Otterspool Park, Aigburth, Merseyside

What can you say, this place has everything (except toilets, showers, etc.). If you love tree roots and rubbish and rocks cunningly hidden under leaves, then this is for you. Bart Wellens would have a cardiac arrest just walking the course. Scary stuff, but great fun. A chance to use all your well honed cross skills. Muddy bankings to run up and descend, a sprint to the top of the steps and the ‘Mur de Otterspool’s cobbled climb all add to the spice. Don’t take your eyes off the path for a second, or you’ll end up closer to it. You will never race here twice on the same course though, it’s always slightly different.