The 1 South West project has now been running for several years, and its aim has always been simple – to develop the South West of England into a world-class off-road riding destination for all to enjoy.
The project is hosted by the Forestry Commission yet is a collaborative effort by several individuals from some of the most important organisations in the sport. The progress of 1 South West's hard work has now been plotted onto an interactive, web-based map.
1 South West believe that the best riding in the South West will always be on the bridleway and green lane networks, yet they understand that many people need to build up their confidence and knowledge before taking on this sort of riding.
This is where their 'trail hubs' come in – riding destinations with one or more graded mountain bike trails complete with visitor facilities. There are eight of these hubs in total, with popular examples being the Forest of Dean and Bristol's Ashton Court, the sort of riding spots that readily attract residents and visitors alike.
The map also caters for more outgoing riders, with more than 2,000km of trails traced throughout the South West. Each trail is graded from gentle green, for absolute beginners, to black for the more experienced. A section is also dedicated to routes promoted by local authorities.
1SW's map is based on Google Maps software, so is easy to navigate and feels familiar. Another advantage of the software is that many trails have photos and video clips attached, offering an accurate preview. Users can also search by postcode, for a quick and convenient way to access their nearest trails and facilities.
Take a look at the 1 South West interactive map here.
