The Forest of Dean offers a wide range of off-road cycling, from family-friendly routes to technical downhill trails. Trails are well waymarked and set within natural woodland scenery, making the area suitable for beginners, experienced riders, and mixed-ability.

There are even some campsites located in the Forest of Dean, so why not pack your tent and camping gear too?

Colliers Trail

Length: 14.5 km (9 miles)
Type: Circular, multi-use route
Difficulty: Easy

The Colliers Trail is a circular route that connects local villages and various picnic sites. The route is fully waymarked, so it’s impossible to get lost. It is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it the perfect family day out or ideal for anyone looking for a leisurely ride.

The route follows an old railway line, which historically served the many coal mines scattered around the forest. The remnants of many of these former coal mines are still visible today, along with plenty of station names, making it an interesting cycle route with lots to learn about.

Access points include:

  • Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
  • Cannop Ponds
  • Beechenhurst
  • Mallards Pike

Downhill Trails

Length: 0.5 km to 1.5 km (0.3–0.9 miles)
Type: Gravity-focused downhill routes
Difficulty: Moderate to Extreme

The Forest of Dean has 14 official downhill trails, marked and maintained by the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. These routes include loose rocks, tree roots, jumps, and technical features. The most popular courses being Twister Sister, a course that will have you executing corners like a professional, and Mr Rooty, perfect for those who are up for a bumpier ride. You should always check the difficulty level of the trail you’re riding before heading out.

Difficulty grades:

  • Moderate
  • Difficult
  • Severe
  • Extreme

Verderers Trail

Length: 11.3 km (7 miles)
Type: Cross-country
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

The Verderers Trail is one of the most popular routes in the forest. It features varied surfaces, steady climbs, and long, flowing descents. The trail includes multiple features designed to develop trail-riding skills.

The final descent, known as The Dragon Tail, is a fast, flowing section that provides a smooth and engaging finish to the ride.

Pump Track and Skills Areas

Located near the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, the pump track and skills areas allow riders to practise before heading onto longer trails. There are three skill levels available:

Beginner Skills Area (Easy)

  • Located just over the bridge on the Colliers Trail
  • Short loop with small rollers, gentle corners, and a slab rock exit

Intermediate Skills Area (Moderate)

  • Next to the pump track
  • Two short options: a technical line and a flow line
  • Technical features gradually increase in size

Red Skills Area (Difficult)

  • Located approximately 1 km into the Freeminers Trail
  • Tabletop jumps and drop features
  • Can be ridden as part of the Freeminers loop or exited back to the centre

Freeminers Trail

Length: 11.5 km (7.1 miles)
Type: Cross-country
Difficulty: Difficult

The Freeminers Trail is a red-graded cross-country route designed for confident riders. It combines flowing singletrack with technical features, including switchback climbs, rooty drops, boardwalks, tabletop jumps, and fast descents through woodland.

A difficult grade skills area is located near the trail start. You can even extend the route by joining the Adit Trail at post 61 if you’re not done thrill-seeking.

Old Bob’s Trail

Length: 2km (1.2 miles)
Type: Beginner off-road loop
Difficulty: Easy

Old Bob’s Trail is designed for riders new to off-road cycling. It is suitable for a wide range of bikes, including adaptive cycles and bikes with more than two wheels, making it a super accessible course.

The gravel route begins with a gentle climb and includes three optional skills areas featuring berms, rollers, bridges, boardwalks, and rock gardens. Riders can either repeat the skill areas or bypass them using the main trail.

The singletrack trail flows through forest with rest stops along the route. The final section descends back to a rest area, where riders can choose to repeat the loop or return to the Beechenhurst Café for a well-earned slice of cake.

So, grab your bike and explore the vast and varied trails of the Forest of Dean. If you’re looking to transport your bike from A to B, Halfords offers a wide range of bike racks, from towbar-mounted options to rear-mounted racks, suitable for a variety of vehicles.

Looking to upgrade your bike? Explore our range of bike parts, including saddles, tubes and handlebars over at Halfords.com.