All in all a good maintained trail but with over priced parking, but i geuss this is how they found the development of the forest and trails.
Keep up the good work, i hope i will be enjoying the forest for many years to come
What do you like?
Such a good trail right on our door step, well maintained by a team of volunteers and has had money spent revamping trails by pro trail builders that have made some really fun interesting sections.
What could be improved?
I think the lack a jump park which was once there is a poor factor, alot of riders comment on this and wish the jump area was back in action with lots of jumps for all to try and learn new skills. Could do with some optional jumps and more drops along the trails would turn this place into a bike magnet.
If you want a great day out in the open air cycling, walking, picnicking go to Bedgebury, you won't be disappointed. And if you want to get more involved and give something back join the club (BFCC) you get great benefits and the proportion of money for the car parking from your subscription goes back into trail maintenance!
What do you like?
I love Bedgebury and every time I ride there which is usually once and sometimes twice a week it's different every time. The single track is well maintained and varied and every year another trail is being developed by the Boars and this is done voluntarily too. A lot of thought and dedication has clearly been put into this and it's always a pleasure to ride there. The Boars are amazing as they put on a race series, a Junior club with two levels, adult coaching, numerous events like a weekend of trail building with free camping and numerous outrides throughout the year.
What could be improved?
Not many bad points really. People moan about the grading of the trails and that's there's not many black/advanced trails, but if you look at the geography of the area it's clear that you can't make extreme gradients where it's not possible, if you want mountains go to Wales or Scotland. It used to get very muddy in the Winter but not so now as most of the trails are now all weather and a very small proportion gets really bad now.
I've ridden at Bedgbury for the past 3 years, through summer and winter. It can get very boggy in the winter which don't bother me at all. Mountain biking is an all weather pursuit, it's challenging in the wet thick mud, as the spring/summer creeps in the trails firm up and flow beautifully, with a mix of up and down. I've ridden all over and Bedgbury is still my favourite, I'm not a member of the Boars and don't know any of them but I follow them on facebook. The commitment and effort put into looking after the trails and the trail builds is absolutely brilliant, they obviously have great passion for MTB and the forest. The parking gets moaned about a lot by first time visitors, I think it is still £9.50 for non members, I find this price very reasonable. At the end of the day your getting full use of the whole forest and superbly maintained trails which are great fun for all. If you look at it this way, go up town to the cinema, buy some unhealthy food, watch a film you have never seen before your looking at £30+ per head.... £9.50 between you and a friend you get safe parking and a fantastic facility which you can use and stay on as long as you please
What do you like?
Stunning forest
Great trails
Friendly
Safe parking
Great shop and cafe
Facilities are brilliant
What could be improved?
Sometimes you get walkers and dogs on the trails, I've come across a screaming toddler being chased towards me up the trail which thankfully I heard and was able to stop. The bike wash is a bit pricey to give my bike a thorough clean I need two tokens. Again I think you get free use if you are a member of the boars.
For intermediate or advanced riders, this has to be one of the most boring trail centres in the UK - which is a shame as it is on my doorstep and means I drive to Surrey Hills or Friston to ride most weekends.
Bedgebury barely deserves a blue grading; certainly not a red so don't go there if you are an experienced rider looking for a fun ride. The opportunity to create something good has been wasted and the lack of features which are common in other trail centres demonstrate a real lack of riding experience by those responsible for managing the site. The FC need to get some professional help here with trail design and build.
What do you like?
Good for novice riders.
What could be improved?
Don't go there for the jumps in the Bike Park as this was pulled down in Spring 2016 by the Forestry Commission who were seemingly unaware of its popularity. Don't expect to get any air on the trail either - there is not a single gap jump or tabletop on the entire single track. Another reviewer has commented that she does get air but I can only assume this is on a set of rollers - but they really are rollers, not jumps.
There is an online petition asking the FC to bring back the bike park and to put jumps on the trail - just search 'Bedgebury Petition' online if you want to sign it.
Car park is £12 at weekends, £10 weekdays.
My "local" trail centre. Given the lack of hills, a lot of fantastic work has been done at Bedgebury of late.
What do you like?
The faster you ride it, the better it gets. Massive improvements to the trails over the past 2 years. Excellent place for beginners to hone their skills. Some of the sections, whilst short and relatively flat, have superb flow. Lots of all weather trails.
What could be improved?
Largely flat, descents & climbs are all short. A full loop is under 10 miles. Very expensive to use the official car parking (Though its easy to park for free on the A21 and ride in) Very busy when it's sunny or in school holidays, occasional loose dogs, runners and even idiots riding horses on the trails. Not all that natural.