Active escapes: top mountain-biking adventures near London

The days are longer, the weather warmer, and now’s the time to get back on the bike. Just as well that London is spoilt for choice when it comes to cycling destinations, right? Whether you’re chasing a fast ride through the woods, a leisurely cruise through the country, or an action-packed downhill track, you’ll find it all on London’s doorstep. We’ve put together a list of some of the top road-trip destinations for cyclists of any ability; the only question is, how far will you ride?

1. Woburn Trails, Buckinghamshire

The Woburn Trails can be found in Aspley Woods, just outside of Milton Keynes. The area is home to several maintained cross-country routes as well as a designated biking park. What’s more, just a few miles south, you’ll find Rushmere Country Park, another great place for cycling with cross-country downhill tracks and a jump park. They’re both managed by the same trust, which means a single pass covers both parks and all the trails within them – talk about bang for your buck!

If you’re keen to spend a weekend on the trails, why not base yourself at a campground near the historic town of Woburn? When you’re not out riding, there are plenty of things to see and do including the historic village centre and the grounds of Woburn Abbey. We wouldn’t pass up on a meal or drink at the Woburn Hotel either.

2. Surrey Hills

Surrey Hills is home to a network of excellent mountain biking trails, making it one of the most popular cycling destinations in the south of England for amateurs and pros alike. Choose from one of more than 20 mountain biking trails through the stunning hills, ranging from fairly leisurely jaunts to pretty serious cross-country rides. One of the best things about riding in the Surrey Hills is that a lot of the trails link up with one another, so you’re easily able to ride away an entire weekend through these hills alone. The views along the way are also excellent, with plenty of gorgeous healthland riding.

If you’re keen on a more leisurely pace, don’t worry – there are plenty of strategically placed pubs dotting the hills where you can stop and recharge the batteries. And while you’re in the hills, why not swap two wheels for two legs and head out on one of Surrey Hills’s many excellent walking trails? Even the hardiest adventurer will discover more than enough to fill a long weekend.

3. Swinley Forest, Berkshire

Swinley Forest, just outside of Bracknell, is home to a labyrinth of forest trails. Over 15 miles of mountain-biking goodness snakes its way through the woodland, so it’s no surprise Swinley is arguably the most visited cycling destination in the south. Begin your journey at Swinley Forest Trail Centre for a good rundown of your trail choices, which range from short and cruisy to proper gravel grinding.

The trails at Swinley are suitable for all ages and all abilities, making it an excellent choice for group rides. For riders chasing an adrenaline rush, there are a couple of faster trails that feature jumps and berms. The trails are incredibly well maintained, making them a joy to ride. While you’re out there, why not make a weekend of it and spend some time exploring many of the walking trails Swinley Forest has to offer – expect over 3000 acres of rolling, evergreen forest and an excellent on-site cafe to recharge your batteries after a day of adventures.

4. Rogate, West Sussex

Rogate Woods, a few miles east of Petersford, is the ideal place to get down and dirty on the gravel. Home to over 20 downhill trails, Rogate is a true locals’ project that has developed organically over the past decade to become a hub for all things mountain biking. Rogate offers an amazing variety of trails packed into a compact area, making it the perfect spot to base yourself for a weekend of riding. What’s more, if you're after longer, cross-country day rides, Rogate is also perfectly located on several longer looping trails, which range in length from five miles to over 20.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds over the long weekend, Rogate is a little further out than a lot of the other cycling hotspots, meaning less people (and less competition) on the trails. And while you’re down that way, you can make the most of the long weekend with a road trip through the South Downs and Surrey Hills AONB.

Need a van to get you there?

Why stop at just one day on the trails? The best way to tackle a long weekend is in a campervan, camping and adventuring as you go. Camplify is home to an ever-growing list of campervans, caravans and motorhomes, including plenty of bike-friendly options to get you and your kit to the trailhead. You can even have your van delivered if you’d prefer! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning that weekend escape.