Within easy reach of all our properties you’ll find flowing forest trails, technical downhill runs, family-friendly routes and purpose-built skills areas. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or adrenaline, there are trails to suit every age and ability.
After a day on the bike, return to the comfort of your countryside accommodation, soothe tired legs in a hot tub, fire up the barbecue during the summer months or relax with a well-earned meal in one of the area’s welcoming country pubs.
The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is one of the UK’s best-loved mountain biking destinations.
Centred around Cannop Cycle Centre, it offers purpose-built mountain bike trails for every age and ability, from gentle family rides to technical downhill tracks. Whether you’re bringing your own bike or hiring one for the day, everything you need for a full day’s riding is available in one place.
With excellent facilities, bike hire, cafés and miles of well-maintained trails, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the forest.
9 miles (14.5km) • Approx. 1½–2½ hours
Perfect for beginners and families.
The 9-mile Colliers Trail follows wide, flowing forest tracks through beautiful woodland, passing Cannop Ponds and Mallards Pike, where you can stop for refreshments before continuing your ride.
A fantastic introduction to mountain biking for all ages.
7 miles (11.3km) • Approx. 1–2 hours
Often described as one of England’s finest blue-grade mountain bike trails.
Fast, flowing and packed with sweeping berms and rollers, the Verderers Trail is hugely enjoyable for intermediate riders while remaining accessible to those progressing onto blue trails for the first time.
7.1 miles (11.5km) • Approx. 1–2 hours
Looking for more of a challenge?
The Freeminers Trail offers roots, tighter corners and faster sections for experienced mountain bikers looking for a more demanding ride.
The Forest of Dean also features purpose-built downhill tracks ranging from blue through to black grade.
Suitable for experienced riders, these technical descents include jumps, drops, root sections and steep terrain.
For those wanting maximum riding with minimum climbing, FlyUp’s popular uplift service transports riders and bikes back to the top throughout the day.
Located beside the visitor centre, the skills loop and pump track provide the perfect place to warm up before heading onto the trails.
They’re ideal for:
No bike? No problem.
Pedal A Bike Away, based at Cannop Cycle Centre, hires everything from hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes to electric mountain bikes, adaptive bikes, trailers and tag-alongs, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a day on the trails.
You’ll also find everything you need for a comfortable day outdoors, including:
One of the reasons we recommend the Forest of Dean so highly is because it genuinely caters for everyone.
Families & Beginners
Gentle green trails, adaptive routes and excellent bike hire make it one of the easiest places in the country to introduce children to mountain biking.
Intermediate Riders
The famous Verderers Trail offers one of the UK's best flowing blue-grade rides and is enjoyed by thousands of riders every year.
Experienced Riders
Technical cross-country trails, challenging downhill tracks and uplift services provide plenty to keep experienced mountain bikers coming back.
The Forest of Dean has invested heavily in making mountain biking accessible.
Facilities include:
The Green Colliers Trail is suitable for adaptive bikes and trailers, while the Launchpad downhill trail is the UK’s first purpose-built four-wheel adaptive downhill trail. Launchpad combines flowing corners, rollers and berms to create an exciting, purpose-built downhill experience for adaptive riders.
Looking for an even bigger challenge?
BikePark Wales is widely regarded as one of the UK’s premier mountain biking destinations.
With more than 50 purpose-built trails, dedicated uplift transport, coaching, bike hire and outstanding visitor facilities, it’s well worth the journey for experienced riders or anyone wanting a full day on the mountain.
Unlike traditional trail centres, riders can choose between using the uplift service to maximise their downhill runs or pedalling the climb themselves, making it suitable for both gravity riders and those looking for more of an endurance challenge.
Clearly graded green, blue, red and black trails allow riders to progress at their own pace, while the all-weather trail surfaces mean excellent riding conditions throughout much of the year.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a longer break, all of our properties are within easy driving distance of both the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre and BikePark Wales.
Property | Forest of Dean Cycle Centre | BikePark Wales |
|---|---|---|
Penblaith Barn | 30 minutes (14 miles) | 54 minutes (38 miles) |
Trevase Granary | 28 minutes (14 miles) | 58 minutes (40 miles) |
Old Barn House | 26 minutes (15 miles) | 57 minutes (40 miles) |
Bettws Court Retreats | 35 minutes (19 miles) | 56 minutes (38 miles) |
Approximate driving times shown as a guide.
After a day on the trails, it’s nice to return somewhere designed for relaxing.
Not everyone in your group has to spend the day on two wheels.
While some members of your group head for the trails, others can enjoy walking, fishing, golf, market towns, gardens, cafés or many of the attractions featured in our Discover the Area section, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay.
The Green Colliers Trail at the Forest of Dean is an excellent introduction to mountain biking and is ideal for families and those new to the sport.
Pedal A Bike Away at Cannop Cycle Centre hires mountain bikes, electric bikes, adaptive bikes, trailers and children’s bikes.
Yes. Both the Forest of Dean and BikePark Wales offer uplift services, allowing you to maximise your time on the trails.
Trevase Granary has a secure bike store available for guests. At our other properties, bikes can either be cleaned before being brought inside the property or securely transported on your vehicle.
Helmets are essential, and many riders also choose to wear gloves, knee pads and other protective equipment. Protective equipment can also be hired at BikePark Wales.
Yes. During weekends, school holidays and peak season we recommend booking bike hire and uplift services in advance, particularly at BikePark Wales.
Absolutely. Our Discover the Area section includes walks, restaurants, attractions, gardens and plenty of experiences for family and friends who aren’t riding.
Whether you’re tackling the famous Verderers Trail, planning your first family ride or spending the day at BikePark Wales, our countryside properties provide the perfect base to stay, ride and relax.
