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10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Old Hill Bike Park
Planning a trip to Old Hill Bike Park? Whether you’re a thrill-seeking downhill rider or just looking to sharpen your MTB skills, this growing UK trail spot has plenty to offer.
Known for its progressive jumps, flowy descents, and rider-focused layout, it’s quickly becoming a favorite among mountain bikers. Before you load up the van, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Navigating Old Hill Bike Park: Trails, Services, Costs, and Hours
Old Hill Bike Park is a compact, rider-focused MTB spot located in Cornwall, UK. It’s designed with progression in mind, offering fully surfaced trails that cater to all skill levels—from balance-bike beginners to advanced jump riders.
Whether you’re looking to boost your technique or simply enjoy a day out on the dirt, Old Hill delivers a well-thought-out, approachable riding experience.
Trails and Riding Zones
The trail network is short but efficient, with quick turnaround times between descents. While there are no formal trail names posted on site, the park includes a full range of difficulty levels:
Green Trails – Gentle and smooth; ideal for young kids and first-timers.
Blue Lines – Mellow flow with small features; perfect for confident beginners progressing their skills.
Red-Level Options – Intermediate lines with larger berms, rollers, and tables.
Black Features – Advanced jump lines, gap jumps, and technical wooden features for experienced riders.
The design allows riders to session specific features easily, which makes the park great for progression and repetition. All trails are gravity-fed, and you’ll need to push or pedal uphill—there is no uplift service available.
On-Site Facilities
Old Hill is a low-frills venue, so plan accordingly. Here’s what you can expect:
- Basic Toilets
- Free On-Site Parking
- Occasional Food Van or Coffee Truck (typically weekends only)
- Picnic Areas – Bring your own food if needed
- No Bike Shop, No Uplift, No Indoor Shelter
There are no changing rooms or showers, and mechanical support is not provided—so come prepared with tools and spares.
Entry Costs Guide 2025
The park uses a simple pay-to-ride system with no uplift charges. As of the most recent updates:
- Day Pass: Required for all riders
- Pricing: Typically, around £10–£15 per rider
- Season Passes: May be offered occasionally in limited numbers
All passes should be booked online in advance, as the park often limits daily rider numbers to preserve trail quality and safety.
Opening Hours
Old Hill generally opens daily, but hours can shift slightly depending on season and weather. The standard times are:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Always double-check current opening hours via their social channels or booking platform before your visit—especially during winter months or poor weather.
Trail Guides & On-Site Navigation
Old Hill Bike Park is compact and clearly laid out, which makes it easy to navigate even without a physical map. However, here’s what you should know:
Trail Markings: All trails are color-coded by difficulty (Green, Blue, Red, Black), with signage at key entry points.
No Named Trails: Unlike larger trail centers, Old Hill doesn’t assign unique names to individual trails. Riders typically refer to them by color or features (e.g., “the big table line”).
Progression Layout: Trails are designed to be sessioned repeatedly; you’ll often see riders pushing back up for another go at specific features.
No Formal Trail Map Needed: Most visitors find the layout intuitive. Still, you can preview the park layout via apps like Trailforks or Strava if you prefer digital reassurance.
Location & Address
Old Hill Bike Park is located in Lanivet, Cornwall, just a short drive from Bodmin.
Official Address:
Old Hill Bike Park
Old Hill Farm
Lanivet
Bodmin
Cornwall
Postcode: PL30 5JJ
Country: United Kingdom
GPS Tip: If using Google Maps or a sat-nav, enter “Old Hill Bike Park” directly rather than the postcode alone, as rural postcodes can cover large areas.
Nearby Support & Essentials
While the park itself offers only basic amenities, several useful spots are within a short drive:
- Bike Shops Nearby:
- Clive Mitchell Cycles (Truro – ~30 mins)
- Camel Trail Cycle Hire (Bodmin – ~10 mins)
- Petrol & Groceries:
- Tesco Superstore – Bodmin
- Esso Service Station – Lanivet
- Medical / Emergency:
- Bodmin Community Hospital – about 15 minutes away
- Nearest A&E: Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro (approx. 35–40 minutes)
- Accommodation & Food:
- Several B&Bs and holiday lets in Lanivet and Bodmin
- Local pubs and cafés within a 10-minute radius
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Helpful Guides
Rules of Old Hill Bike Park
To keep the trails safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone, Old Hill Bike Park has a set of essential rules that all visitors are expected to follow. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a returning visitor, these rules help protect the land, the riding environment, and the experience for everyone on site.
Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. This is a strict safety rule. No matter your skill level or the trail you’re on, a proper, well-fitting helmet is mandatory throughout your ride.
Only mountain bikes in good working condition are allowed. Bikes must have fully functioning front and rear brakes, off-road tires, and solid components. BMX bikes, scooters, or e-scooters are not permitted on the trails.
All riders must pre-book their visit online. Walk-ins are not accepted under any circumstances. This ensures the park operates within capacity limits for both safety and sustainability.
Wristbands must be collected and worn visibly during your visit. This helps staff easily identify booked riders and manage access to the trails.
Stay on marked and approved trails at all times. Cutting corners, riding off-piste, or using closed trails damages the terrain and can lead to long-term closure of key features.
Do not modify, reshape, or add to any trail features. All jumps, berms, drops, and technical elements are professionally designed. DIY changes are not only unsafe—they’re also forbidden.
There is no uplift service at Old Hill. Riders must push or pedal to access the trailheads. Private shuttles or unauthorized vehicle use are not allowed.
Ride within your ability and comfort level. The park includes trails ranging from beginner-friendly rollers to black-rated jump lines. If you’re unsure, stick to the mellower trails or book a coaching session.
Riding is only allowed during official opening hours. There is no night riding permitted. Riders must exit the trail area before closing time.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Even if the adult is not riding, supervision on-site is mandatory for all minors.
Dogs are not permitted on the trails. If brought, they must remain on a short lead in the car park and under full control at all times. For everyone’s safety, dogs cannot accompany riders.
Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited on site. Anyone found under the influence will be removed immediately and may be permanently banned from the park.
No fires, disposable barbecues, or camping stoves. Open flames are a serious safety hazard and are not allowed anywhere on the property.
Use the designated parking areas only. Do not block gates, driveways, or access tracks. Park respectfully and follow any on-site signage or instructions from staff.
Take your litter home with you. The park has minimal waste facilities, and all visitors are expected to leave the site clean. Dropping rubbish or leaving gear behind is unacceptable.
Commercial coaching, group sessions, and filming must be arranged in advance. If you plan to bring a large group, run a clinic, or use professional recording equipment, you must contact the park for prior approval.
Park staff have full authority to enforce the rules. This includes issuing warnings, revoking passes, and removing riders for dangerous or disrespectful behaviour. Repeat offenders may be banned permanently.
These rules are in place not to limit fun, but to protect the quality of the trails and ensure everyone has a safe and respectful experience. Old Hill thrives on community spirit and rider responsibility—so please do your part to help keep the park open and awesome.
Reddit and TripAdvisor Reviews of Old Hill Bike Park
On Reddit, Old Hill Bike Park is frequently praised for its focus on jump progression and its practical layout. Riders describe it as a go-to spot for seasoning features and developing technical skills, thanks to its short push-up loops and graded lines.
The community on the platform often highlights the quality of the trail construction, noting well-shaped jumps, consistent surfacing, and safe landings. There is a strong appreciation for the park’s progression-based design, which allows riders to build confidence gradually.
Users also mention the supportive, inclusive vibe, with newcomers and younger riders feeling comfortable and welcomed. While the absence of an uplift or café is occasionally noted, it’s rarely seen as a drawback due to the park’s compact layout and focus on riding.
TripAdvisor
reviews echo similar sentiments, with many visitors describing Old Hill as a clean, well-run venue that delivers exactly what it promises. Families and first-time visitors often highlight how accessible and unintimidating the trails feel, especially for those new to jumping or trail riding.
The park earns consistent praise for its maintenance, rider-friendly atmosphere, and clear trail progression. Reviewers appreciate the attention to detail in trail design, particularly how features are built to help riders advance without unnecessary risk.
Most guests come prepared, understanding that the park offers basic facilities only, and instead focus on the quality of the ride experience. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a must-visit for anyone serious about improving their MTB jump skills.
FAQs About Old Hill Bike Park
- Do I need to book in advance, or can I just turn up?
All visits to Old Hill Bike Park must be booked in advance through the official booking platform. Walk-ins are not permitted. This helps manage the number of riders on-site and ensures a better experience for everyone.
- Is there an uplift service available?
