The best motorhome campsites for mountain biking
72cc241a-32de-4c65-a7e1-fa7ba7b45fe4
We've picked five perfect campsites for fans of two wheels and pedal-power
Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site, Bristol
Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6XGTel: 01179-268030 Web: www.caravanclub.co.uk
Open: All year
Before you think we’ve completely lost the plot recommending a campsite in the heart of a dock complex, there is a rational reason for its inclusion. Pedal two miles west from Bristol city centre along the River Avon Trail and you’ll get to the Ashton Court Estate. Here you’ll find the Nova Trail and Leigh Woods – both are classic mountain bike trails. The campsite is small but perfectly formed. The pitches are pretty tight, but the dockside location is unique. Within a few hundred yards is the dry-docked SS Great Britain, Brunel’s epic steam ship. The Clifton suspension bridge forms the backdrop, while the delights of Bristol (like the zoo and lots of shops and places to eat) are just a walk away. Plan your trip early as this campsite always gets booked up.
Glen Nevis, Highland
Glen Nevis, Fort William, Highland PH33 6SXTel: 01397-702191 Web: www.glen-nevis.co.uk
Open: 15 March - 5 November
Fort William is often described as the outdoor capital of Great Britain and, frankly, it does deliver the goods when it comes to outdoor fun. There are lots of mountain bike trails on offer here – and not just extreme stuff for adrenalin junkies – ranging from gentle lochside rides along Lochaber to family routes. With the epic mountain trails, you can be as energetic as you want too. For motorhomes, Glen Nevis takes some beating. It has pitches with wonderful mountain views, a drive-over waste water dump station and good toilet blocks. There’s also a restaurant and bar within walking distance, plus the town centre of Fort William itself. If you don’t fancy riding, there are lots of other attractions nearby, such as boat trips on Loch Linnhe.
Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park, Powys
Pencelli, Brecon, Powys LD3 7LXTel: 01874-665451 Web: www.pencelli-castle.com
Open: 4 February - 27 November
Located amid the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pencelli Castle is ideal for the mountain bike enthusiast. There are over 1,250 miles of trails and 14 single track mountain bike routes through forests, over mountains and open commons. The graded routes are colour-coded and range in difficulty from simple up to the Black Mountains Classic – 52km of extreme level riding (www.mtbbreconbeacons.co.uk). There’s also the Beacons Bike Bus with stops where you can load and unload your bike. The campsite, which is set in beautiful grounds, provides bike hire and a handy bike wash, along with the usual facilities. There’s also a Koi carp pond on site and a pub handily located within 100 yards. The Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal runs alongside the site and is great for walking or cycling along, as is the nearby Taff Trail.
Tackeroo Caravan Site, Staffordshire
Penkridge Bank Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 2UQTel: 01889-586593 Web: www.forestry.gov.uk
Open: 28 March - 23 September
Cannock Chase is brilliant for mountain-biking, offering rides suitable for all abilities, ranging from gentle family rides through woodland to flowing single tracks through trees. There’s also a couple of black routes for the true nutters out there. The trails all start at Swinnerton Cycle Centre (ST4 2HG Tel: 01782-747782), but the Tackeroo Forestry Commission campsite is located directly on the routes. It’s described as a ‘low facility campsite’ and they’re really not kidding. There are just bins, water and waste disposal points and, er, well that’s it. The pitches are between trees, firm and spacious so totally immersed in the surroundings. If you’re lucky you might see fallow deer, grey squirrels, rabbits and all sorts of birds – plus many panting cyclists…
Hayfield Camping & Caravanning Club Site, Derbyshire
Kinder Road, Hayfield, Derbyshire SK22 2LETel: 02476-475426 Web: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Open: 21 March - 4 November
The Pennine Bridleway runs for 73 miles from Middleton Top to Uppermill in Saddleworth and uses a selection of paths and bridleways along the way. The section that crosses Roych Clough is reckoned to be one of the best bits of the whole route. The whole route might be one for the super-fit, but the Club campsite is a handy base to tackle sections of it. It offers 90 pitches for motorhomes, with many set near the tree-lined banks of the River Sett. Dogs are welcome and there’s an on-site shop selling free-range eggs for that energy-boosting omelette. In nearby New Mills you’ll find the Pack Horse pub, whose locally-sourced food is the just the ticket after a tough day in the saddle.
Planning a trip away?
See our top motorhome campsites for visiting National Parks, here.
Taking your dog on holiday? Read about our choice of dog-friendly campsites, here.
For our pick of the most extraordinary campsites, click here.
Recent Updates
Campervan festivals: all you need to know
Get the lowdown on going to a festival with your campervan. We've got everything you need to know, from choosing the right festival to deciding what ...
Off-grid campervans: what you need to know
Ditching electric hook-up and wild camping in your campervan is a great, low-cost way to enjoy the outdoors ...
Where and how to sell my motorhome: the ultimate guide
Whatever your reason for selling, there are a number of steps to take to try to get the best price for your ...
Gas tanks or refillable cylinders: our guide to motorhome gas
From cooking dinner to the central heating, gas is an essential feature of motorhoming – here, we explore ...
Engine management lights: all you need to know
What is the engine management light? What does it mean, and what do I have to do? ...
Motorhome air suspension: all you need to know
Motorhomes are heavy and the additional weight of equipment and height of the bodywork can increase the loads ...
Motorhome WiFi: how to get better motorhome internet
Staying connected on the move is more and more essential, so relying on campsite WiFi isn't an option – here ...
A class of their own - our guide to A-class motorhomes
Thinking of trading up to an A-class, or even going straight to the top of the motorhome tree? We guide you ...
Explore overseas on a motorhome dream tour
Enjoy exotic travel in a campervan or motorhome by hiring, swapping with someone else or exporting your ...
Motorhome water systems: everything you need to know
On-board water is an important part of every motorhome – here’s everything you need to know ...
Other Articles
Campervanning in Europe: what you need to know
Whether you're planning a leisurely drive through the French countryside, navigating bustling city streets in Italy or winding your way around ...
Campervan security: all you need to know
With thefts on the increase, it’s important to know how to keep your campervan secure and prevent campervan ...
Campervan furniture: everything you need to know
Our campervan experts guide you through all the essentials for your campervan, including tables, chairs, ...
Campervan finance: how to fund your purchase
Here we look at the different types of campervan finance available, to help you decide what’s the best option ...
Britain’s best used motorhomes
Want a great motorhome without paying the premium for a new one? Here's a guide to the best you can get in ...
Which motorhome? Choosing the perfect motorhome for you
Choosing a motorhome or campervan is one of the biggest buying decisions you’ll ever make, so it's important ...
Campervan washroom essentials: stay fresh on the road
Our guide will take you through the campervan washroom essentials you'll need so you're well-prepared for ...
Dogs in campervans: all you need to know
Follow our advice and your dog will enjoy campervanning as much as you do ...
Electric campervans: all you need to know
Our guide will take you through everything you need to know about electric campervans and what the future ...
Motorhome electrics: a complete guide to your motorhome electrical set-up
Motorhome electrics can dramatically enhance the convenience and comfort of your vehicle – but they can be ...