Malvern’s golden girl, Evie Richards, has just added a Commonwealth gold medal to the World Mountain Biking gold she won this time last year.

If her success has inspired you to get out on your mountain bike, here are a few tips about where to cycle locally.

As a cyclist you’re legally allowed to ride ‘off-road’ on Bridleways, Byways Open To All Traffic (BOATS), Green Lanes and White Roads.

Although there’s usually no legal right the Forestry Commission and Canal and River Trust often provide permissive rights for cyclists on forest tracks and towpaths.

Its not legal to cycle on footpaths or pavements, unless the county council has formally opened them up to cyclists.

The best way to research where its legal to ride locally is by checking out a detailed OS map or the Public Rights of Way map on the county council’s website.

Locally the most popular area for mountain biking is the Malvern Hills. Malvern Hills Trust produce a free and detailed walking and cycling map which clearly shows where the bridleways are. They’ve also developed three signed mountain bike routes that are 5.6km, 8km and 18.5km long.

You can get a free copy of the map and route cards from their offices in Malvern, Tourist Information Centres and local bike shops.

Alternatively download them from www.malvernhillstrust.org.uk

‘The Malverns Offroad Cycling Maps’ are also useful.

Map 1 shows six routes of between 18km and 33km on bridleways and quiet lanes to the east of the Malvern Hills.

Map 2 has eight routes of between 7km and 23km to the north and west of the Malverns.

They’re £2.99 each plus £1 postage from www.comecyclingledbury.com

For added inspiration why not pop along to the GT Bicycles Malvern Bike Festival that is returning to Eastnor Castle Deer Park again this bank holiday, August 25 to 28.

It's the biggest mountain biking festival in the country with challenging and exciting events and racing across all disciplines including the world balance bike championships.

There are lots of trade stands, live music and free things for the kids to do. Find out more at: https://malvernsclassic.com/