Forest of Dean Mountain Bike Trails

Mountain biking trails at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

The Forest of Dean Cycle Center offers a variety of trail options to suit riders of all skill levels. Their trail network includes a Family Cycle Trail with easy to moderate terrain. Additionally, there are blue and red-graded cross-country single tracks to challenge intermediate to advanced riders. More experienced downhill mountain bikers will appreciate the selection of demanding downhill trails.

Riders can develop and refine their off-road cycling technique on the skills areas and pump track specially designed for that purpose. These facilities provide a safe environment for practicing and building confidence and control.

Whether you're a casual recreational cyclist or a serious off-road enthusiast, the Forest of Dean Cycle Center's diverse trail system has something for every ability. Simply bring your helmet and enjoy the scenic riding through the forest.

Colliers Trail

Grade: Forest Roads (14.5 km)

The Colliers Trail presents a family-friendly cycling route for visitors of all ages and abilities. This fully waymarked circular path has been specially surfaced and includes connecting routes to nearby villages and picnic areas.

Following the route of the former railway that served the numerous coal mines throughout the Forest, cyclists can discover remnants of the region's industrial past as they pedal along. Vestiges of these past collieries remain visible today, as do place names honoring the stations that once transported miners.

Pump track and skills areas

Prior to embarking on the trails, visitors are encouraged to utilize the pump track and skills areas located at the Forest of Dean Cycle Center.

The pump track is conveniently situated between the main car park and the trail network entrance. Comprised of rolling terrain and small banked turns, the pump track allows riders to strengthen skills like balance and control in a low-risk environment.

There are three distinct skills areas dispersed throughout the Center's grounds. These zones provide opportunities for mountain bikers of all experience levels to practice maneuvers in a controlled setting, helping to develop core techniques before advancing to more challenging trail segments. 

Verderers trail

Grade: Blue (11.3 km)

The Verderers Trail, recognized as the top-rated blue trail in England by Mountain Biking UK in 2021, promises an exciting and adventurous riding experience. Trail users can expect to encounter various surface conditions as they navigate switchback climbs and flowing descents. Along the route are several features conducive to skill development, such as rollers and berms. A gentle uphill stretch through forested areas includes intermittent technical challenges. The culminating descent, referred to as the Dragon's Tail, delivers a swift, fluid conclusion that will likely inspire repeat excursions to the trail.

Freeminers trail

Grade: Red (6.1km - 11.3km)

This trail, designated with a red grade, contains three loop options and features technically challenging and varied single track. Riders can expect to navigate tricky switchback climbs, root-filled drops, and boardwalks as well as tabletop jumps and tight descents threading between trees. Natural obstacles along the trail are complemented by several man-made features integrated into the landscape. Overall, this route provides an engaging experience for those seeking an intermediate to advanced level of physical and technical trail riding.

Downhill trails

The centre features fourteen short downhill trails spread across the hillside. Riders can expect to encounter a variety of terrain features including drops, jumps, table tops, berms, loamy corners, off-camber sections, rocky areas, and rooty patches. The size and technical difficulty of the features vary across the individual trails. Visitors would be well advised to review the detailed information available for each trail in advance of riding. Access to the top of the trails is provided either via a push track or through the uplift service.

Is there an uplift at the Forest of Dean?

Fly Up Downhill operate a bookable uplift service for the downhill runs.

Getting here

Sat Nav Postcode: GL16 7EH

Take the B4226 Coleford-Cinderford road and at the crossroads with the B4234 turn north and follow the signs to the Cycle Centre.