| Colour |
Grade |
Suitable for |
Trail type |
Gradient |
Surface/width |
Acceptable hazards |
Distance |
Maximum climb
|
| Green |
Easy |
Non-cyclists and families, children aged 4 or above riding solo, bikes with child seats or trailers, touring bikes, bikes for those with disabilities. |
Rail trails, towpaths, reservoir trails, estate or forestry tracks, traffic-quiet roads, and those regulated by bylaws or other restrictions. |
Shallow climbs and descents capable of being ridden by children and non fit adults. |
Blacktop or compacted limestone or gravel. Essentially smooth with a minimum content of loose surfaces. Normal width 2 - 3 metres. |
These trails should carry a very low risk. Any unavoidable hazards should be identified in promotional literature and through notices at trail head and site of hazard. |
5 – 10 km (3 – 6 miles) |
50 metres
|
| Blue |
Moderate |
Occasional cyclists with some experience of road use or easy trails, reasonably fit families, children aged 10 or above riding solo, suitable for mountain bikes, hybrids or robust touring bikes. |
As 'Easy' plus bridleways and byways and un-surfaced unclassified roads. Lightly trafficked lanes. |
Shallow/moderate climbs with short sections of steeper climbs which may have to be walked. |
Mostly stoned surfaces, 10% earth based singletrack, 2 metre width. |
Some loose surfaces, ruts, potholes and or tree roots maybe expected. |
10 – 20 km (6 – 12 miles) |
100 metres
|
| Red |
Difficult |
Regular cyclists with experience of moderate trails suitable for off-road quality mountain bikes. |
Any usable trail with pushing or portage unlikely to exceed 2% of total distance. |
A wide range of climbs and descents of a challenging nature. |
Widths from 1 metre and any usable surface. Likely to include singletrack and other technical sections. |
The route should be judged on the basis that a reasonably experienced rider riding within his/her level of skill and prevailing ground conditions, would not be expected to fall. |
10 – 50 km (6 – 31 miles) |
500 metres
|
| Black |
Severe |
Expert mountain bikers who will expect and relish technical challenges. |
Any. But with the expectation of technical riding which could include unforgiving terrain, severe climbs and descents, or considerable distances. |
Any rideable or usable gradient. May include 'drop offs'. |
Mostly off-road. Expected to include a significant proportion of singletrack, with challenging surfaces. |
Hazards are expected as assessed and agreed by an expert user. Falling off will be expected. |
1 – 100 km (2 – 61 miles) |
1000 metres
|
