Ride inspiration - the stunning locations in the February issue of MBUK that will make you want to ride

The great spots we visited in the UK and abroad to make this month's mag. Including Scotland, Yorkshire and British Columbia…

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Published: February 13, 2018 at 2:30 pm

In case you're in need of a little ride inspiration this month, we thought we'd take a quick look at some of the stunning locations we've visited recently, which helped create the February issue of MBUK. Maybe they'll make you want to plan a trip for yourself, or just get out and ride what's near you.

Cademuir Hill, near Peebles, Scotland

EWS enduro rider Katy Winton riding near Peebles
Photo: Dave Mackison

With its picture-postcard composition, this is Katy Winton's stomping ground and features rolling hills in all directions, just a stone's throw from the mountain biking hub of Peebles. With Glentress and Innerleithen nearby, this is an enviable place for any mountain biker to call home and where Katy has built her skills, ready to move in on an Enduro World Series title challenge in 2018.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Riders on the mountain bike trail on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

The islands of British Columbia are rich with trails, making them the perfect location for a bunch of riding buddies to re-ignite one of their gang's passion for MTB after he splits up with his girlfriend. Vince may be unlucky in love but he's lucky in mountain biking, as he discovers the wonder of northern Vancouver Island and the lesser-known Hornby and Quadra islands. Totally rad, dude!

Ben Alder, Grampian Mountains, Scotland

Hannah Barnes and Rachel Walker riding Ben Alder
Photo: Brodie Hood
MBK_352_bothy.BH_BenAlder1
Photo: Brodie Hood

As Hannah Barnes, Rachael Walker and Brodie Hood go in search of Scotland's most remote bothy (rumoured to be haunted – woo-ooah!), they ride alongside a meandering river, skirt the shores of a beach-lined loch and cross a swinging wire bridge as they head deeper into the mountains. And this is all within just a few hours.

Stainburn Forest, Yorkshire

MBK_352_biketest.stainburn_2
Photo: Mick Kirkman

Our Biketest focuses on four short-travel full-suspension bikes this month, which are built to cover big distances in the quickest time possible. During our testing we took them to Stainburn and put in some winter miles on one of the rare recent dry days there. There's been quite a bit of recent trail maintenance going on so perhaps it's time you got a visit planned.

Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Tom the Carpenter. MBUK Wrecking Crew. Cannop , Forest of Dean. Gloucestershire. November 2017
Photo: Steve Behr
MBUK Wrecking Crew. Cannop , Forest of Dean. Gloucestershire. November 2017
Photo: Steve Behr

This is one of MBUK's stomping grounds – we do a lot of testing and general riding here. Well, it is just under an hour away from our Bristol offices. There's a whole load of variety and accessibility, which makes it a great location for riders of all abilities. Plus the facilities courtesy of Pedalabikeaway are top notch too.

Fylingdales, North York Moors

Mountain bikers water splash on North York Moors
Photo: Russell Burton
MBK_352_bigride.RB_Fylingdal1
Photo: Russell Burton

A big ride that starts out at a place called the Hole of Horcum – a natural ampitheatre, 1.2km wide, which can't fail to leave you seriously impressed. As our route guide Max Darkins and photographer Russell Burton embark on this epic across open heather moorland, they blast through huge pools of water on trails that are surprisingly firm and fast, despite all the recent rain.

This issue's route maps – in association with Ordnance Survey

Fylingdales, North York Moors

A typical North York Moors ride, with big exposed, wild moorland crossings. Some sections can get waterlogged and muddy but it's not the sticky tyre-grabbing type of mud.

Distance: 42.9km (26.7 miles) Climbing: 800m (2,625ft) Time: 3 to 5hrs

Brewood, Staffordshire

A straightforward, non-technical but pleasant ride along canal towpaths on varying surfaces, with a little woodland singletrack to explore too.

Distance: 25.9km (16.1 miles) Climbing: 200m (656ft) Time: 1hr 30mins to 3hrs

Merrick, Scotland

A simple out-and-back ride, made not-so-simple by its climbing, terrain and remoteness. Don't underestimate it, or the need for good weather!

Distance: 12.6km (7.8 miles) Climbing: 845m (2,772ft) Time: 2hrs 30mins to 4hrs

Wallingford, Oxfordshire

A big ride around the Chilterns, taking in lots of fun singletrack, picturesque countryside and pub stops (should you so desire!). Best in the spring or summer, colourful in autumn and hard going in winter.

Distance: 53km (32.9 miles) Climbing: 790m (2,592ft) Time: 3hrs 30mins to 5hrs

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