The trail grading system used for off-road cycling uses colours to represent the technical challenge of the trail. Be aware the grading does not cover the level of fitness you will need to ride a trail.
When visiting a Trail Hub the lower grade trails will be shorter and require less fitness to ride than the higher grade trails. However when looking at graded trails outside of a Trail Hub site be aware that they may be quite long to ride even if their technical difficulty is low.
Is this for you? Find the right single track grade for your abilities
Single Track Trails
| Grade | Suitable for | Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Green Easy | Beginners in good health with basic bike skills. Most types of bike. | Relatively flat & wide. |
| Blue Moderate | Riders in good health with basic off-road riding skills. Basic mountain bikes. | Some “single-track” sections & small obstacles of root & rock. |
| Red Difficult | Proficient mountain bikers with good off-road riding skills & fitness. Good mountain bikes. | Challenging. Climbs, tricky descents & technical features such as drop-offs & large rocks. |
|
Black Severe |
Expert mountain bikers with high level of fitness. Quality off-road mountain bikes. | Greater challenge & difficulty. Expect large & unavoidable features. |
Is this for you? Find the right non single track for you
Other Trail grades
| Grades | Suitable for | Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme – Downhill trails, Dirt Jumps, Freeride Areas |
Extreme level riders with expert technical skills & good fitness. Technical bike skills important. Jumping ability obligatory. |
Extreme levels of exposure & risk, large features, |
| Forest road and similar | Cyclists in good health. Map reading useful (routes not always marked.) Most bikes. | Gradients can vary. Surfaces may be uneven or potholed in places. Look out for vehicles & other users. |
