Burlish Bike Park is known as the go-to destination for mountain biking in Worcestershire. Nestled in the stunning Burlish Woodland in Stourport, just on the outskirts of Kidderminster, this park offers the ultimate playground for a fantastic day of riding, suitable for the whole family. It's a place where young children can conquer their very first trail, teenagers can have a blast with their buddies, and adults can soak up the joys of a secluded woodland setting.
Operated by the local charity Open Trail, Burlish Bike Park aims to empower young people from Worcestershire and the West Midlands. They encourage individuals to push their limits, both on and off the bikes, fostering confidence, resilience, and independence. By utilising the power of bicycles and the great outdoors, Open Trail strives to inspire young hearts to reach for the stars.
When it comes to trails and tracks, Burlish Bike Park has something for everyone. Take the Rosie Route, for example. This delightful 500m family trail/trike boasts a width of 2.5m, ensuring there's plenty of space for all. With gentle slopes and inclines, it accommodates bikes, trikes, and even disability adapted bikes. The trail includes exciting features like small table jumps and skinny log balance beams. It's named after Rosie Young, a local young woman who had an extraordinary passion for bikes.
For those seeking a thrill, Cooper's 'Let's go racing' dual slalom track is the perfect choice. Riders can challenge their friends to some gravity-assisted head-to-head riding excitement. The track is suitable for individuals of various ages and abilities, and all features are designed to be rollable. This track pays tribute to the memory of Andrew Cooper, a revered 4X and downhill racer and commentator.
But wait, there's more! Burlish Bike Park also boasts a range of other incredible features. The Two Drops are located on a right-hand turn off the family trail and consist of a 30 cm drop and an exhilarating 70 cm drop. Project5 entices with its small table jumps and a hip jump, while Moto offers all the thrills for dirt jump and BMX enthusiasts with its gap jumps. Tables presents a sequence of nine tables in varying sizes, perfect for riders of all levels. Meanwhile, Wishbone offers a slightly more challenging red-grade trail, complete with bigger jumps and a mix of table and double combinations. And let's not forget Mains. This section embraces the mountain bike-style experience with its gap jumps, less steep but featuring greater gaps.
In addition to the unbelievable riding trails, Burlish Bike Park presents a Club House and Snack Bar, along with conveniently located toilets next to the clubhouse. They also offer an inclusive off-road Cycling Club and a volunteer program that welcomes both cyclists and non-cyclists alike. Coaching opportunities are available for all, including specialised coaching for disabled groups, individuals with educational needs, and disaffected youth. With their diverse range of offerings, Burlish Bike Park seeks to ignite a passion for cycling within Worcestershire.
The story of Burlish Bike Park dates back over 30 years when Burlish Woodland first became home to the Burlish Dirt Jumps. Generations of local teenagers pitched in, armed with bikes, shovels, and wheelbarrows, to create new challenges for their friends. The park stands today thanks to the hard work of these teens and the unwavering support from the local community, volunteers, generous donors, and corporate sponsors. In 2020, the park faced the threat of being bulldozed, but Open Trail managed to secure planning permission and funding to transform the woodland into a professional mountain biking haven, saving it from destruction. Today, Burlish Bike Park continues to capture the hearts of locals and serves as a haven where riders of all ages can experience the unparalleled excitement of mountain biking.
