” 👉 Check them out
Behind the Berms 🔨
- Fox Group have donated materials from Bacup Quarry to support the Friends of Lee and Cragg Quarries. 👉 Check it Out
On the Ground 🔧
- Thanks to a generous donation from Blackline Clothing, Trail Collective North Wales now has tools and protective gear for volunteers maintaining the Marin Trail — every purchase helps fund trail work. 👉 Check them out
- ✨ The Trail Bloom Ambassador Programme 2025–26 is now open! 👉 Apply here
2nd October:
Can't Miss ⏰
- Red Bull Rampage 2025, Virgin, Utah — women’s event live 16 Oct, men’s 18 Oct at 5pm UK (BST) on Red Bull TV. 👉 Check it out
England 🏴
- Calderdale Mountain Bike Marathon — Sunday 12 October, 27 and 13-mile way-marked routes from Sowerby Bridge. Entries (£25) close Friday 10 Oct, 18:00. 👉 Read More!
- Project FIAS — Women+ MTB Community Building Workshops: OnePlanet Adventure (Fri 3 Oct) and Forest of Dean (Fri 7 Nov), open to anyone starting or strengthening a Women+ MTB community. 👉 Read More!
New Shiny Dirt 🚀
- 🚧 Hamsterley Trailblazers have started a major new red section from 5 Lane Ends into Poltys — in the style of Accelerator but four times the length, adding to the 14.5-mile Red loop. 👉 Read More
- Glentress Mountain Bike Trail Centre will complete its £6m Masterplan with a new skills area opening on Wednesday 8 October. 👉 Read More
What We're Reading 👀
- IMBA Europe Summit 2025 in Boltaña, Spain — 160 delegates from 24 countries on MTB as a driver for rural development, community and stewardship. 👉 Learn more
Can't Miss ⏰
Wales 🏴
- 🚴♀️ Becci Skelton — 4-week Women’s MTB Fundamentals at One Planet Adventure, Llandegla. £200, Thursdays 9:30–12, max 6 riders. 👉 Learn more
England 🏴
- Tribe Adventures — female-only Intro to MTB Jumping, Fri 7 November, Leigh Woods, Bristol. 👉 Learn more
1st October:
On the Ground 🔧
- On Track is hiring and expanding their Trail Building crew! 👉 Learn More
- Chicksands have commissioned a fleet of Pseries P4 bikes for hire and opened a new coffee shop. 👉 Check them out
- Six new leaders joined the Adaptive Riders Collective via the aMTB Foundations Programme — leadership, navigation and trail-side repairs, led by Aneela McKenna in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.
New Events Coming Up!
England 🏴
- Ducksmart Twisted Oaks Mashup Enduro — Sun 10 Nov (Suffolk), 6 short sandy stages, mashup format, prizes, fancy dress; food, free parking, e-bike charging, glamping. 👉 Learn more
- Melon Rogate Halloween Jam — 25 Oct. Dress up or be a rotting boo. 👉 Learn more
- 🌲 Forest of Dean Rad Riders — Thu 30 Oct: 3pm Trail Clear & Litter Pick (with DTV) then 5:30pm social dinner + Night Ride (lights compulsory). All ages welcome. 👉 Learn more
- She Rides — October socials at the Forest of Dean, Eastridge Woods, the Lakes and more!
What Have We Missed?
Let us know in the comments below.
Read: 376 times Published: 30/09/2025🥇 Trail of the Year – Winner Announced!
