Bedgebury Pinetum, Olympic Training Cent...

Cycling: Mountain Bike

Bedgebury Forest has a 13km trail for Mountain Biking, consisting of a long singletrack cross-country loop combining existing and new paths. The surface for the newly-cut singletrack (and some sections of the existing tracks) is a 10cm layer of type one sub-base material. The surface is covered with a thin layer of the indigenous topsoil/leaf litter, which helps it to blend with the natural surroundings. There are also anchor points on the corners, comprising large logs and boulders, to prevent corners being straight-lined and thereby keeping their flow and sweep. Now two years old, the trails have been ridden regularly, creating a desire line with a strong base to it, which helps to prevent erosion and keeps the trails mud-free. New timber bridges have been constructed over the stream crossings; these are designed to be easily-maintained and are constructed from fully-sustainable forestry sources.

As well as the singletrack, Bedgebury has a 10km family cycle route and a north shore style freeride area, incorporating built structures and obstacles designed to challenge a rider's ability and technical skills, as well as their nerve.

The new visitor centre features a cycle franchise for bike hire, purchase and repair (including cycles for disabled people), and showers for bikes and their riders. Few if any places in the South East can offer cyclists and mountain bikers the range of off-road riding experiences that Bedgebury now provides.