Best hybrid up to £300

[Spiderweb]

This Ridgeback looks decent for £299.
https://www.evanscycles.com/ridgeba...=awin&utm_campaign=78888&utm_medium=Affiliate

 

[hoppym27]

I was just thinking..would an MTB do the job? Can I attach a pannier rack to an MTB?

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Yes and yes, but likely more bike than you need. I think that you are on the right track with hybrids.

 

[Spiderweb]

I was just thinking..would an MTB do the job? Can I attach a pannier rack to an MTB?

If you are riding trails and bridleways then my preference would be a chunkier tyred mountain bike, you can run the tyres at low pressure so a relatively smooth ride can be had off Tarmac. I don't think front suspension is required as it just adds weight and will be of poor quality on a bike sub £300.
Many MTB's have mounting points for a rear pannier rack, the Ridgeback I posted above does, look for the mounting points on the seat stays.

 

[hoppym27]

Are there any brands I should avoid?

 

[hoppym27]

The Btwin rockrider 340 from decathlon looks like a great value bike for what I want it for too

 

[Threevok]

if you can push for an extra £50 get the 540

The reason being - better kit - plus If you ARE going for a bike with suspension - at least have a half-decent set of forks on it

 

[vickster]

Are there any brands I should avoid?

Apollo and Trax from Halfords...and anything sold by Argos or a supermarket

 

[Spiderweb]

Apollo and Trax from Halfords...and anything sold by Argos or a supermarket

Agree with those plus anything that says Dunlop, Muddy Fox & Viking.

 

[vickster]

Agree with those plus anything that says Dunlop, Muddy Fox & Viking.

Viking can be ok but better to get Btwin or Carerra (or something second hand)

 

[tribanjules]

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-520-mountain-bike-275-black-id_8350582.html

you mean this one within buget and spec ?

Amazingly Decathlon don't have a directly comparable model, just the flat bar Triban 500 which only comes with rim brakes:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-flat-bar-road-bike-black-id_8322664.html
If you're prepared to put up with that and the skinny tyres it's a good buy.

 

[Cycleops]

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-520-mountain-bike-275-black-id_8350582.html

you mean this one within buget and spec ?

Would be a great if the OP was looking for a mountain bike.
Edit: Sorry, missed his later post. I'd still advise him to get a hybrid with solid forks. At this price its just not worth putting the money into cheap forks.

 

[hoppym27]

Is the raleigh brand still good?

 

[AndyRM]

Is the raleigh brand still good?

It's taken a quite a kicking over the years, but does seem to be on the road to recovery. Not sure around your price point, but their more expensive models are pretty well regarded.

 

[Threevok]

Is the raleigh brand still good?

In a word - NO - not for the type of bikes you are looking for anyway

Their "entry level" MTB in your range (The Helion 1) has the same level of refinement as an Argos special