New MTB Trail Build: Healy Nab

The Healy Nab Mountain Bike Trails has long been a hidden gem in Lancashire’s mountain biking scene, nestled in a stunning natural setting, with incredible views and endless potential. But with no major maintenance in over 15 years, the trails had fallen behind, underused and underappreciated despite their natural appeal.

Lancashire County Council, who manage the site, had noticed a growing issue: unofficial trails and jumps popping up across the area, built by enthusiastic but inexperienced hands. While the motivation is understandable, DIY trail building often comes with risks to rider safety, local wildlife and the surrounding ecology.

Our mission was clear, to create a purpose built red grade mountain bike trail that’s fully rollable, fun for a wide range of riders and packed with features the local and wider MTB community want to ride. The goal wasn’t just to build a great trail, it was to help guide the energy and passion of local riders into a sustainable, long term solution.

From Planning to Perfection

After a few months of careful planning and (inevitably) waiting on the weather to cooperate, our Dirt Factory Trail Services team got to work. With the support of Lancashire County Council and the amazing Healy Nab Volunteer Dig Team, we brought the vision to life.

The result? A flowy, feature packed red trail that’s already making waves.

Despite our best efforts to keep eager riders off the trail during construction, it was hard to hold them back – a sign, really, of how excited the local community was to see the transformation happening. And while early riding can be frustrating for the build team, it speaks volumes about how much these trails matter to people.

Official Opening and Community Celebration

On 22nd April, the trail officially opened and we were lucky enough to be on site to see some of the first rides. It’s hard to beat that moment, watching people smile, flow and fly through the lines we’d just finished building.

We’ve received amazing feedback from Lancashire County Council, the volunteer group and the riders who’ve already been down to experience it.

 “We’re really proud to have opened the new red grade mountain bike trail at Healy Nab, which offers a challenging and exciting experience for more advanced riders. This development is part of a broader agreement where the council is committed to investing in official, sustainable trails and in return, we’re asking riders to respect the wider site by avoiding unofficial trail building. This way, we can ensure there’s space for everyone to enjoy Healy Nab whether you’re here for biking, walking or simply to take in the beautiful countryside.”   Tim Blythe, Countryside Service Manager, Lancashire County Council

Looking Ahead: Protecting and Growing the Trails

With the trail now open, Lancashire County Council will be working closely with the I Dig Healy Nab volunteer group (find them on Facebook!) to install proper trail signage, encourage respectful use of the site and plan for potential expansion.

But they can’t do it alone. For these trails to thrive, we all need to do our part:

• Pick up litter
• Respect local residents and wildlife
• Stick to designated access points
• No motorbikes – these trails are for pedal power only

We’re proud to have been part of this project and even prouder to see how much it means to the local community. Big thanks to everyone involved – especially the dedicated volunteers and council staff for making this vision a reality.

Hit the trails, ride with respect, and enjoy Healy Nab – a classic spot reborn.