Shimano Trail Born Fund Backs UK Trail Projects with Support from Madison

Shimano, in partnership with Madison, is proud to support a new wave of UK trail and bike park developments through the Shimano Trail Born Fund, helping to protect, rebuild and grow grassroots riding across the country.

The Shimano Trail Born Fund is a global initiative designed to support trail creation, restoration, and community-led riding projects. By backing organisations that promote sustainable access, inclusivity and long-term stewardship, the fund aims to ensure that trails continue to thrive for future generations of riders.

In the UK, Madison is managing the delivery of the Trail Born Fund – working closely with project partners to ensure funding is directed where it can make the biggest and most lasting impact. The latest round of support will help bring three significant projects to life, spanning England and Scotland.

Reviving an Icon: Aston Hill, Buckinghamshire

Once one of southern England’s most iconic mountain bike venues, Aston Hill has been closed since 2020 following the impact of ash dieback disease. With support from the Shimano Trail Born Fund, work to bring the venue back into use began in 2025 and continues this year, with a clear ambition not just to reopen the park, but to re-establish it as a flagship riding destination.

Now operated by the newly formed Bike Park Chilterns CiC, Aston Hill is set to reopen to the public soon with two trails, and plans to grow to seven trails offering a broad mix of riding styles and progression opportunities.

John Holbrook, Director at Bike Park Chilterns CiC, said: “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. Their support gives us the confidence to push forward and set a new standard for what Aston Hill can become.”

Building Community Access: Richmond Bike Park, Yorkshire

Richmond Bike Park is a community-led trail and skills facility designed to make mountain biking accessible, inclusive, and progression-focused for riders of all ages and abilities. Developed with specialist trail-building support and maintained by local volunteers, the park offers a safe and structured environment where riders can develop skills, confidence, and a long-term connection to cycling.

The construction began this spring and is rapidly taking shape with completion expected by the Autumn. As well as supporting physical activity, the park plays an important role in mental wellbeing and community connection, acting as a stepping stone to the wider trail networks of 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. Just as importantly, Shimano’s support brings real confidence and credibility to the project, helping us grow in the right way and reach more people.”

A New Riding Hub in Aberfoyle: Rabbit Hill Bike Park

In Aberfoyle, within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Rabbit Hill Bike Park represents a major step forward in making cycling more accessible for both locals and visitors. Designed to complement the area’s world-class gravel, road and mountain biking, the new bike park and pump track will provide a dedicated space for riders to build skills, warm up and ride socially.

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. We are thankful to Shimano Trail Born for supporting the project and helping make Aberfoyle a vibrant, multi-disciplinary cycling destination for all.”

Through the Shimano Trail Born Fund, and with Madison managing its UK delivery, Shimano continues to invest in projects that protect access, strengthen communities, and inspire more people to get on bikes. By supporting grassroots organisations with long-term ambitions, the fund plays a critical role in ensuring that UK riding not only survives but continues to grow in a sustainable and inclusive way.

To find out more about Trail Born and to submit your project for 2027 consideration, visit: https://bike.shimano.com/trailborn.html