Coed y Brenin, North Wales

The oldest and still one of the best centres in Britain, with superb trails to suit all abilities, and a great cafe (mbwales.com).

Afan Argoed, near Port Talbot, South Wales

Tremendous riding - check out The Wall - and easily accessible, within minutes of the M4 (mbwales.com).

Glentress Forest, Scotland

Superb trails for all abilities. And if that wasn't enough, there's the demanding Red Bull Trail located at nearby Innerleithen (thehubintheforest.co.uk).

The Off Beat World Cup Downhill Course, Nevis Range, nr Fort William, Scotland

This is for hardcore riders only, but there are more forgiving trails around nearby Leanachan Forest. Great scenery, too (nevisrange.com).

Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, England

A range of trails graded for differing abilities and set in a scenic and little-known corner of the county (forestry.gov.uk).