SAFETY AND ACCESS
Mountain biking in high winds
Account for falling trees, exposed ridges, sudden crosswinds and post-storm forestry closures.
Reviewed · General UK planning guidance · Check current operator and manufacturer information
Before travel
Wind risk differs between valleys, woodland and ridges.
- Check warnings, gusts and land-manager closure pages.
- Consider recent storms because hanging branches can remain hazardous.
- Choose a lower, open and officially available alternative.
On the ride
Conditions can exceed the forecast locally.
- Turn back for falling debris, cracking trees or loss of steering control.
- Avoid stopping beneath damaged trees.
- Give exposed edges and roads additional space in crosswinds.
After storms
Familiar trails may be structurally changed.
- Obey closures and never climb over active forestry barriers.
- Report trees or damage through official channels with a location.
- Do not cut, move or build around fallen timber.
Useful official guidance
Rules, conditions and services change. Use these sources and the relevant venue’s current information before relying on a plan.
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