Farmer John's MTB Park
Located on the edge of the Peak District in Marple Bridge, Farmer John’s MTB park offers a range of trails to meet the demands of the more experienced rider. Over the last decade the park has grown from local haunt to must-visit UK mountain bike destination with riders descending on the park from all corners of the UK.
Despite its popularity, the park effectively absorbs this influx of visitors across a number of trails throughout the park which are accessed via a short push up track. While the park attracts riders from far and wide, it is also home to a group of friendly locals who have helped shape the park over the years and are always happy to share beta on any of the park's features.
The Trails
As you enter the park, the first trail you'll encounter is the car park line. A small northshore drop-off sets you up nicely for a number of rolling tabletops. This is the perfect place to warm-up before hitting some of the bigger features in the park. These jumps are super-sessionalbe and can be lapped quickly for maximum air-time. The car park line leads down to a gentle pump-track and another set of flowy berms, eventually bringing you out at the Main Line push-up track.
Main Line
Main Line packs in a number of challenging features, including drops, tabletops and the infamous (and avoidable!) Canyon Gap. While the top section of Main Line brings the flow, the second half of the track delivers the tech. As you descend into the woods, you will be greeted by more challenging drops, steep, technical berms and plenty of roots to keep you on your toes.
Main Line offers a number of variations allowing rider to switch things up and keep things interesting. I can often be found photographing the Main Line step-up, which offers three line options, maximising the photo opportunities. Check out a recent shoot at Farmer John's on the Main Line step-up.
The Rest
The 50:John line can be accessed from Main Line by peeling off to the right in the main field. A tricky berm-to-gap, followed by a left-hand hip leads to a big step down. Get this smooth and you'll float over 2 huge (rollable) jumps before the road gap (not rollable!) takes you back in to the woods.
As you head back up the to start hut, you'll not help but notice the Gasser Line running alongside the push up track. A relatively new addition, the Gasser dishes up some of the biggest features in the park - a technical hip followed by a boner log straight in to a 40’ double.
The dirt jumps can be found below Main Line. Maintained by a dedicated team of locals, the dirt jumps are more suited to DJs and BMXs, rather than downhill and enduro bikes. This area remains closed for the majority of the winter and only open when the jumps are dry, keep an eye on the FJ Trails Instagram for session times.
Facilties
Farmer John’s MTB park offers all of the facilities you would expect. The Big View Cafe caters for all of your nutritional needs serving up hot and cold food and drinks during the weekend and school holidays. The Dirt Factory Bike Shop is on-hand to help with any mechanical issues and spare parts, as well as bike hire. For those wanting to make a weekend of it, camping is also available on-site.
If you live anywhere near the park, a membership costing £40 + £2 per ride will pay for itself over five visits per year, otherwise it’s £10 for a day pass. The park hosts a number of events throughout the year including race weekends, demo days and meet-ups.
