Forestry England has launched a brand-new mountain biking trail at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, which makes exploring the great outdoors on two wheels even easier for beginner cyclists.
Delivering on the thrill of off-road riding without steep downhill drops, Old Bob's trail is a green-graded, easy trail that's suitable for new riders and families with bike trailers or balance bikes.
It's also fully accessible for cyclists using adaptive bikes, continuing Forestry England's mission to make the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre as inclusive as possible — for riders of any level, on any kind of bike.
The project was paid for by Forestry England's 'Access for All' programme, which is supported by funding from Defra and has been used to make important investments in infrastructure throughout the nation's forests, to improve accessibility and inclusivity.
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is already home to two accessible trails, including Launchpad — the UK's first purpose-built trail for four-wheel cycles designed for those without pedal power — as well as Changing Places accessible toilet facilities and adaptive bike hire, thanks to Gloucestershire charity, Goals Beyond Grass.
The launch of Old Bob's trail marks the next phase of its plan to open up the world of mountain biking to a wider audience, bridging the gap between its family-friendly Colliers Trail and more challenging Verderers mountain biking trail.
Described as a 'perfect stepping stone' within the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre's trail network, Old Bob's trail is approximately 2km in length and includes three different skill areas for riders to learn techniques for off-roading and build their confidence before hitting the main track.
Tapping into the area's rich industrial heritage, the new trail shares its name with a pumping engine for Cannop Colliery, which was one of the most successful coal mines in the region — and where the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre now sits.
Old Bob's trail opened at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre on Friday 11 October 2024 — just in time for family adventures this October half term, as well as the Forest of Dean's annual display of breath-taking autumn colour.
