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Next week we'll be staying in the Forest Lodges on the west side of the Forest of Dean near Berry Hill. I do not know the area at all.
I've been to the Cycle Centre/uplift area years ago but that's it. I get the impression that there are trails everywhere.
Are there any family friendly routes that I can ride with Junior on the Shotgun? And what's the wildest stuff I can check out on a solo mission?
Can I pedal out from where we are or do I need to drive anywhere?
Any tips welcome, and I might post some pics next week if we find anything good.
Berry Hill is an easy ride across to the top of the Cannop trailhead, via a couple of forest paths. I would start there and work outwards, there’s the enduro trails close to the centre, Y2K and Elephant Man and lots off piste across the road behind the quarry, just get to the top of the hill and explore
For the youngun tag along, verderers is good if you take your time, colliers family trail, bobs trail and also try a spin across to Yat Rock, down to Symonds Yat and the Peregrine trail to Monmouth and a pint in the Saracen’s head. Sculpture trail is also a great kiddies activity
Are there any family friendly routes that I can ride with Junior on the Shotgun?
This is the "new" green trail:
A bit further afield for an XC adventure, try this route. Starts from Redbrook, which is about 5 miles down the hill from Coleford on the river. Lovely mix of quiet trails on both sides of the Wye
https://mtbfoodie.com/routes/wednesday-club/redbrook-mountain-bike-route/
Highly recommend Old Bob's Trail for kids - it's a lovely bit of trail making for them.
As you say, there are off-piste trails everywhere - just explore.
Thanks for that. Looks like Old Bob's is a sure thing.
I'm not sure how much alone time I'll get though. Maybe one morning or an afternoon.
I'm just using Google maps at the minute. I can see the quarry near Cannop. I might just head for that area and follow my nose.
Conditions are absolutely prime in FOD at the moment. Will probably be dusty by the end of the week
It was dry and dusty this weekend, but very sunny. The cafe has closed for a refurb this week, but the grab and go shed is open
We were there this morning. It's dry and sunny but that wind is bloody freezing!
I spent most of the time with the Shotgun saddle doing laps of Old Bob and the skills loop. Junior was loving it. He's always hootin and hollerin telling me to go faster.
Then I disappeared for 2 solo runs on the DH trails. It's fast, dry and loose as hell. I was skating all over the place.
I'll see what else I can squeeze in before we leave on Friday.
you can buy a pack of 5 uplifts from the van man for £20 if you want to maximise your time.
The DH trails are well worth a ride if you have time, I used to love riding there. Must go back at some point. For a bit of variety in a run I liked to do the top section of Sheepskull (I think!), then when it drops down to the fire road you can pedal up/along there for a bit and catch the last section of the Vederers with all the swoopy fast berms and rollers. Or linking Sheepskull with Ski Run was a favourite too.
you can buy a pack of 5 uplifts from the van man for £20 if you want to maximise your time.
I wish I knew that! Didn't see a van today though, not sure if they were on. Could potentially do Friday morning if they're on before we go to Merthyr.
Got 2 days at BPW booked so don't want to get greedy/knackered.