Marple Bridge, Greater Manchester
Farmer John’s Bike Park at Hill Side Farm above Marple Bridge is a downhill-focused venue on the edge of the Peak District. The operator describes its trails as red, black and severe black, with technical features aimed at experienced riders. Choose it for a day of deliberate descending practice, with climbing back to the start as part of the session.
Preparation matters here. A downhill-certified full-face helmet and knee pads are required by the park’s current essential information, and the helmet must come with you. A coached introduction can help somebody already competent off-road understand the venue, but it is not a first lesson in riding a bicycle. Plan around the ability you bring today, then build confidence through familiar runs.
The original named line starts at the top of the hill, with junctions after the bog bridge. Discuss the current options before descending: repeated changes and connections make an old map a starting reference, not a promise that every junction is unchanged.
Official route information →The operator uses this name for a line starting at the top of the main field. Its association with night racing does not establish ordinary after-dark access. Ask about the day’s available riding and learn the route in suitable visibility.
Official route information →The published description takes this line off Main DH before the woods, with a North Shore-style drop and rock gardens before further junctions. Jumps require a specific plan and enough experience; inspecting the feature is a separate decision from committing to it.
Official route information →Dirt jumping is a separate discipline within the park. Establish which lines are suitable and operating with the people running the area. Confidence on a technical descent does not automatically translate into judging the speed and landing of a dirt jump.
Official route information →The operator map identifies Main DH and the named connecting lines. Junctions evolve, so compare the map with current signs and inspect unfamiliar features.
Sign in before riding, read the instructions and ask which line makes sense for your experience. Walk unfamiliar features as the park advises, assessing approaches, alternatives and exits. Decide what to leave for another day without letting the rest of the group pressure you into riding it.
Use an initial run to establish grip and braking, keeping room ahead. Stop only where you are visible and clear of the trail. Repeating a manageable line is useful progression when it lets you concentrate on one movement at a time.
Dirt Factory offers an Intro to Bike Parks session at Farmer John’s for riders already competent on off-road trails. It covers fundamental skills, park etiquette and an introduction to the venue. Bikes and helmets are not included. Book the coaching product separately and establish equipment arrangements before travelling, particularly if the session is the main purpose of a first visit.
The signed entrance is on Cote Green Road; the official address is Hill Side Farm, 57 Cote Green Road, Marple Bridge, Stockport, SK6 5EN. Use the main car park away from farm buildings and stables. Official directions →
The signed entrance is on Cote Green Road; the official address is Hill Side Farm, 57 Cote Green Road, Marple Bridge, Stockport, SK6 5EN. Use the main car park away from farm buildings and stables. The park is in a residential setting, so drive slowly and leave neighbouring roads clear. The operator specifically asks visitors not to park on or around Cote Green Road.
Ordinary day riding does not require advance park booking under the current homepage instructions. Race days are different: access closes to non-entrants, although spectators may attend. Consult the actual event schedule before building a journey around riding. At weekends and bank holidays, sign-in is at the café; when it is closed, the homepage directs riders to the farmhouse.
Marple railway station serves the nearby area, with a separate final approach on local roads. Work out that connection and your return before departure, and consult the train operator’s bicycle policy.
Find the planning area on a map →Approximate trail-area pin. This marker identifies the riding area; follow the official arrival directions to its entrance. Official coordinate source
The Big View Café provides a meeting and food stop, with the homepage specifying weekend and bank-holiday opening. Carry drinking water and a snack for your riding session even if you plan to eat there. Companions can agree a meeting time at the base without attempting the trails; keep the day’s transport arrangements clear if they leave the venue.
Dirt Factory provides on-site bike hire, with published options including dirt-jump bikes, hardtails and full-suspension e-bikes. Arrange the correct size and collection window. Its terms require identification, proof of address and a bank card, so read the booking requirements beforehand. A hired bicycle does not include the personal skills needed for the features you intend to ride.
Bring your own downhill-certified full-face helmet and knee protection, with gloves and additional body protection strongly advised. The park does not hire or keep spare helmets. Confirm equipment suitability before leaving home.
Dirt Factory offers bike hire at Farmer John’s, including dirt-jump bikes, hardtails and e-bikes. Confirm size, route suitability and the identification and payment requirements before visiting.
Use the operator’s current day-access and sign-in arrangements and arrive within daylight operating hours. Race days can alter normal access; a full-face helmet and knee pads are required.
The normal published pattern is Tuesday to Sunday, plus bank holidays, with daylight determining the riding finish. That does not mean every line is available in every condition. Leave enough time to familiarise yourself with the terrain and return without racing the light. The Night Race track name does not remove the need for an explicitly organised night session.
Wet roots, rock and changing surfaces can demand a different pace from the same trail in the dry. Base the day on how the bike grips now, particularly when braking before a feature or pushing back up while tired. Leave closed areas alone and ask staff about an alternative. Finish while you can still ride with attention and control.
Marple Bridge is the immediate village base for time away from the park. The Midland on Brabyns Brow is a pub and restaurant with lunch and evening menus. Reserve around your likely finish; it is a meal option, with overnight accommodation arranged separately.
For non-riders, National Trust Lyme at Disley offers a separate house, garden and deer-park outing. Different parts of the property have different hours, so plan the visit around the places the party actually wants to see. Agree collection and travel before splitting up: a visit to Lyme is a separate activity, not a walking route through the bike park.
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Displayed distances are straight-line estimates using OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), not road journeys. Ask the property about secure bike storage and wet-kit arrangements before booking.
RIDE PREPARATION
Consider what suits the route, forecast and your own experience.
The operator positions the downhill riding for experienced mountain bikers. The coached introduction still requires competence on off-road trails. If basic braking, balance or trail control is unfamiliar, build those skills first before selecting technical park features.
The current homepage says ordinary park admission does not need advance booking. Sign in on arrival and follow the day’s instructions. Hire and coaching have separate bookings, and race-day riding is restricted to entrants.
The park information states that it cannot provide uplift because of the course layout. Include the return climb or push in the day’s effort. Manage your breaks so that tiredness does not compromise descending decisions.
The park says it does not hire helmets or keep spares. Bring your own downhill-certified full-face helmet and knee pads. Bike hire is a different product and should not be treated as evidence that personal protection will be supplied.
The current homepage requires a parent or guardian to sign in under-18s initially or when renewing the waiver. An under-13’s parent or guardian must remain on site while they ride. Confirm arrangements with the park when planning a family visit.
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Book the right uplift, riding pass, hire bike and coaching session, confirm equipment and carriage rules, and plan a controlled first bike-park day.
Develop braking, cornering, climbing and technical riding through deliberate practice, with sensible progression for roots, rocks, steeps, wheel lifts and jumps.
Choose and fit mountain-bike helmets, pads and clothing, understand venue rules, inspect equipment and plan layers for changing UK weather.
Trail conditions change — check the official page before you travel.
Open official site →