Pearce XC - Hopton Castle

 









Climb -

Length - 11-17km

Time - 1.5 - 2 hrs

Difficulty -  Red

Rating - 4/5

The Pearce XC trail at Hopton castle is not a considerably long route but what it lacks in distance in certainly makes up for with sheer variety and content.

The full route is split in to 3 sections; the taster loop (2km), the main red trail (11km) and the blue extension loop (4km). Together they make for a very engaging ride with plenty of technical content and varying trail conditions to keep the rider focused.

The trail also declares an assault on the senses with its stunning scenery and fragrances to intoxicate.

I've ridden here twice, and on both occasions I was done by the finish line. For a short route it certainly uses a fair amount calories so bring food as you'll want some energy for the final climb.

In places the trail has a similar feel to it as Cwm Carn with its loose rocky terrain. However, the start  is more loamy than rocky. Unlike any other trail centre I've visited, Hopton starts with a pretty good descent, navigating down the steep hillside and deep in to a valley. The steep lines, well bedded berms and roots all over the place make for a full on opening section.

Following a slight climb the terrain changes as the route passes through an old stone delve (this was, in fact, the delve used for much of the new stone used on the repairs to the actual castle at Hopton Castle in 2011), the trail becoming very rocky and loose. A quick singletrack section full of berms and sweeping corners brings you out on the beginning of the climb.

This is a killer of an ascent but thankfully it is split in to more manageable sections. Initially a bit of fire road links to some switchbacks. These lead back to fire road where the gradient steepens. The climb levels momentarily before the final flourish. You emerge in a wide clearing with views over Herefordshire/Shropshire (this is a good snack point).

The following sections get pretty technical as it enters the woodland. The trail is absolutely littered with roots. You cannot avoid them so speed, flow and line choice is quite critical to ensure that you skim over them rather than getting bogged down. As you emerge from the trees the xc route joins the DH track for approximately 100 yards. The line simply invites you to go faster with good visibility down the trail but, again, it is a very rooty section. Also, make sure to keep your eyes open for the way marker as the two routes split very suddenly.

Following a short fire road blast the route nips back in to the trees for some more big bermed descending followed by quick singletrack through open grassland. In general visibility is again pretty good with exception of mid summer when the grasses are their highest. Grip is good though so you can go at a pretty good canter.

Following a brief climb repeat the last paragraph before embarking on the grueling climb back towards the car park. This is probably the one gripe I have but its more of a reflection of my current fitness than anything. Not only is the end of the trail a climb but its a harsh ascent at that. It just keeps going.

The final roller/pump section flows pretty well, if you're alert enough to pick the right line and speed. Tired and this section might feel a bit clumsy. 

Hopton Castle has a long standing history in mtb and the PearceXC trail adds to this pedigree. The route has none of the manicured feel of other man made trail centres. In fact there is no real centre at all, just a forestry commission car park and a sign board. I think this adds to the rawness, and attraction, of the place.  It has much less traffic than an average trail centre to the point that I was the ONLY person on the trail when I rode it and it was pure bliss.

Lets hope that potential routes nearby are as successful, keep an ear to the grape vine.