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 (Colliers 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.
A 9-mile (14.5 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
OLD BOBS TRAIL - NEW 2024
1.2 miles
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Hard Pack
Trail Type: XC
Trail Grade: Green (Easy)
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Green grade trails are suitable for beginners or novice cyclists.
Are you new to mountain biking and curious about off-road riding? Old Bob’s Trail is the perfect starting point! It’s suitable for a wide variety of bikes, including 2, 3, or 4-wheeled cycles, adaptive bikes, and tag-alongs.
The trail begins with a gentle, winding ascent, leading you to the first of three skills areas along the route. These sections are designed to help you develop essential off-road skills, featuring berms, rollers, bridges, boardwalks, and rock gardens. Whether you want to practice these areas repeatedly or skip them altogether and stick to the main trail, the choice is yours.
Between the skills areas, the trail continues with a fun, flowing track through the forest. Rest stops are available along the way, offering a chance to take in the scenery and perhaps catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.
As the trail descends and your speed picks up, you’ll find the corners guiding you down—don’t forget to use your brakes! There’s one final rest stop at the end of the loop, where you can decide whether to go for another lap or head back to the café for a well-deserved treat.
Trail Name.The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre takes great pride in its industrial heritage. During its peak, Cannop Colliery was one of the most productive coal mines in the Forest of Dean.
Old Bob’s, a pumping engine for Cannop Colliery, stood just across the road from the Cycle Centre. It appears on maps dating as far back as 1880. Naming the trail after Old Bob’s is our way of preserving a piece of this important history.
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.
