Toe-path/Forest of dean light trail bike?

t0ph0id

I'm after a second hand hardtail for toe-path/cycle path/very light trail riding.

I sold my full suss Giant Reign and am selling my super light road bike, so I'm left with my single speed road commuter which isn't up to the job.

Now the girlfriend has bought a hybrid and would like to do some rides, so I need/want to get another bike. One is never enough.

I want an MTB, potentially single speed or 1x9 or 10. But singlespeed is my preference I think.

What sort of thing should I be looking out for? Has to be second hand as my budget is around £200.

I've considered building my own from second hand parts but it always adding up to more than you expect or takes a lot longer to get together.

So, what to look out for? If you have something that sounds suitable let me know.

I'm 5'7" so looking for about a 16" frame I think?

The Spiderman

Buy whichever £200 mtb you can find and ditch the granny, big ring, front mech and shifter or buy a nearly all new Carrera Subway.
For £200 you are going to be looking at what what were £500 entry level bikes, 2 or 3 years ago something like a Voodoo or a Carrera.