Shimano’s Trail Born Fund is set to bolster the UK’s mountain biking landscape through a strategic partnership with Madison, focusing on sustainable trail development and community engagement. This collaboration aims to rejuvenate and expand key biking venues across England and Scotland, enhancing accessibility and fostering inclusivity within the cycling community.
Aston Hill: Revitalising a Southern Gem
Once a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts in southern England, Aston Hill faced closure in 2020 due to the devastating effects of ash dieback disease. In 2025, the Trail Born Fund initiated efforts to restore this iconic venue, with operations now managed by Bike Park Chilterns CiC. The park is set to reopen with two trails, with plans to expand to seven, offering a diverse range of riding experiences. John Holbrook, director at Bike Park Chilterns CiC, expressed, “This partnership is huge for the rebuild of Aston Hill. Having Shimano’s industry-leading backing reinforces how important this park is to riders both regionally and nationally.”
Richmond Bike Park: A Community-Focused Initiative
In Yorkshire, the Richmond Bike Park is under development as a community-led facility aimed at making mountain biking more accessible and progression-focused for riders of all ages and abilities. Construction began this spring, with completion expected by autumn. The project is also intended to support physical activity, mental wellbeing, and community connection, while acting as a stepping stone to wider trail networks in the North Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and County Durham. Louise Raine from Richmond Bike Park said, “The Shimano Trail Born funding is a genuine catalyst for us. It enables us to build more sustainable, higher-quality trails and expand what we offer to the community.”
Rabbit Hill Bike Park: Enhancing Aberfoyle’s Cycling Appeal
In Aberfoyle, within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Rabbit Hill Bike Park will add a dedicated bike park and pump track to an area already known for gravel, road, and mountain biking. Kerry MacPhee said, “Aberfoyle is a wee village, but on the cycling front it has become a real destination. Our new bike park will add another layer of accessibility to what our natural environment offers, particularly for local kids and those travelling in to ride.”
A Global Commitment to Trail Development
The Trail Born Fund is part of Shimano’s broader initiative to support mountain biking communities worldwide. Since its inception in 2024, the program has funded 18 trail projects globally, contributing to the construction of 78 kilometers (48.5 miles) of trail and a 15,000 sq. ft. pump track. The 2026 expansion includes projects in South America and Asia, reflecting Shimano’s commitment to sustainable trail development and community engagement. (bike.shimano.com)
Through these initiatives, Shimano and Madison are not only enhancing the UK’s mountain biking infrastructure but also fostering a more inclusive and sustainable cycling culture for future generations.