Expand your riding horizons beyond the same old trail centres by having a crack at one of these fun loops.

Five thrilling singletrack for new riders, without the off-putting big climbs or techie sections.

Appletreewick, Yorkshire Dales

15km/9 miles

Classic Dales riding at its very best, but in a bite-size chunk that riders of all levels can get their teeth into. Burnsall makes the best starting place, and it’s got a great pub too (Landranger 98/SE082611). From here head SE through Appletreewick, and continue NE through Skyreholme. At a track junction, head N to climb over Black Hill and drop to the B6265. Turn L for 1.5km then 1st L into a lane. Climb to a LH band and keep SA onto a good track that climbs over Appletreewick Pasture. The descent starts fast then steepens as it drops. At the road, bear R to finish or L for a well-earned pint in the New Inn.

GPS download: po.st/Appletreewick

Watch: Essential tips for setting up your first bike

Roavan Bothy, Aviemore

28km/17 Miles

A lengthy but easy spin among the Caledonian pines of Glenmore Forest. From Loch Morlich Visitor Centre (Landranger 36/NH975098), follow the track parallel to the road W for 1.5km then climb NW into the forest, eventually descending to the road at West Croftmore. Turn R then R again to Tulloch, then keep heading W to Forest Lodge. Now take the track S, eventually passing Ryvoan Bothy and dropping back past Glenmore Lodge to Loch Morlich.

GPS download: po.st/RoavanBothy

Eskdale, Lake District

21km/13 Miles

Flat ground is hard to come by in the Lakes, but this loop hugs the banks of the Esk and cuts a level line through some mountainous countryside. Start at Dalegarth Station (Landranger 96/ NY173007), and follow the road W to the King George IV and turn L. Cross the bridge and turn R at a barn to head SW to the A595. Turn L and L again to head NW back to the bridge you crossed earlier. Turn R before it and enjoy great riding NE to Low Birker, where you drop to the road.

GPS download: po.st/Eskdale

West Marden, South Downs

20km/12 Miles

Short, but worthwhile; and lumpy enough to make you work: this is an ideal outing for less experienced riders. Kick off in the layby in West Marden (Landranger 197/ SU772136), and turn R to Rowlands Castle, then R onto a BW on a LH bend. Join a drive (NW) then bear R (NE) to Littlegreen School. Now take the BW N for 4km to join the SDW. Follow the SDW E for 5km to SU803185, and drop S for 800m, then SW to cross the B2141. Continue SW past Bevis’s Thumb and back to West Marden.

GPS download: www.gpsies.com

Shatton Edge, Peak District

17km/10 Miles

GPS download: po.st/ShattonEdge

In an area with plenty of gnar, this is a straightforward outing that takes in great trails and offers fine views. From Hathersage (Landranger110/SK231813), take the Grindleford road SE and turn R after the bridge, then R again after 2km, onto a track. Stay on this (NW then SW) to go around Shatton Edge to Robin Hood’s Cross. Continue N to Brough then E to the A6187, where you turn up the A6013. Turn R after the station, then again onto a track that now loops E to Nether Hurst then SE to finish.