FunkyBikes riding guide

Where to Ride Your Electric Mountain Bike in the UK

From flowing forest trails and technical descents to dedicated bike parks, discover some of the UK's best mountain biking destinations and plan your next eMTB adventure.

An electric mountain bike can make longer rides and steep climbs more manageable, giving you more time to enjoy the trails. The UK has riding destinations for every ability, whether you are planning your first off road adventure or looking for your next technical challenge. Use the map to explore locations across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Find mountain bike trails on the UK map

Choose a country or search for a venue. Select a map marker to see a short description and visit the venue's official website.

Trail centre or forest Bike park

Map markers show approximate venue locations, not the individual trail routes. Map data and tiles are provided by OpenStreetMap contributors. Check the venue's own website for current trail status, access rules, parking and facilities.

The best places to ride in Wales

Wales has an outstanding mountain biking scene, with everything from woodland routes to world class downhill parks.

Merthyr Tydfil · Bike park

1. BikePark Wales

One of the UK's best known mountain bike destinations, with an extensive network of trails for beginners through to experienced riders. Facilities include uplift, bike hire, coaching and a café.

DownhillTrail ridingProgression

eMTB: BikePark Wales offers a dedicated eBike Pedal Pass. Check its current bike eligibility and booking conditions before travelling.

Visit BikePark Wales ↗

Dolgellau · Trail centre

2. Coed y Brenin

Set in woodland in Eryri, Coed y Brenin was the UK's first purpose built mountain bike trail centre. Routes range from easier family rides to demanding technical trails.

Forest trailsCross country Visit Natural Resources Wales ↗

Port Talbot · Trail centre

3. Afan Forest Park

A legendary Welsh mountain biking destination with forest trails, flowing singletrack and challenging descents. The area includes Afan Visitor Centre and Glyncorrwg.

Forest ridingCross country Explore Afan with Natural Resources Wales ↗

Machynlleth · Bike park

4. Dyfi Bike Park

A gravity focused bike park in Dyfi Forest, with challenging downhill trails and an uplift service. It is best suited to riders who are confident on technical terrain.

DownhillTechnical Visit Dyfi Bike Park ↗

Blaenau Ffestiniog · Bike park

5. Antur Stiniog

A gravity focused centre in the dramatic landscape of North Wales. Its downhill trails combine flowing corners, rocky terrain and technical challenges, with uplift facilities.

DownhillTechnical Find Antur Stiniog at Mountain Bike Wales ↗

Carmarthenshire · Trail centre

6. Brechfa Forest

A woodland riding destination with routes from easier trails to challenging technical singletrack. The Gorlech and Raven trails are popular with more experienced riders.

WoodlandSingletrack Explore Brechfa with Natural Resources Wales ↗

Aberystwyth · Trail centre

7. Bwlch Nant yr Arian

In the Cambrian Mountains, this centre offers purpose built mountain bike trails and spectacular views. The Syfydrin route is a rewarding longer ride.

Scenic routesCross country Visit Natural Resources Wales ↗

Newport · Trail centre

8. Cwmcarn Forest

A South Wales riding destination with challenging forest trails and technical sections. Its location makes it a useful option for riders travelling from Cardiff, Newport and Bristol.

Forest ridingTechnical Check Cwmcarn trail information ↗

Wrexham · Trail centre

9. Coed Llandegla

A privately managed trail centre with woodland routes, a skills area and facilities for riders of different abilities.

All abilitiesSkills area Visit Coed Llandegla ↗

Eryri · Trail centre

10. Penmachno Trails

A community managed trail network with challenging climbs, forest singletrack and rewarding descents through the North Wales countryside.

SingletrackCross country Find Penmachno at Mountain Bike Wales ↗

The best places to ride in England

England has an extensive network of forest trails and mountain bike centres, from the Lake District to the forests of the South West.

Gloucestershire · Trail centre

11. Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

A major mountain biking destination with downhill trails, cross country routes and gentler cycling options for different abilities.

DownhillCross country

Visit Forestry England ↗

North Yorkshire · Trail centre

12. Dalby Forest

A large network of trails, from easier woodland routes to demanding technical riding in the North York Moors.

Forest trailsAll abilities

Visit Forestry England ↗

Staffordshire · Trail centre

13. Cannock Chase

Home to well known routes including the Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase is popular for flowing singletrack and more challenging sections.

SingletrackCross country

Visit Forestry England ↗

Lake District · Trail centre

14. Grizedale Forest

Mountain bike trails in a beautiful Lake District setting, including demanding technical sections and routes through the forest.

Scenic ridingTechnical

Visit Forestry England ↗

County Durham · Trail centre

15. Hamsterley Forest

A varied network of woodland trails with options for riders building confidence and those looking for more technical challenges.

WoodlandMixed ability

Visit Forestry England ↗

Northumberland · Trail centre

16. Kielder Forest

A vast forest landscape with cycling routes ranging from longer distance forest rides to more demanding mountain bike trails.

Big ridesForest roads

Visit Kielder ↗

Nottinghamshire · Trail centre

17. Sherwood Pines

Flowing singletrack through the forest, with several routes designed for different riding abilities.

Flow trailsWoodland

Visit Forestry England ↗

Devon · Trail centre

18. Haldon Forest Park

A popular destination with trails for beginners and experienced riders, plus views across the surrounding countryside.

Beginner friendlyForest trails

Visit Forestry England ↗

Cumbria · Trail centre

19. Whinlatter Forest

A Lake District forest destination with mountain bike routes and views across the surrounding fells.

