Family Mountain Biking in the Forest of Dean
Bringing the kids? The Forest of Dean is one of the best places in the country to get them started. Which trails suit which ages, balance bikes, the pump track, and how to make a day of it with the kids.
The best trails for children
Old Bob's Trail (Green, 2km) — the obvious starting point. Built specifically for beginners, wide and smooth, with three skills areas along the way to keep it interesting. Suitable for a huge range of bikes, including balance bikes, tag-a-longs and adaptive cycles. Short enough that little legs won't run out before the fun does.
The Family / Colliers Trail (Green, 14.5km) — gentle, mostly flat, following old railway lines on wide gravel tracks. You don't have to do the whole thing — ride out as far as feels right and turn back. Links to Beechenhurst (5 minutes away) for a café and playground break. Voted a best UK family cycle route by both the Guardian and the Telegraph.
The pump track — brilliant for kids. A short loop of rollers and berms they can lap endlessly without pedalling, building bike skills without even realising it. Free, and right by the centre.
The skills areas — three graded areas for building confidence off the main trails. A safe place to practise before stepping up.
Rough age guide
Every child is different, but as a rough guide:
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Balance-bike age: Old Bob's and the pump track
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Confident on a pedal bike: the full Family Trail, Old Bob's skills areas
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Older, more confident kids: the Verderers (Blue) is within reach for many — it's flowing and forgiving
Don't rush the grades. A child who has fun on a green comes back; one who gets scared on a red might not.
Bikes for kids
Pedalabikeaway on site hires a range of bikes, including children's sizes — worth booking ahead in school holidays. If you're bringing your own, the usual applies: working brakes they can actually reach and squeeze, and a helmet that fits.
Making a day of it
Beechenhurst (5 minutes along the Family Trail) has a café, sculpture trail and space to run around — a good non-riding base for anyone in the group who's had enough. The wider forest has Puzzlewood, Clearwell Caves and the Dean Forest Railway if you want to turn it into a full family day. [After the Ride / Area Guide]
A note for parents
The Forest of Dean is a shared, working forest — you'll meet walkers, dogs and other riders on the family trails. A quick word with the kids about giving way and slowing down near others goes a long way and keeps it welcoming for everyone.
