Alternatively if I was to buy a mountain bike, whats the best place to start? In Wales, I hired this and it did the job. Rode lots of technical bits on up and down on red trails and didn't feel like I was missing out on full suspension. I'm a student so it will be a budget buy for sure.
If budget is a primary concern then you could do worse than checking out the options at decathlon / pinnacle / go outdoors - they all have versatile hardtail options for good prices.
Alternatively if I was to buy a mountain bike, whats the best place to start? In Wales, I hired this and it did the job. Rode lots of technical bits on up and down on red trails and didn't feel like I was missing out on full suspension. I'm a student so it will be a budget buy for sure.