Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

The award-winning home of mountain biking in the Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, managed by Forestry England, is one of the UK’s most popular trail centres and the ideal place to begin your cycling adventure. With a wide choice of trails and facilities, it offers something for everyone, from relaxed family rides to high-adrenaline downhill runs.

Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider, you’ll find your perfect cycling experience here.

Fun for every rider

From gentle routes to technical challenges, the trail network caters for all abilities.

The Colliers Trail is a waymarked circular route that follows former railway lines through the wider forest, with links to villages and picnic spots such as Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike. Specially surfaced and suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s perfect for a leisurely ride while enjoying spring wildlife and new growth.

For beginners and families looking to build confidence, green-graded trails such as Old Bob’s provide a fun and accessible introduction. Riders ready to progress can enjoy the flowing singletrack of the Verderers Trail, a blue-graded route often described as one of the best of its kind in the UK. Those seeking a more demanding experience can take on the Freeminers Trail, a red-graded cross-country route featuring challenging climbs, descents and varied terrain.

If downhill riding is more your style, the Cycle Centre boasts 14 downhill trails ranging from blue to double-black grades. These runs are packed with jumps, berms, drops and technical features designed to get your adrenaline pumping.

To help riders improve and progress, there are also four dedicated skills areas catering for all levels, along with a pump track where you can refine your technique and find your flow.

Your day, made easy

Everything you need for a great day out is right here at the Cycle Centre. Bikes can be hired through our on-site partner Pedalabikeaway and local charity Goals Beyond Grass, making it easy to get riding whatever your experience level or ability.

For downhill enthusiasts, a bookable uplift service provided by Flyup is available to help you maximise your time on the trails.

After your ride, unwind in the welcoming cafe with a selection of food and drinks, or visit the on-site shop for essentials and new gear ready for the season ahead.

A truly low-cost day out

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is free to ride, with only parking charges in place to support the care and maintenance of the forest. Regular visitors could save money with a Forest of Dean membership.

Quality from start to finish

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is a VisitEngland quality-assured visitor attraction. This recognised standard provides reassurance that every aspect of your visit, from arrival through to departure, has been independently assessed to meet high standards, so you can focus on enjoying your time in the forest.