Forest of Dean Mountain Biking

The Forest of Dean sits between the Wye and the Severn on the English-Welsh border — an ancient royal forest with a long mining history and, since the early 2000s, one of England's best-known MTB venues. It's gentler than the Welsh trail centres and more wooded than the Lake District, which makes it the natural midway choice.

What to expect

The waymarked Family Trail is 11 miles of flat-ish woodland riding suitable for kids on bikes — unusual for UK MTB venues. The red FoD Freeminer trail at Pedalabikeaway is the main attraction for fit intermediate-to-advanced riders: 17km of rolling singletrack, technical descents and a couple of decent jumps. The blue trail is a good warm-up. There's also a dedicated dirt jump area and a freeride downhill course.

Practical notes

Year-round riding — the trails sit on coal-measure shale that drains better than clay or peat. Pedalabikeaway hire centre has good full-suspension rentals, a cafe and bike-wash. The forest itself is a National Nature Reserve, so respect signage and the bridleway network. Plenty of B&B and pub accommodation in Coleford and Cinderford; trail-tour weekends typically combine FoD with a day at BikePark Wales an hour west.

Getting there car-free

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre at Cannop sits deep in the forest, so the final leg needs a little planning. The nearest railway station is Lydney, reached via Gloucester or Newport; from there it is a local bus or taxi up into the forest. The forest's traffic-free family trails also let you ride in.

Can you get to the Forest of Dean trails without a car?

Yes, with a connection. Train to Lydney, then a local bus or taxi up to the Cannop cycle centre. It takes a little planning, but the network of traffic-free forest trails rewards arriving by bike.