Thetford Forest Mountain Bike Trails

Darren Power:

I cant believe somebody gave a 1 star rating. Maybe they expected a rampage course!

Excellent work by the volunteers who've managed to scrape some thrills out of the flatlands of Norfolk.

Shane:

Matt :

Parking can be pricey. But great for family day out

Well maintained trails on high lodge side, fast rolling flatish trails with some nice features. If you know your way around you can find some hidden gems of single track that aren't marked. Bike art (shop) is well stocked and the cafe and kids play areas are great

wideboydave:

Most of the trail network around Thetford is not technically hard... a 5yr old can ride 90% of the trails... but the challenge comes when you can ride the trails fast and duck through the trees (it's possible to average over 15mph if you're pretty fit and that feels like 50mph in between trees!). If you are adventurous, there are hundreds of miles of unmarked trails too (Brandon Country Park, and Santon Downham, both accessible on trails from the main High lodge area... try and join a locals' ride (TIMBER MTB members regularly ride and know the good spots) The waymarked trails are slowly being upgraded in quality too with the help of TIMBER MTB working with the FC The Beater Trail is the best in my opinion. If you want to see unusual races... check out the 12 hr night endurance held annually in early October... I've done it 3 times... Difficult to find hard technical sections if you're not a local.. and even then it's not exactly a DH Bike Park, so don't expect it. Lack of gradient means people you like practising tail whips will be disappointed, don't go to Thetford if you have 8" travel and expect not to pedal... Car park may seem expensive, but other than the cafe, there is no other revenue for the site (ie the trails themselves are free)

-lots of fast, smooth, flowing single track -few long grinding climbs (maintain a good average speed) -relatively low technicality: broad ability spectrum encouraging more people to enjoy cycling -lots of unmarked trails for the adventurous -friendly local clubs willing to guide visitors and newbie locals -easy to get to (halfway between Cambridge and Norwich, will be even better when A11 is finished!)

andy:

Robin Cope:

It is a work in progress and I could see if they continue to develop this center further then it may well feature in the top five in MTB trails in the UK. They will probably need to look at more landscaping to build in some greater gradients or possibly North Shore decking to create more elevation. Some rock garden obstacles could also be beneficial but give this center a try as it is far better then you may think.

True single track with a number of difficult sections. The track is mainly sandy and as such can be ridden all year round. Takes you through some of the most beautiful pine forest you can find. The track features a number of man made "bomb holes" to test skills and there are a few which are very tricky to manage. Due to the terrain this is not a mountain bike trail to rival the best of Wales or other mountainous regions but if taken at speed this Trail will test even the very best riders. It also tests stamina as there are few places where you can ease off and coast downhill. The track is in development and each year I can see better trails and more features. A pump track has recently been added to the Thetford track. Fantastic cafe and well stocked bike shop are also a plus!!