Billinge Wood MTB Trails

Billinge Wood MTB Trails feature two primary routes: "Tricky Sixty" and "Trail of Two Trees." Each is approximately 600 meters long, forming a figure-eight loop that provides over 1 kilometer of built trail when combined. The trails are graded red and black, offering a challenging experience with features like berms, rocky sections, tight turns, rollers, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers, and even boardwalks and water crossings.

The trails are graded as red and black. Red trails are designed for proficient riders with good off-road skills and a high level of fitness, featuring steep gradients and technical elements. Black trails are for expert riders requiring excellent off-road skills and high stamina, incorporating large, committing, and unavoidable technical features. They are not recommended for beginners.

While a dedicated, official trail map for Billinge Wood MTB Trails isn't explicitly mentioned as a separate resource, the trails are located within Witton Country Park. You can often find park maps that indicate general access points. For detailed navigation of the MTB routes, many cyclists rely on GPS-enabled apps or devices that show the specific loops of "Tricky Sixty" and "Trail of Two Trees" within the park.

The trails are built on the lower slopes of Billinge Hill, which is formed from the hard-wearing Revidge Grit sandstone. Riders can expect a mix of woodland and parkland terrain, with features including sculpted berms, challenging rocky sections, tight turns, rollers, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers, boardwalks, and water crossings. The area is part of Witton Country Park, a 480-acre expanse of mixed woodland, parkland, and farmland.

The trails are situated on the lower slopes of Billinge Hill, which rises to 246 meters (807 ft). While the trails themselves are within the wooded area, the summit of Billinge Hill offers panoramic views across the surrounding landscape. Access to the summit is via public footpaths from nearby roads. The wider Witton Country Park also features various natural and historical elements.

Witton Country Park, where the trails are located, is well-connected by public transport. Cherry Tree railway station is approximately 0.5 miles away, and regular bus services operate past the main entrance of the park. The park is also located on National Cycle Route Network 6, making it easily accessible by bike from surrounding areas.

No specific permits are mentioned as being required to ride the Billinge Wood MTB Trails. They are publicly accessible trails within Witton Country Park. However, riders should always adhere to park rules and regulations, and respect other park users.

The Billinge Wood MTB Trails are graded as red and black, indicating they are designed for proficient and expert riders. They feature steep gradients, technical elements, and large, committing features. Therefore, these trails are generally not suitable for families with young children or beginner mountain bikers who lack good off-road skills and high fitness.

Billinge Wood MTB Trails are located within Witton Country Park, which is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are typically allowed in the park, but it's important to keep them under control, especially near active mountain bike trails, and to clean up after them. Always check for specific signage within the park regarding dog policies in certain areas.

The trails are designed as a year-round destination. While they can be enjoyed in various conditions, wet weather will naturally increase the technical difficulty of the rocky and rooty sections. During winter, expect potentially muddy and slippery conditions, which will demand even greater skill and caution. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Witton Country Park is located approximately one mile west of Blackburn town center, which offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Within the park itself, there may be visitor facilities, but for a wider selection of post-ride refreshments, the nearby town center is your best bet. You can also find options in the surrounding villages.

The two primary routes, "Tricky Sixty" and "Trail of Two Trees," are each approximately 600 meters in length. When combined to form a figure-eight loop, they offer over 1 kilometer of built trail for mountain bikers to enjoy.