Downhill Cycling Trails

If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping descents, technical terrain and world-class forest riding, the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is the place to be. Set deep in the ancient woodland at Cannop, these trails have earned a reputation among mountain bikers for offering some of the best downhill riding in the UK.

What to Expect

With trails graded from moderate blue to double-black extreme, there’s something here for all confident riders looking to challenge themselves - whether you're perfecting your flow on berms or tackling steep chutes and drops. The trails are a mix of natural and man-made features, with big jumps, rock gardens, technical roots, and fast, twisting descents.

Before heading out, check out the onsite skills areas to warm up and get a feel for the terrain.

The Trails

Fourteen graded downhill lines drop off the hillside at Cannop, ranging from around 0.5 km to 1.5 km each.

Blue (moderate)

Trails: Countdown, Launchpad. Good for: a first downhill run, four-wheeled and adaptive cycles.

Fast and flowing with rollers and berms, and the gentlest way in. Launchpad was the UK's first gravity trail built to be ridden without pedal power.

Red (difficult)

Trails: Flatlands, Twisted Sister. Good for: riders comfortable with speed on natural terrain.

Fast lines, technical corners and airtime if you're up for it.

Black (severe)

Trails: Sheepskull, Y2K, Endo, Mr Rooty, Corkscrew, Elephant Man, Dodger. Good for: experienced downhill riders.

Steep and technical throughout, with rooty riding, rock gardens, twisting corners, jumps and slab drops.

Double black (extreme)

Trails: Ski Run, Cougar, GBU. Good for: expert riders only.

Big features and high-speed riding with serious exposure. Ski Run is the original downhill trail at the Forest of Dean.

Read Forestry England's description of every trail, run by run.

Getting to the top

There are push-up paths if you're earning your turns, and an uplift service if you'd rather save your legs for the descents. Book ahead in busy periods.

Before you ride

These trails are graded for a reason. Make sure your bike is up to the job, wear proper protection and ride within your limits. If you're new to downhill, start on Countdown and Launchpad and work up. There's a skills area on site to warm up on, and coaching if you want someone watching your technique.

You'll want a full suspension bike for anything black or above. Pedalabikeaway hire from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre itself, Dean Forest Cycles hire bikes in Parkend and Wye-Bikes offer bike hire from Bells Hotel and Country Club. If you're not sure which bike to choose, speak to the bike hire team, they'll be able to help and you can find out more about e-bike hire here.

Pedalabikeaway and Dean Forest cycles have workshops and can do repairs if something breaks.

Facilities On-Site

At the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, you’ll find:

- Café and outdoor seating

- Bike hire and repairs from expert local providers

- Toilets and showers

- Emergency location and first aid contact points clearly marked

Ride Safe

These trails are graded for a reason. Make sure your bike is up to the job, wear appropriate protection, and ride within your limits. If you’re new to downhill, start small and progress gradually.

Plan Your Ride

View the official trail map here (PDF) or pick one up from the Cycle Centre. Be aware that trails can close due to weather or forestry work - always check the latest updates before you travel via Forestry England.

Whether you're pushing your skills or simply here for the thrill, the Forest of Dean downhill trails are a must-ride for any mountain biking fan.

Guide Prices

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is free to enter but parking charges apply. The money you pay goes towards looking after the forests.

Car
• 0-2 hrs - £5.50
• 2-4 hrs - £7.50
• All day - £9.00
• Arrive after 5pm - £3.00

Minibus
• 0-2 hrs - £12
• 2-4 hrs - £14
• All day - £16

Regular visitors could save money with a Forest of Dean membership. Prices apply from 3rd March 2025.