Loose steep switchbacks in the UK

[EeeDup (Phil Seton)]

Hi Guys
We are currently racing in EWSE. Last race was in Valberg France. The trails were very different to things we have found in the UK. I am looking to tap into your knowledge of trails that are super steep with tight switchbacks and really loose anywhere in the UK. If we have to we will just go to the Alps to practice but I'm hoping someone out there will know of some trails in the UK that might offer this kind of terrain??

Thanks everyone. Please let me know.

Kind regards Phil Seton

 

[Growmac]

I'm sure someone with local knowledge will be able to suggest Scottish trails that will fit the bill, but Antur Stiniog is the most alpine-style riding that I've tried in the UK. Steep, loose and technical.

 

[RickBullotta]

Hi Guys
We are currently racing in EWSE. Last race was in Valberg France. The trails were very different to things we have found in the UK. I am looking to tap into your knowledge of trails that are super steep with tight switchbacks and really loose anywhere in the UK. If we have to we will just go to the Alps to practice but I'm hoping someone out there will know of some trails in the UK that might offer this kind of terrain??

Thanks everyone. Please let me know.

Kind regards Phil Seton

Loose as in mud or loose as in dry?

 

[EeeDup (Phil Seton)]

Loose as in mud or loose as in dry?

Dry with small 2-3" rocks over hard packed underneath

 

[Bummers]

I'm sure someone with local knowledge will be able to suggest Scottish trails that will fit the bill, but Antur Stiniog is the most alpine-style riding that I've tried in the UK. Steep, loose and technical.

There's really only one track there that fits that description, Y-DU.

Llangollen (one giant leap) has the BDS track which is steep with tight switchbacks.

 

[militantmandy]

There are some very steep and loose trails in the Tweed Valley. Decade and Avalanche, Date Night. There are also plenty of trails which have very steep and tight corners, but aren't so loose. They do however get very slippery!

I can do you a more comprehensive list if you like or even shown you round.

 

[EeeDup (Phil Seton)]

There are some very steep and loose trails in the Tweed Valley. Decade and Avalanche, Date Night. There are also plenty of trails which have very steep and tight corners, but aren't so loose. They do however get very slippery!

I can do you a more comprehensive list if you like or even shown you round.

Yes we have already raced at Innerliethen and got 3rd place. Avalanche was one of Sean's favorites though we didn't race it. The trails in France were tighter steeper and looser. New York and Loan Woolf were mega. Really enjoyed those trails though I'm not at Sean's level.

 

[EeeDup (Phil Seton)]

There's really only one track there that fits that description, Y-DU.

Llangollen (one giant leap) has the BDS track which is steep with tight switchbacks.

Just booked uplift for Saturday. Looks like the double black is worth a look. Thanks for the tip.

 

[militantmandy]

There are some very steep and loose trails in the Tweed Valley. Decade and Avalanche, Date Night. There are also plenty of trails which have very steep and tight corners, but aren't so loose. They do however get very slippery!

Yes we have already raced at Innerliethen and got 3rd place. Avalanche was one of Sean's favorites though we didn't race it. The trails in France were tighter steeper and looser. New York and Loan Woolf were mega. Really enjoyed those trails though I'm not at Sean's level.

The trails that they race in the valley are never the steep ones though. The EWS course was pretty chill...although obviously I ride those trails at about half the speed as the pros!

 

[The Hodge]

Nan Bield Pass ..Lake District ..hike a bike to get to them ..
3:47 on this vid ..

 

[EeeDup (Phil Seton)]

Thanks to everyone for their feedback on this thread. We went to Antur Stiniog and Revolution bike park last weekend. Antur Stiniog was ok but not very steep and unfortunately way more grippy than we hoped. It was fun though. Revolution was steeper and some of the pro lines were ok.
Not sure we will find anything in the UK as steep loose and difficult to ride as in the Alps but if you know of any other options please let me know!
Thanks Phil Seton

 

[Bummers]

Thanks to everyone for their feedback on this thread. We went to Antur Stiniog and Revolution bike park last weekend. Antur Stiniog was ok but not very steep and unfortunately way more grippy than we hoped. It was fun though. Revolution was steeper and some of the pro lines were ok.
Not sure we will find anything in the UK as steep loose and difficult to ride as in the Alps but if you know of any other options please let me know!
Thanks Phil Seton

Yeah y-du is about as steep as it gets there and that's only for part of it. Lots of fun tracks though!

Did you check out Llangollen -one giant leap? That might be more suited.

 

[EeeDup (Phil Seton)]

Yeah y-du is about as steep as it gets there and that's only for part of it. Lots of fun tracks though!

Did you check out Llangollen -one giant leap? That might be more suited.

No We didn't. I will put it on the list. Thanks

 

[christopher_jx]

Have you been to The Wrekin in Shropshire? The tracks there are supposed to be as close as you can get to Alpine descents in the UK
they are very steep!

 

[EeeDup (Phil Seton)]

Have you been to The Wrekin in Shropshire? The tracks there are supposed to be as close as you can get to Alpine descents in the UK
they are very steep!

Hi Chris.
No we haven't but we will. I'm looking them up now. Have you ridden there?
Kind regards Phil

 

[christopher_jx]

Yep it's only 45mins from my house. It's the only place I go where I am truly scared! Just look at the videos on youtube obviously you can't tell how steep but the titles of the videos give it way!

 

[EeeDup (Phil Seton)]

Will do. Thanks fr the advice