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MTB
7 uplift-serviced DH trails for gravity addicts
Sick of slogging your bike up a hill? Get straight to the good stuff with these eight UK trail centres that run regular uplifts.
Unless you’re set on earning your downhill turns with a bracing pedal session first, an uplift-serviced trail centre is a great way to maximise your time on the bike doing what you love best – going downhill! Luckily, there are a number of these vehicle-assisted centres scattered across the UK. To help you pick your next downhill destination, here are seven that we think are well worth a visit.
1. Antur Stiniog, North Wales
Antur Stiniog
© Visit Wales
The uplifts at Antur Stiniog are said to be some of the best and fastest in the UK, with a service so efficient that you could get up to 20 downhill runs in a day. Based in an old slate quarry, there are seven downhill and freeride trails, ranging from blue to black in difficulty, so there’s something on offer for riders of all abilities. A full day ticket is recommended to get the most out of the trails.
Uplift is available Thursday-Monday during April-August and Thursday-Sunday during September-March, from £33pp. Book your uplift at www.anturstiniog.com
2. BikePark Wales, South Wales
BikePark Wales
© Andy Lloyd
BikePark Wales runs one of the most efficient uplift services in the UK, with a full session aiming to give you 10+ downhill runs in a day. Once you’re up, BikePark Wales has something on offer for all abilities, with trails ranging from a gentle green right up to technical blacks and even two pro lines. Uplifts get snapped up pretty swiftly here, so make sure to book well in advance.
Uplift is available all week, with prices starting from £36 depending on the day/holidays. Book at www.bikeparkwales.com
Check out Laurie Greenland, Kaos Seagrave and more shredding at BikePark Wales in the player below
3 min
BikePark Wales 2019 edit
No matter the weather, BikePark Wales is open for all your riding needs. Watch Laurie Greenland, Kaos Seagrave, Leo Sandler, Taylor Vernon and Joe Parfitt riding through the seasons at BikePark Wales.
3. Revolution Bike Park, North Wales
Getting air time at Revolution Bike Park
© Doc Ward
Revolution Bike Park is one of the biggest privately owned and run bike parks in the UK, with a whopping 125 acres of forest and quarry area to play with. It is home to some of the steepest and most technical descents in the country, and therefore, has become the training ground of some of the world’s best downhill riders, including Revolution local, Tahnée Seagrave.
Their efficient uplift service runs Thursday-Sunday starting from £36 per rider. Book at www.revolutionbikepark.co.uk
4. Fort William, Scottish Highlands
Brook Macdonald at Fort William 2016
© Nathan Hughes
Serviced by its very own Gondola, an uplift at Fort William will give you a taste of a trip to the Alps as well as an opportunity to ride down the UK’s only official downhill World Cup track. If you’re not quite ready to tackle a course made for the pros, then the uplift also gives you access to the Red Giant and, of course, there are many trails in the Nevis Range and surrounding area for all levels to explore.
The Gondola uplift for bikers is available everyday until the end of October, and a day ticket is just £32. Find out more at www.nevisrange.co.uk
5. Danny Hart’s Descend Bike Park, Country Durham
Danny Hart and his signature whip!
© Duncan Philpott
Danny Hart's Descend Bike Park, is a downhill and 4X-dedicated riding facility with runs for beginners right up to seasoned pros. There are five downhill tracks with eight optional bottom sections, which are all accessible by the regular uplift service made up of mini buses and two bike trailers. You can expect to fit in 12 downhill runs in a day’s session.
At only £26 per rider, this one is on the cheaper side of uplift services. Book your uplift at www.descendbikepark.com
6. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Forest of Dean
© Stewart Black
Known for its steep, rocky descents, the Forest of Dean has a huge range of mountain bike trails that will satisfy even the most adventurous of riders. To make the most of your day and guarantee your seat, it’s recommended that you book a full day’s uplift in advance which, starting at 10am, will see you get in up to 15 downhill runs. FlyUp is the only official uplift service for FoD, based at the Cannop Cycle Centre and the 417 Bike Park.
Book your uplift at www.flyupdownhill.co.uk at £33 per rider.
7. Cwmcarn, South Wales
Wales never fails
© Alex Tyler
Cwmcarn run a year-round uplift service that will give you access to two of their fun-filled trails. Y Mynydd is an extreme trail known for its steep terrain, mandatory jumps and technical sections that will challenge even the most experienced riders. The other, less intense option is the downhill section of the Twrch XC trail, where you can expect swooping, rollercoaster singletrack. With uplifts kicking off at 9.30am you can expect to fit in 11 downhill runs in a day.
Uplift service is £33.50 on weekends and Bank Holidays and £31.50 Midweek, which you can book at www.cwmdown.co.uk
