Cross-country singletrack trails at dedicated mountain bike (MTB) centres use a grading system to inform riders of the difficulty of their various trails.
As good as any grading system may be, trail surfaces will vary throughout the year - and particularly during or after heavy rain. If in doubt, speak to the rangers, or stop and walk through a section.
Mountain biking is a potentially hazardous activity carrying a significant risk. Always ride within your own abilities.
| Green (easy) | Blue (moderate) | Red (difficult) | Black (severe) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Beginner cyclists and families, riding bikes with child seats or trailers, touring bikes, bikes for those with disabilities. | Cyclists with some experience of on-or off-road cycling and reasonably fit families, riding mountain bikes, hybrids or robust touring bikes. | Experienced mountain bikers riding mountain bikes. | Expert mountain bikers. |
| Trail types | Railtrails, towpaths, reservoir trails, estate or forestry tracks, traffic quiet roads. | As 'green', also bridleways, byways, un-surfaced unclassified roads (UCRs) and lightly trafficked lanes. | Any usable trail, including some bridleways, byways and UCRs. | Technical trails, with unforgiving terrain, severe climbs and descents or considerable distances. |
| Gradient | Shallow climbs and descents. | Shallow or moderate climbs, possibly including short sections of steeper climbs. | A wide range of steeper, tougher climbs and descents of a challenging nature. | Any rideable or usable gradient, including steep, loose, and rocky descents. |
| Surface/width | Blacktop or compacted limestone or gravel. Essentially smooth with a minimum content of loose surfaces. Normal width 2-3 metres. | Mostly stoned surfaces with 2 meter width. | Widths from 0.4 metre and any usable surface. Likely to include singletrack and other technical sections. | As 'red' but with an expectation of greater and wider challenges and continuous difficulty. Can include any rideable or useable trail. |
| Trail hazards | These trails carry a very low risk but may include short, more difficult sections. | Some loose surfaces, ruts, potholes and/or tree roots. | Unavoidable berms, boardwalks, large stones, moderate steps and drop-offs. Cambers, water crossings and 'North Shore' may be present. | Unavoidable obstacles with large steps and drop-offs. There will be prolonged steep, loose and rocky surfaces. Some man-made structures will be included. Can include exposed open hill sections. |
| Normal distance |
5–10km (3–6 miles) |
10–20km (6–12 miles) |
10–50km (6–31 miles) |
1–100 km (1.6–61 miles) |
| Maximum climb | 50 metres | 100 metres | 500 metres | 1,000 metres |