No, there is no uplift service at Old Hill. All trails are accessed via a short push-up track. The park is designed for sessioning and progression, so the push-up return is quick and manageable.
- What kind of trails are available, and who are they suitable for?
The park features fully surfaced trails ranging from green (beginner) to black (advanced), including jump lines, wooden features, and technical elements. It’s best suited for riders looking to develop jump skills or progress in a controlled environment.
- Are there any facilities like toilets or food on-site?
Facilities are minimal. A basic toilet is available, and a food van may be on-site during busy weekends, but this is not guaranteed. There is no café, bike shop, or indoor shelter, so riders should come prepared.
- Can I bring children or less experienced riders?
Yes. Old Hill is known for being progression-friendly and welcoming to riders of all levels, including children and beginners. However, riders under 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult, and all riders must wear helmets.
Local Accommodation Near Old Hill Bike Park
If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, there are several great places to stay near Old Hill Bike Park. From simple campsites to self-catering cottages, the area around Lanivet and Bodmin offers options for all budgets and preferences. Here are a few accommodation types riders commonly choose:
- Local Campsites and Campervan Spots
There are a number of rural campsites within 10–15 minutes of the bike park, many of which accept campervans and tents. These are ideal for budget-conscious riders or those who prefer to stay close to nature. Facilities are usually basic but well-kept.
- Self-Catering Holiday Cottages
Cornwall is known for its wide range of self-catering options, and the areas surrounding Lanivet and Bodmin are no exception. These cottages typically offer secure bike storage, private parking, kitchens, and outdoor space. They’re a popular choice for groups and families.
- Local Inns and B&Bs
For those who prefer a traditional bed-and-breakfast experience, there are several family-run options in nearby villages such as Lanivet, Nanstallon, and Bodmin. These offer warm hospitality, breakfast included, and easy access to local pubs and shops.
- Hotels in Bodmin
Bodmin, just a short drive from the park, offers hotel-style accommodation with more amenities. Ideal for riders who want a bit more comfort after a long day on the trails. Most hotels in the area provide private parking and are bike-friendly.
- Holiday Parks and Lodges
If you’re travelling with family or a larger group, holiday parks or lodge resorts on the outskirts of Bodmin offer more spacious accommodation with extra features like play areas, kitchens, and multiple bedrooms. These are well suited to longer stays.
Before booking, it’s always a good idea to check whether the accommodation offers secure bike storage and early check-in or late check-out—especially if you’re planning to ride before or after your stay.
Events at Old Hill Bike Park
While Old Hill Bike Park doesn’t run a full calendar of public events, it does host select competitions and race days throughout the year—mainly focused on jump skills and regional cross-country riding.
Dirt Wars UK Jump Events: Old Hill is a recurring venue in the Dirt Wars UK series, which hosts freestyle MTB competitions across the country. These events typically take place on the park’s dirt jump lines and include best trick contests, jump jams, and progression rounds. They attract experienced riders but maintain a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
South West XC Race Rounds: The park has also been used as a venue for South West XC Series races. These cross-country events use the park’s compact layout to create short, technical laps that suit a wide range of rider abilities. It’s one of the few times the park shifts from freeride to endurance-style riding.
Private Coaching and Group Hire: While not publicly advertised, Old Hill is sometimes hired out by coaching providers, clubs, or schools. These private sessions offer exclusive access to the park and are tailored around progression and skill-building. Riders must book these through the organiser—not directly through the park.
How to Stay Updated: Events are typically promoted by the series organisers (Dirt Wars UK or South West XC) and not through the park’s own channels. Riders interested in attending should follow those platforms or check social media for confirmed dates.
Final Verdict
Old Hill Bike Park is a compact, rider-focused venue designed for skill progression. With fully surfaced trails ranging from beginner to advanced, it’s ideal for seasoning jumps, building confidence, and refining technique.
While it lacks uplift and café facilities, its well-built features and welcoming atmosphere more than make up for it. The park’s simplicity is part of its appeal no distractions, just riding.
Occasional events like Dirt Wars and South West XC add variety, and the layout suits both solo riders and small groups.
For anyone serious about improving their riding, Old Hill offers a focused, rewarding MTB experience.
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Arjun Mertiya
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Since Arjun was a young child, bikes have played a big part of his life. He races bikes, rides bikes and also loves writing about bikes. It’s always just been a way of life for Arjun and a passion that he loves to share with others..
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