Pontesbury Pump Track: A Free Family BMX Ride Near Shrewsbury
Days Out · Shropshire
Pontesbury is one of those villages you drive through on the way to the hills and never think to stop. Next time, stop. Tucked into Manor Park, right beside the primary school and the play area, is a free BMX pump track that is perfect for kids finding their feet on a bike.
I took my daughter along for a session and she didn't want to leave. Here's what it's like, who it suits and how to turn it into a proper Shropshire day out.
Getting to grips with the Pontesbury rollers.
Spoiler alert: she only made it round half the track on camera. Her big brother wasn't with us this time to give her that extra bit of confidence, but I'm sure your little ones will make it all the way round.
The quick facts
What it's actually like to ride
The track runs as two straights joined at each end by a banked turn. It was laid out that way on purpose, keeping riders safely clear of the busy footpath and bridleway that run alongside it. For a first timer that simple shape is a real plus. There's no confusing layout to learn, just roll in, pump the bumps, lean round the berm and go again.
She started steady, pedalling between the rollers and braking into the turns. With every run she got a little braver, standing up more and carrying a bit more speed into the berms. That's the magic of a pump track. Kids learn balance, braking and bike control without even noticing they're learning.
The track was built with a £10,000 Awards for All grant from the National Lottery, designed as a gentle introduction for new BMX riders while still giving experienced riders something to work on. It does both jobs well.
Get the look
She rode her purple Shyre Hopton 20" all session. Lighter is always better on a pump track, because young riders have to move the bike with their whole body, and the Hopton is built exactly for that. Not sure on size? Our guides for a 5 year old, a 7 year old and an 8 year old will help, and here's why bike weight matters so much.
Parent notes before you go
- Helmets on. A well fitted helmet is a must. Gloves and knee pads help nervous beginners too. Our Oxford F15 helmet is a solid everyday choice.
- Check the bike. Pump up the tyres and test the brakes before the first lap.
- Mind the path. The footpath and bridleway run right alongside, so keep an eye out for walkers, dogs and horses.
- Pick a quiet time. Weekday evenings and early weekend mornings give beginners room to learn. It gets busier after school.
- Bring the little ones. The play area is right next door, so non riders are sorted too.
- Bees Nest. I have a local to thank for this, in the sandpit where the climbing frame is there is a bees nest, assuming its been there a while so be careful not to let your little ones near it
Make a day of it
Pontesbury sits right at the foot of Pontesford Hill and Earl's Hill, so it's easy to pair a track session with a family walk and a picnic with a view. If you're building a pump track tour, Bayston Hill pump track is a short drive back towards Shrewsbury, and Berwyn View pump track in Ellesmere is another brilliant first track for little riders.
Worth the trip?
Absolutely. It's free, it's friendly and it's exactly the kind of place where kids go from wobbly to confident in a single afternoon. She was asking when we're going back before we'd even reached the car. More rolling, less scrolling.
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