Leigh Woods Mountain Biking

Leigh Woods sits on the edge of the Avon Gorge, roughly three miles from Bristol city centre, managed by Forestry England and the National Trust across a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The trail network centres on Yer Tiz, a 2.2-mile blue-graded singletrack loop fully resurfaced in spring 2026, plus two red-graded optional sections and a purpose-built jump line. Accessible from Bristol via the National Cycle Network Route 41 along the River Avon towpath, or by bus to Abbots Leigh Road.

Trails

• Yer Tiz (Blue) 3.6 km / 2.2 miles. Fast and flowy singletrack featuring berms, rollers, drops and climbs. Fully resurfaced in 2026 under Forestry England's Access for All programme with contractor On Track. Average trail width 1,200mm, maximum gradient 10%, all features rollable at a controlled pace. Suitable for riders who have mastered the basics of off-road cycling, including those on non-standard or adapted mountain bikes.
• Gert Lush (Red) Short, technical, optional loop off the main trail. Tests cornering skills with tight, challenging lines. Refreshed as part of the 2026 Yer Tiz refurbishment works.
• Keener Loop (Red) Short optional red-graded skills loop, also tidied up during the 2026 refurb.
• Jump Line: A series of progressive, all-weather tabletops below the main car park, built by Pedal Progression. Three jumps of varying size, suitable for riders working on basic jump technique. Open to the public.

Skills and Coaching

• Purpose-built coaching area adjacent to the car park, suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Pedal Progression runs public skills sessions and jump coaching days at Leigh Woods and neighbouring Ashton Court. Based at Ashton Court Estate, BS8 3PX.

Facilities

• Pay and display car park (card or RingGo app, cash not accepted)
• Leigh Woods Coffee Co. on site every weekend and during school holidays
• No toilets on site
• No bike hire on site
• No bike shop on site

Bike hire, spares and coaching are available at Pedal Progression at neighbouring Ashton Court Estate (BS8 3PX), which also has toilets and a cafe.

Getting There

• Forestry England Car Park, Leigh Woods, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3QB. Pay and display. Payment by card or the RingGo app (cash not accepted).
• The car park is open year-round, 7 am to 9 pm.
• By bike: accessible car-free from Bristol city centre via National Cycle Network Route 41 along the River Avon towpath.
• By bus: X3, X3a, and X4 services stop on Abbots Leigh Road at the woodland entrance. From Bristol Temple Meads, take the X4 from the Centre or Anchor Road, alighting at North Road.
• By car: from the M5, take junction 19, follow the A369 towards Bristol. The site is signposted on the left after Abbots Leigh.

Land Management

• Trails are on land managed by Forestry England (northern section) and the National Trust (southern section). Most of the woodland is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
• Helmets must be worn on the marked trails. Ride cautiously and give way to other woodland users where the trail crosses walking paths.
• E-bikes with pedal-assist are welcome on Forestry England trails including Yer Tiz.

Links

• Forestry England: Cycling at Leigh Woods
• Ride Bristol
• Forestry England Leigh Woods (Facebook)
• Bristol Trails Group (Facebook)
• Pedal Progression

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