Sonder Bikes
Looking for the best XC trails in the UK this summer? Saddle up with the Sonder Dial or Falco and hit our top picks for speed, flow and all-day fun.
There’s nothing quite like a summer day spent hammering dusty singletrack in the UK. From forest loops to rocky ridgelines, the country’s packed with XC trails just waiting for your tyres to bite in. This isn’t about sessioning jump lines-this is about putting in the miles, earning your views, and stopping only when the flapjack runs dry.
Here’s our condensed guide to some of the UK’s best XC mountain biking destinations this summer. They are the perfect match for a Sonder Dial or Sonder Falco mtb hardtail.
Find out why these are our trail centre rides of choice plus a kit list that’ll keep you rolling from sunrise to sunset.
Our top UK XC MTB Trail Centres
Choosing between the Dial and the Falco
Choose the Dial if you’re XC-curious, love the idea of a lightweight rocketship, or want to crush long rides at pace.
Pick the Falco if you’re more trail-minded, prefer stability on descents, and want a bike that feels at home everywhere from Dalby to Coed y Brenin.
None the wiser? Why not hire one from a Alpkit store and feel the diference yourself. You can try before you buy with our Sonder demo bike fleet.
XC Trail Centre Kit List
Here’s what we’re packing for a full day of trail centre laps, café stops, and mid-ride reboots.
- Floe MTB Shorts - Durable, comfortable and built for trail abuse. Enough pockets for Scooby snacks and spares.
- Rhythm Short Sleeve Jersey - Wicking, fast-drying and cut for all day riding. No flappy sleeves to get snagged on branches here.
- Floe MTB Gloves - Light but grippy. Keeps you in control when the trails get sketchy.
- Stage Cycling Socks - Stay cool and comfy, even when your legs are screaming on the final climb.
- Skytrail 14L Hydration Pack - Big enough for tools, snacks and layers. Hydration bladder compatible.
- Bota Hydration Bladder - Lightweight, durable and fits perfectly in the Skytrail pack. Stay hydrated without breaking your rhythm.
- Cairn 600 Food Flask - Hot soup? Cold pasta? Post-ride rice pud? Sorted.
- Refresher 500 Bottle - Keeps water cold or coffee warm for the long haul.
- Smith Helmets - Lightweight, ventilated, and built for trail protection. Choose your style and fit.
- Bask Chair - Because nothing says 'done right' like a chill in the car park after you are knackered.
As the sun sinks down..
You will know you have had a great day. Five brilliant XC trail centres. Two dialled-in hardtails. And a kit list that won't let you down. There's still time to turn your summer into something epic-so grab your helmet and hit the trails.