Forest of Dean provides a great opportunity for both novice and experienced mountain bikers and Cannop Cycle Centre is the starting point for the trails that will take you on an adventure deep into the forest whatever your age or ability.
VERDERERSÂ TRAIL
7 miles
Allow 1-2 hrs
Hard packed & Singletrack
Type: XC
Trail Grade: Blue (Moderate)
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Blue grade trails are suitable for intermediate cyclists or mountain bikers with basic off-road riding skills. Voted the Best Blue Trail in England by Mountain Biking UK in 2021
The 'Verderer's Trail' is a 7-mile all-weather loop incorporates fast, flowing flat out corners, big berms and rollovers. Graded blue, but with some tricky challenges, the trail gently winds uphill before a swooping, flat top section and a brilliant descent on the Dragon's Tail that will have you hooting and hollering all the way back to the cycle centre
FREEMINERS TRAIL
Freeminers Trail Grade Red Difficult Short loop: 6.1km (3.8 miles)
Long loop: 11.3km (7 miles)
Adit loop: 17.3km (10.7 miles)
This trail now has 3 loop options.
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A challenging and varied singletrack ideal for even the most demanding of riders, from tricky switchback climbs to rooty drops and hairpin bends.
Type: XC
Trail Grade: Red (Difficult)
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Red grade trails are suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-roading skills.
The Freeminer Trail , designed, built and maintained by the DTV in partnership with the Forestry Commission, this challenging and varied single track can offer something to even the most demanding of riders, from tricky switchback climbs to rooty drops and hairpin bends. It is for experienced riders only and is suitable for off-road quality mountain bikes.
FAMILY TRAIL
9 miles
Allow 1-3 hrs
Hard pack
Trail Type: XC
Trail Grade: Green (Easy)
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Green grade trails are suitable for beginners or novice cyclists.
An 11-mile (18 km) circuit, with connecting routes to several local villages. Follows wide gravelled tracks and is suitable for riding all year round. Mostly level gradients with some short climbs and suitable for all ages and abilities. The route passes along the old Severn and Wye railway line, passing former stations at Drybrook Road, Cannop Wharf and Speech House. Remnants of former coalmines can also be seen at Foxes Bridge, Lightmoor and New fancy.
In July 2007, the Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail was number one in a list of 'Best British cycle routes', published by The Guardian and in June 2009, it was voted the best 'family cycle route' by The Daily Telegraph.
BEGINEERS
SKILLS AREA
Hard packed
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Type: Bike Park Green
Basic skills
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Suitable for novice to riders
This purpose built skills loop is good place to start building confidence and skill.
PUMP TRACKS
Hard packed
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Type: Bike Park
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Suitable for novice to advanced riders
Bumps and bends will give you a feel for off-road cycling and how to handle the terrain.
New addition in 2018, located next to Ski Run DH track
ADVANCED
SKILLS AREA
Hard packed
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Type: Bike Park Black
Progressive skills
Suitable for advanced riders
Take your skills to the next level! This purpose built skills area features progressive jumps, steps, gaps and berms.
