RIDES
Don’t sack off riding when the weather gets nasty, instead dress right, adopt a positive mental attitude and pick from one of our weatherproof routes
QUANTOCKS, SOUTH WEST 19.2km (11.9 miles)
The Quantocks have their fair share of weather-battered summits and exposed open heathland, but the creases, crevices and combes that make up its topology also provide protection from whatever might be coming off the Bristol Channel, you just need to pick the right trails. This is one of our favourite Quantock routes, partly because of the variety of trails and terrain, but feel free to adapt it to provide maximum cover from the prevailing wind, rain, sleet, snow… GPS download bit.ly/QuantockRide
CANNOCK, THE MIDLANDS 32.3km (21.2 miles)
Unless gale-force winds are in effect, retreating to the woods is a good idea. Cannock, on the northern edge of Birmingham, not only has plenty of trees to provide shelter but the sandy trails also drain pretty well, making this a good place to hide and ride. Best known for its trail centre, it’s also possible to piece together a ride without depending on trail markers. Use our route and mix and match it with other trails to build a loop that suits you and the weather and make the most of the trail centre’s cafe for post-ride hot chocolates. GPS download bit.ly/CannockRide
MOSEDALE, NORTH WEST 32.9km (20.4 miles)
Taking shelter from the elements isn’t easy in the Lake District, a place that seems to attract the extremes of weather. This route will keep you, mostly, out of the worst that the Cumbrian weather can throw at you. Keeping to the edges of the Skiddaw massif before cutting through the middle of it to Skiddaw House, you can appreciate the fells without overcommitting to them. Along the way you’ll be treated to Whitewater Dash waterfall
