Freeminers Trail - Forest of Dean

What to expect

A classic cross-country trail with real variety: tricky switchback climbs, rooty drops, hairpin bends, and a mix of natural, technical and flowing descents.

Be honest with yourself about the grade. Red isn't "a bit harder than blue" — it's a different category of riding. If you're not confident in technical terrain, that's completely normal. Do the Verderers first and come back to this. There's no shame in building up.
 

The skills areas

About 1 km in, you'll hit a skills area for practising rocky drops and tabletop jumps. You can session it and head back, or carry on round the full loop. A good way to test yourself before committing.
 

When to ride it

Autumn is the sweet spot. In high summer, the roots go dusty and lose some of their character. In winter, they get properly greasy — still rideable, and some people love it, but it's a different trail.

September and October, when there's just enough moisture for the roots to grip: that's the Freeminers at its best.
 

On an e-bike

This is where an e-bike really earns its keep. The switchback climbs are hard work on an analogue bike; on an e-MTB you can spend your energy on the technical descents instead. [Link to eMTB page]
 

Good to know

The Freeminers was designed, built and maintained by the Dean Trail Volunteers (DTV) in partnership with Forestry England. Every root, berm and hairpin is there because someone gave up their Saturday to build it. If you enjoy it, consider joining a dig day. [Link to DTV page]
 

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