Family Biking Adventures at Forestry England: What to Expect
If you hadn’t noticed from all the rather samey themed posts this summer, we’ve well and truly caught the mountain biking bug. What started as an innocent van build so we could have a vehicle suitable for carrying 4 bikes to explore some safer biking routes, has snowballed into weekends filled with helmets, Flix Mix filled backpacks, and two muddy boys proudly showing off their scraped shins like trophies.
If you’re thinking about exploring Forestry England sites by bike, whether with little legs or teen daredevils, here’s what to expect – plus why we think it’s one of the best ways to spend time outdoors together as a family.
Why Forestry England for Family Biking?
Forestry England has over 1,500 forests and woodlands, and many of them have dedicated cycling trails. Unlike a casual park path, these are proper purpose-built routes designed to suit all abilities – so you’re not dodging dog walkers every five minutes.
For families, it’s a brilliant mix of:
Safe, well-marked trails (away from traffic!)
Variety of routes (from easy greens to technical reds and blacks).
Facilities on hand (car parks, toilets, cafés – aka caffeine and cake for parents).
Nature all around – trees, wildlife, and enough mud to keep the children happy.
What Routes Can You Expect?
Most Forestry England sites offer a colour-graded trail system, which makes it easy to choose based on your family’s ability:
Green Routes 🟢
Wide, gentle paths with few obstacles. Perfect for younger children, balance bikes, or anyone brand new to mountain biking. Green routes may also be shared by walkers or horses.
Blue Routes 🔵
When the family is ready to level-up, head over to the blue routes. Slightly longer, with fun rollers and small features that build confidence without scaring anyone off.
Red Routes 🔴
For confident riders and teens looking for a challenge. Expect narrow tracks, steeper climbs, and technical sections.
Black Routes ⚫
Advanced only. For super confident and experienced mountain bikers – the ultimate family challenge (one day!).
Most sites also have family-friendly loops, bike hire, and even skills areas where children can practise safely before hitting the trails.
The Benefits of Family Biking at Forestry England
Affordable: Parking is often the only cost (and free if you’ve got the Forestry England membership pass).
Fitness Without Trying: Children don’t even notice the miles when there are berms and bumps to conquer.
Confidence Building: From first pedals to first jumps, children progress fast when they’ve got safe trails to practise on.
Connection Time: No screens, no distractions – just you, the children, and the occasional “Mum, did you see that?!”
And let’s be honest, there’s something very bonding about all rolling back to the car covered in the same mud splatters.
Popular Forestry England Biking Spots for Families
Cannock Chase, Staffordshire – Family-friendly gree, blue and red routes, plus bike hire.
Delamere Forest, Cheshire – Gentle green routes and some new blue trails.
Hopton Woods, Shropshire – Red and Blue trails with free parking.
Haughmond Hill, Shropshire – Green family trails with some blue options.
(We’ll keep adding to this list as we explore more ourselves!)
Tips for Your First Forestry England Biking Trip
Bring drinks and snacks (always) – mountain biking is thirsty work – and snacks make wonderful bribes!
Pack a change of clothes – guaranteed mud magnets. A towel or two isn’t a bad idea either.
Start on green/blue routes to build confidence. Nothing worse than pushing a child on something they’re not confident with and putting them off for life 🤗
Don’t forget helmets (Forestry England strongly recommends them on all trails). Protective pads and armour are a good idea as children progress to bigger obstacles. Here’s our thoughts on family mountain biking protection!
Stop at the café afterwards – you’ve earned it. 😉
Our Verdict
Family biking at Forestry England sites has been a game-changer for us. The boys are braver, fitter, and happier – and I’ve discovered a love for mountain biking right alongside them. These sites give us the opportunity we wouldn’t get anywhere else to mountain bike – and to do it as a family! From loading the van together, to hitting the trails and then chatting excitedly about our latest achievements on the way home, mountain biking has given us a family activity we look forward to week after week!
So, whether you’re rolling through a gentle green loop or (accidentally 🤦♀️) ending up on a red trail, these forests are designed for adventure. If you’re even a tiny bit curious – give it a go. You might just find your new family hobby. We certainly did!
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