Forest trailsScenic riding

Visit Forestry England ↗

Kent · Trail centre

20. Bedgebury Forest

A family friendly forest cycling destination with marked trails and routes through the woodland.

WoodlandLeisure rides

Visit Forestry England ↗

Norfolk · Trail centre

21. High Lodge, Thetford Forest

A forest cycling destination with a choice of routes through the Brecks. Check the available mountain bike routes and facilities before travelling.

Forest cyclingLeisure rides

Visit Forestry England ↗

The best places to ride in Scotland

Scotland is a mountain biking favourite, with forest trail centres, rugged landscapes and challenging downhill destinations.

Scottish Borders · Trail centre

22. Glentress

Part of the 7stanes network, Glentress has routes for beginners and experienced riders, with forest singletrack and technical challenges.

All abilitiesCross country

Visit Forestry and Land Scotland ↗

Scottish Borders · Trail centre

23. Innerleithen

Known for downhill trails and challenging cross country riding, Innerleithen is a destination for riders who enjoy technical terrain.

DownhillExperienced riders

Visit Forestry and Land Scotland ↗

Dumfries and Galloway · Trail centre

24. Ae Forest

A varied trail centre with green, blue and red routes, plus a more demanding downhill section and skills area.

All abilitiesDownhill

Explore the 7stanes ↗

Dumfries and Galloway · Trail centre

25. Dalbeattie

Famous for granite rock features and coastal views, Dalbeattie offers a distinctive mountain biking experience.

TechnicalRock features

Explore the 7stanes ↗

Galloway Forest Park · Trail centre

26. Kirroughtree

A varied trail network with options from gentle green routes to technically challenging singletrack.

Cross countryAll abilities

Explore the 7stanes ↗

Strathmashie · Trail centre

27. Laggan Wolftrax

A well known Highland trail centre with fast, technical and feature filled trails in a forest setting.

Technical trailsHighlands

Visit Laggan Wolftrax ↗

Galloway Forest Park · Trail centre

28. Glentrool

A scenic destination with enjoyable routes for families and beginners, including a blue graded trail and longer gravel ride.

Beginner friendlyScenic routes

Explore the 7stanes ↗

Dumfries · Trail centre

29. Mabie Forest

A popular forest centre with trails for beginners through to experienced riders, plus a skills area.

Skills areaAll abilities

Explore the 7stanes ↗

The best places to ride in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has forest trails and dedicated mountain biking areas, with routes set among some beautiful landscapes.

County Tyrone · Trail centre

30. Davagh Forest

A forest setting with purpose built mountain bike trails for different abilities. Check current notices because forestry work or maintenance can affect individual trails.

Forest trailsAll abilities

Visit Mid Ulster District Council ↗

County Down · Trail centre

32. Castlewellan Forest Park

A popular outdoor destination with a mountain bike trail network, including green, blue, red and black options. Bike hire is available locally.

Mixed abilitiesForest trails

Check Northern Ireland cycling information ↗

Can you ride an electric mountain bike on UK mountain bike trails?

In general, a UK legal electric mountain bike is treated like a regular pedal cycle for access purposes. That does not mean every trail or privately managed bike park automatically allows eMTBs. Individual venues can have their own conditions, so check before travelling.

What makes an electric bike road legal in the UK?
  • It must have pedals that can propel the bike.
  • The motor's maximum continuous rated power must not exceed 250 watts.
  • Motor assistance must cut off when the bike reaches 15.5mph (25km/h).
  • The rider must be aged 14 or over.

These are the main Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) requirements. Different rules apply to electric bikes that do not meet them.

Read the official GOV.UK electric bike rules ↗

Forestry England states that legal e-bikes and eMTBs are welcome on trails, public rights of way and forest roads where pedal cycles are permitted. Other trail operators may have additional conditions, including passes or restrictions on particular routes.

In Scotland, follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the rules published by the local land manager. In all parts of the UK, respect closures, other trail users, livestock and the natural environment.

Forestry England: electric powered transport and where e-bikes can go ↗

Tips for planning your next electric mountain bike ride

Electric mountain biking FAQs

Are electric mountain bikes allowed on UK trails?

Road legal pedal assisted e-bikes can generally use places where ordinary pedal cycles are allowed. A private trail centre or bike park can set additional rules, so check its current eMTB policy before visiting.

Are all electric mountain bikes legal in the UK?

No. For an electric bike to be treated as an EAPC, it must have pedals, a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts and assistance that cuts off at 15.5mph. The rider must be at least 14. Bikes that do not meet the rules may be treated as motor vehicles.

What do the mountain bike trail colours mean?

Green is generally the easiest grade, followed by blue, red and black. Some centres also have bike park or extreme routes. Always read the grading guidance at the venue because trail features and difficulty vary.

Do I need a special pass for an eMTB?

Some venues have specific eMTB passes or booking conditions. BikePark Wales, for example, advertises a dedicated eBike Pedal Pass. Check each venue's current information before you travel.

Can I ride an electric mountain bike on public footpaths?

No. EAPCs can be used where pedal cycles are legally permitted, but ordinary public footpaths are not generally open to cycling. Check the status of the route and local access rules before riding.

Ready to find your next ride?

Whether you fancy a woodland adventure, a challenging mountain descent or a full day at a dedicated bike park, the UK has plenty of places to explore on an electric mountain bike.

Explore Electric Mountain Bikes at FunkyBikes