Bristol has a large mountain biking community. Situated close to the Ashton Court Estate and Leigh Woods, it attracts mountain bikers from across Europe.


Most cycling visitors to Bristol have ridden off-road extensively and developed their skills to a level where they can deal with the uneven and challenging terrain, steep drops and considerable exposure at the side of the trails. Most riders come equipped with a high-quality mountain bike capable of handling extremely harsh terrain, most likely with suspension at the front if not the rear of the bike.

Red or Black Trails

The two trails mentioned above can be viewed by visiting the trail map here. You can learn more about the Ashton Court and Leigh Woods trails by watching our video .


The first is Ashton Court. Feedback from riders has been very good, and the trail is catering for a wide range of abilities. The Nova Trail is graded blue (moderate) and gives a great flowing ride. In places the trail splits to provide blue (moderate) and red (difficult) graded options. There is also a longer optional Super Nova Trail that is graded red (difficult), branching off from the Nova Trail, that will challenge more experienced riders. You can find out more about trail grading to find a trail that suits you.


Car parking is limited, so we’d strongly recommend that you travel to the site on bike – visit the Better by Bike website for details of cycling in and around Bristol.


If you are driving, please use the Church Lodge car park (access via Ashton Road situated on the B3128 – by the Dovecote pub) and then pass through the estate to the trail on bike.


A new golf and cycle centre houses a cafe with toilets, indoor and outdoor seating areas and golf hire is open as of July 2012 with bike hire will following shortly. Find out more on the Bristol City Council website. Bristol City Council owns and manages the Ashton Court Estate. Discover more about Ashton Court Estate and the wide range of other activities on offer.


The second trail is the Yer Tiz Trail in neighbouring Leigh Woods - a ‘moderate’ Blue grade narrow and engaging trail weaving its way through the woodland. The trail features berms (banked corners), rollers (bumps) and drops and climbs, requiring a mountain bike but suitable for relative novices to off-road cycling. The woods are popular with walkers, dog walkers and families so expect to meet others on your travels.


In places the trail splits for a short distance, providing the option of a more difficult route in the form of the ‘difficult’ Red grade Gert Lush Trail. Narrow and technical, we recommend that it is only suitable for experienced off-road cyclists. A great ‘taster’ of a Red grade trail.


The Keener Skills Loop is graded ‘moderate’ Blue along its main route and includes features such as small drops, rock gardens and rollers to progress your riding ability. There is the possiblity to divert onto more difficult features if you are feeling confident. Take your riding to the next level by building up to riding new features when you are ready.


Leigh Woods is owned by the Forestry Commission and the National Trust. Facilities on site are limited, but you can find out more about the site from those organisation’s websites.


How to get there:

• By bike – Bristol has a great cycle network and there are links to both Ashton Court and Leigh Woods. Visit Better by Bike for details of cycling in and around Bristol.
• By public transport – visit Bristol City Council’s TravelBristol website.
• By car – both Ashton Court and Leigh Woods can be accessed from the A369 Abbots Leigh Road, 15 mins from Junction 19 of the M5.