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Whether you are looking to ride off-road for the very first time or are a seasoned expert there is a tour designed just for you!
From the outset we need to make a definition of what a guided off-road motorcycle adventure tour is and what it is not. Riding the legal byways of Great Britain is a fantastic way to see parts of the countryside that is undiscoverable by car on tarmac roads and is one of the very best ways to improve your motorcycle handling skills. Some tours simply offer a relaxed, not too taxing day (or more) riding through some of the most beautiful countryside this country has to offer, while other tours are more technically and physically demanding where you will be expected to ride over drop-offs, heavily rutted trails and even up steep loose rock climbs.
The key to having an enjoyable tour is to be brutally honest about your off-road riding skills. If you have not been off-road before, or the last time you rode a dirtbike was in your Uncle's field 20 years ago then it would be very unwise to choose an extreme tour. Not only is there the possibility of damaging the bikes, but also in damaging yourself - some tour guides will even stop the day there and then if they believe it is too dangerous for your ability level!
On the other hand, if you are an experienced off-road rider or a motocross god, do not expect these tours to be conducted as a race or enduro event, it is simply not going to happen as the trails that are ridden are, in fact, public rights of way and not closed circuits. That said, there are some very technical sections and superb trails that will keep even the most experienced rider happy!
All of the tours on this page include the hire of the off-road motorcycle, all protective riding equipment, road insurance, fuel and the guide for the day (or more). On the Spanish tours you also get lunch thrown in for free on your riding days.
If you fancy travelling a little further afield then we can also highly recommend two different tours in southern Spain (cheap flights to Malaga can be found in abundance). See the bottom of this page for those tours.
KEY: In the ability gauge to to left of each tour, the arrow points to the lowest ability that the tour is suitable for. Each tour is suitable for all levels above that. Anything up to INTERMEDIATE level can be attended by novices but we would advise going for the exclusive guide option where possible in the UK.
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THE HOME COUNTIES TOUR
This tour is a great introduction to off-road riding and is suitable for the novice all the way up to the expert looking for a good day out in the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire countryside. Starting from St Albans in Hertfordshire, this tour takes you over a wide variety of terrain. We begin with a couple of nice gentle lanes for you to get the feel for the bikes, after which you will be guided up towards South Bedfordshire where the lanes become progressively more difficult, but certainly not stupidly difficult for novice off-road riders. We stop for lunch for around an hour or so before continuing through Luton and over towards Markyate, on to Redbourn and returning to base by around 4pm
The terrain covered includes gravel tracks, mud tracks (especially in winter), rocky climbs and decents, rutted sections and even the odd water crossing if the water levels are not too high. This all adds up to a superb day out in the countryside and absolutely ideal for getting your tyres dirty for the first time! In winter this tour is much more mucky and will keep all but the most experienced rider happy. What are you waiting for - book up a tour today and see just how much fun you can have on two wheels!
If you would like to find out more about this tour please click here
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THE LAKE DISTRICT TOUR
This tour is great for those of you who have very little off-road experience and live too far away from the novice friendly Home Counties Tour. This is also a great day (or more) out that you could work around your family holiday as the scenery in this area of Britain is beautiful.
Starting off from Tock How Farm in High Wray, which is just a few miles from Ambleside on the north shores of Lake Windermere, you will be treated to some time on private farm land, which includes a wide range of challenges such as grassy hill climbs, water crossings, bogs and ruts. Once everyone is happy to move on, you will be taken out on to the byways around this fantastic location and will get to see some simply stunning vistas.
The terrain covered on this tour is suitable for all levels, but is slighter more physically demanding than the Home Counties Tour. You will be transversing gravel tracks, dirt tracks, rock tracks, climbs and decents, water crossings and some very bumpy loose rock sections.
This location is superb for group bookings and there is farmhouse B&B accommodation on site (subject to availability).There is also the possibility of renting out a cottage just 2 minutes walk from the main farmhouse.
If you would like to find out more about this tour please click here
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THE NORTH WALES TOUR
Starting in Llangollen, this tour is a personal favourite due to its long trails fantastic scenery and varied terrain. While this tour can be quite tough, it is suitable for the more adventurous off-road novice who really is looking for a challenge! Intermediates and above will adore the trail riding here. The tour can be tailored to the ability of the group, which will be gauged after the first few tracks so there really is something for everyone.
There are quite a few different routes that can be taken in this area so multi-day tours are ideal if you are looking for real punishment! An average day will see you transversing off-camber slate climbs, deep ruts, narrow overgrown lanes, gravel and loose rock lanes as well as some challenging boulder climbs and decents with a few small drop-offs thrown in for good measure. We also have a small 'play-ground' that we visit early on in the day for everyone to get a feel for the bikes. On occasion, trial challenges can be set up in this area to sort the men (or women) from the boys - great fun for groups!
