Bayston Hill Pump Track, Shropshire – A Family Ride Review

Sunday 11th May 2025. After a successful first visit to our first ever Pump Track, in Sundorne, Shrewsbury, we were all pumped (pun intended 😉) to try another one while we were out and about and had great weather!

Not sure what a pump track is? Find out more here! Join us in our “Pump It Up!” series, where we include our thoughts from all the Pump Tracks and BMX parks we visit, with feedback from the parent(s) and our boys too!

Track Overview

• Name and Location: Bayston Hill Pump Track, Lyth Hill Road, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury
• Track Type: Pump Track
• Surface: Natural surface
• Design: A double circuit: the outer loop is built for speed and flow with berms and large rollers, while the inner section offers a more technical, twisty track – great for nimble handling practice.
• Suitable for Beginners? Yes – with options! The inner track is great for younger or more cautious riders, while the outer track is ideal for those who want to build speed and confidence.
• Age Recommemdation: The local parish council recommends “older children” but I think a better recommendation would be any age as long as they’re confident with their balance! (There is a skate park right by this with milder options for less confident riders)

First Impressions

Bayston Hill Pump Track is another thoughtfully designed spot tucked just behind a skate park and sports complex, surrounded by green space and a play area – making it an ideal base for a full-family outing. We were genuinely surprised (and a little impressed!) by how many children we saw pedalling towards the area – maybe this village is onto something? Clearly, if you build it, they really do come.

Our Experience

Having just come from Sundorne Pump Track, we arrived at Bayston Hill fuelled mainly by enthusiasm and Lemsip. The car park was small but thankfully mostly empty. We parked easily and pedalled the short stretch to the track, passing a skate park and play area en route.

The track layout immediately caught our eye – a large, looping outer track with big swoopy rollers and berms, and a tighter, technical loop running through the middle. The surface was different from Sundorne too – less smooth tarmac, more natural-feeling compacted ground with a bit more grit and grip.

The boys took to the inner technical line straight away, weaving through the twisty bits pros. As their confidence grew, they took to the big outer circuit and even started using the small hill at one end to launch into the track with a rolling start – complete with whoops, yells, and just enough risk to keep a mum nervous. 😅

We were soon joined by local children (all brilliant at taking turns), and Dad – with Lemsip clearly kicking in – even had a blast riding the outer loop too. I bimbled about in between, dodging the fast lads and trying not to look like I was just there for the snack breaks 😅

We stayed much longer than expected, looping again and again until legs were tired and water bottles were empty.

Facilities and Practical Info

Parking: Free parking available – we parked at //////lawn.sides.hills

Toilets: We didn’t see any on site – if you know otherwise, drop me a message and I’ll update this!

Café/Kiosk Nearby: No café on site, but there are supermarkets and cafés just 5 mins drive away in Meole Brace or Bayston Hill.

Bike Hire Available?: Not available here – bring your own.

Parent Tips and Rider Notes

• What to Bring: Helmets, plenty of water, snacks (or even a picnic), elbow/knee pads, and maybe a football for the green space.
• Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or before 2pm seem to be quieter – it got busy as the afternoon went on.
• Extra bonus: The surrounding play areas and open space mean younger siblings can still have fun if they’re not riding.

Children’s Verdict

I always ask the boys for their brutally honest opinions. This is what they had to say about Bayston Hill Pump Track:

S (age 11): RATING 4/5.

“It was good, I really liked it. Wish it was a bit longer though”

C (age 8): RATING 5/5.

“It had really good jumps! I loved the jumps!”

Final Thoughts

Did we enjoy Bayston Hill Pump Track? Absolutely. The layout was clever, the space was welcoming, and it’s clearly a well-used and loved community facility.

Would we go again? 100%! The layout offered more technical options, and the natural surface helped us all gain a bit more confidence for when we hit the “real” trails. The boys definitely gained confidence, as did I, and Dad got to let off some steam on the bigger jumps!

If you’re local or passing through Shrewsbury, this is a great free stop with something for the whole family – just don’t forget the water bottles. Pump tracks are thirsty work!

Where’s your favourite Pump Track?