RIDES
Flow trails are the best, when done right they’ll have you riding on what feels like autopilot, with everything happening automatically as the trail guides you along
LONG MYND, SHROPSHIRE
Nowhere in England has as many flowing trails as Shropshire. The woods and hills are full of them and not all of them were designed with mountain bikes in mind. The Long Mynd is the perfect example of this and feels like it’s provided the inspiration for many of the newer trails in the county. The humpback hill that is the Mynd has the perfect gradient; steep enough to build speed easily, without being a plummet that’s over in a minute or two. It’s the way it meters out that height and the way the trail winds its way down the hollows that create that feeling of flow. Want more? Head on over to the purpose-built trails in nearby Eastridge Woods. GPS download bit.ly/longMynd
BLANCHLAND, NORTH PENNINES
The North Pennines are full of surprises. Often overlooked, sometimes misunderstood, these hulking hills have some incredible riding just waiting to be explored for those who are willing to look for them. On the heather-covered moors outside Blanchland is some of our favourite northern flow. This route is relatively tech-free so makes a great introduction to the joys of flow and, as it’s effectively split into two loops, it can be cut short. Or doubled up and repeated, giving you flow for days. Or even just a few hours. GPS download bit.ly/BlanchlandRide
ROTHIEMURCHUS, CAIRNGORMS
Scotland isn’t all big-mountain rides and trail centres, it’s got its fair share of natural flow, too. A particular highlight is the descent from the Rothiemurchus Lodge in the Cairngorms. This route takes a rather circuitous way up to the tail end of the infamous Lairig Ghru descent. It may seem slightly drawn out, but it’s a beautiful way to gain height. From the point where wheels turn downhill, all the way back to Inverdruie, it’s a rollercoaster ride through the trees. Whoops, hollering and face-w
