Casual mountain bike upto £500??

[ajf]

As title really.
Tried a road bike a few years back and whilst I loved the bike (Bianchi) I just couldn't get myself confident and used to traffic etc.
However I do enjoy photography and often think it would be helpful to have something I can just take with me in the countryside and hop on.

The only thing I really want on it are easy quick release for front AND rear wheels as I only have an Aygo so it would have to go in pieces to fit!

So, what should I look at?
If I dare say it, am I Just as well off at somewhere like Halfords for what I want?!

 

[ajf]

Sorry for not replying, completely forgot I had posted this!

Main issue with the road bike as I mentioned was I just couldn't get on with mixing with traffic on roads.
I just lacked the confidence.
The road bike itself was fantastic. It did have drop bars but was capable of being more upright too - hope you understand.

Main use would be bridleways or semi paved forest paths etc, so I think a mountain would still be the best idea.
Fair point on the dirty car, but I guess that is down to where I use it rather than the type of bike?

I'll have a look at some of the brands mentioned and see what I can get for the budget.