Forest of Dean Cycle Centre has two main blue-graded downhill mountain bike trails. This is the faster of the two, which is split into two trails called Countdown and Launchpad. On this video we ride in from the main trailhead, which is about 15min pedal from the car park. Alternatively you can follow the blue graded Verderers trail, which will take about 60-90 minutes to get to this point, but you’ll have hit a couple of other descents along the way.
We ride a Marin Alpine Trail, which is more than enough bike for this trail. There’s no need for suspension on this trail as it’s very well maintained with no more than some minor braking bumps to deal with, however good brakes and mountain bike tyres will make the experience more enjoyable.
We’d also recommend knee pads, gloves and helmet as a minimum because it’s easy to go fast on these trails.
For Mountain Bike Guiding in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, visit our website (ridemountains.co.uk) or send us a message. We can arrange accommodation and bike hire too if needed.
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is a small woodland cycling centre, comprising mountain bike trails, a visitor centre, car parks and uplift service. It is located on the former site of Cannop Colliery in the Cannop Valley, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. The nearest village is Parkend, 3 miles away.