A small cautionary note here - it can be very cold and wet in north Wales so I would advise that you wear very warm undergarments - thermals/long johns if you have them. Another good tip is to put a plastic carrier bag over each foot before putting your boots on as not only do they help prevent wet feet, but they also help keep the cold off of your toes!
If you would like to find out more about this tour please click here
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THE SOUTH WALES TOUR
From the superb base at Llanerchindda Farm near Llandovery, with accommodation, food and bar facilities this is a perfect location for not just a single days riding but also for a full trail riding holiday! There are many routes in this part of Wales suitable for all levels of rider apart from the very nervous novice.
Taking in famous trails such as the Strata Florida where you will cross the river 7, yes seven, times you are assured of some great riding. The terrain is varied with bog areas, rocky slippery river crossings, ruts, grassland, mud, climbs, decents and even fast tracks around one of the many reservoirs there is enough challenges along the way for all. You may even take in some of the trails covered by the famous Welsh Two Day Enduro.
If you would like to find out more about this tour please click here
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THE PEAK DISTRICT TOUR
Starting from Bamford in Derbyshire, this particular tour is probably the most demanding on offer and is not recommended for the complete off-road novice as there are some very demanding climbs and decents with big drop offs to the side! There are easier trails up in this area of Britain, but this tour does not cover those, although we would not rule out setting up a more novice orientated tour in the future depending on demand.
For those who have had off-road experience (you don't have to be David Knight) you will thoroughly enjoy this more difficult, physically demanding tour. The ability of the group as a whole will be determined before taking you up any of the more difficult lanes, so don't be scared off by my previous words! For the more experienced, we would usually take you off on a slippery up-hill climb out of Bamford and on towards the famous Stanage Edge. This trail is quite long, very rocky and towards the top of the climb, there are some large boulders to pick your way through - nice big drop-off to one side which helps focus the mind!
The terrain that you will cover is very varied but consists mainly of rocky surfaces. You will find yourself droping down rock steps, splashing through water crossings, riding across open moorland with deep ruts to catch you out as well as the odd muddy section. In the winter months this tour really is mad if the snow is up on the tops! This tour is superb for group bookings - there will certainly be some bonding going on!
If you would like to find out more about this tour please click here
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THE WEST COUNTRY TOUR - COMING SOON
After acquiring West Country Trail Bike Tours in November 2007, TrailWorld will be re-opening this tour in the first quarter of 2008. As soon as we have further details, they will appear here. The tour will be suitable for all levels and will include trails across exmoor and the surrounding area.
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If you are more of a sun lover than a rain man then why not try southern Spain - two tours aimed at differing abilities.
There is simply nothing in the world like riding an off-road motorcycle through the Sierras of southern Spain. With views that make you go weak at the knees and trails that are simply awe-inspiring, this is something every motorcyclist should try. Smiles all round guaranteed, especially when you factor in cheap flights, cheap accommodation, superb food and cheap sangria, you really can have that ultimate adventure holiday. Trail riding heaven!
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SCENIC TOUR - VILLANUEVA DEL TRABUCO, ANDALUCIA, SPAIN
This tour has been specifically tailored to the first time off-road rider up to the intermediate looking for a superb off-road tour with no pressure to ride beyond your capabilities. This tour fills a gap in the market that was previously not catered for in southern Spain. You will be riding the novice friendly Honda CRF230 which features gentle power delivery and a low seat height (not everyone is 6ft tall!).
Andy Thomas, the guide on this tour, is there to help you every step of the way from friendly advice right up to demonstrating how to tackle certain terrain. The whole tour is run in a relaxed, easy going manner and can cater for a single days riding all the way up to a full weeks riding as there is simply miles and miles of trails in this area.
There are many options available on this tour including an inclusive (except flight) tour package from 2 days to 5 or more. Of couse there is also the option of choosing the ride only days where your group can have the tour guide exclusive to yourselves.
If you would like to find out more about this tour please click here
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TERRAIN TOUR - COMPETA, ANDALUCIA, SPAIN
Ahhh, so you rate yourself then? Are looking for the ultimate off-road adventure tour? You have found it.
Riding race bred, full on Beta RR 450 enduro bikes, you are in for a serious treat high up in the mountains where, if you get it wrong, you can sail off a 200 foot ledge! Vertigo sufferers beware!
All joking aside, this really is a fun, challenging tour where you can take in one of the many optional hill climb challenges. Trev, your guide on this tour, will fly up the hills making them all look easy (although he is prone to the odd mistake which will make you all giggle!) before challenging you to follow!
The trails seem almost infinite in this area of Andalucia so if you want to ride for 5 or more days you can do so and not follow the same route twice. The routes are challenging and quite physically demanding so I would not recommend this to the novice or people who are particularly afraid of heights, although confident, limited off-road riders will have no problems if physically fit.
The terrain is mainly rocky with some sandy trails up and over the mountains - I can't begin to even describe how much fun these tours are - probably the best time you can have with your clothes on!
If you would like to find out more about this tour please click here
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