Bedgebury Forest near Tunbridge Wells is the largest dedicated mountain bike centre in the south-east of England — a Forestry England Pinetum (the National Pinetum) with 30km of waymarked trails through Wealden pine and broadleaf woods. It’s the natural choice for Kent, Sussex and south-London riders.
What to expect
The 13km Family Cycle Trail is wide, flat and gravelled — suitable for trailers, balance bikes and beginners. The 11km Singletrack Loop is blue/red graded with twisty woodland flow, a few rooty sections and short climbs. Family Bike Park has a pump track and progression jumps. The Go Ape course shares the site for anyone in the group who doesn’t ride.
Practical notes
Open year-round. Quench Cycles at the visitor centre runs hire and repairs. Forestry England parking fee applies. The site sits in the High Weald AONB with good post-ride pub options in Goudhurst, Cranbrook and Lamberhurst. Best combined with a weekend in nearby Tunbridge Wells. Drainage is moderate; expect mud after sustained winter rain.
Train, parking, drive…
- Train
- Tunbridge Wells (Southeastern from London Charing Cross, ~55 min), then taxi (~15 min) or bus 297
- Parking
- Bedgebury Pinetum visitor car park; pay-and-display, busy weekends
- Postcode
- TN17 2SJ
- Drive
- ~1h15 from London
- Car-free?
- Possible (last mile is taxi or bus)
Transport details are best-effort and worth double-checking on the day — rural buses and station services change with the timetable.
If you’ve got an extra day…
- Harrison's Rocks climbing 15 miles north-east
- North Downs Way Hike for a recovery walk
- Pub stop at the Bull at Goudhurst
Plan it yourself.
The most authoritative sources we know of for this trail — routes, conditions, governing bodies and operators. Open in a new tab.
