Tons of potential for fun.
I've been involved in some work here with the main ppl. Worked together on a project for well over a year making one of my absolute favorate tracks here, Pulling Teeth, uncovered some Pirate Treasure and helped tinker a little on other stuff.
Huge shout out to N°2 and N°1 Trail Builders for there continuous work and effort keeping things running, and to the other random who put in some jumps and quietly maintain stuff, you know who you are. 🫶
Tilgate used to be sanctioned C. 2011 it apparently stopped being "official, but from my conversations with locals I ride with its been ridden for decades. The trails are short but sweet, good verity, from tight single track in the trees, to Flow-Tech lines, natural trails and even some more serious steep stuff for advanced riders, Tilgate has a lot to offer do long as your happy getting it from 5 min of climbing and 2min descending. You can come here with your kids to learn some skils, or with your mates and session the trails for a few hours.
Loads of access points, but no parking unless you park by K2 area.
It would be amazing to get this place some recognition, official status for people who do good safe work on the trails and maybe even some financial support for signage at trail heads and a map wit grading.
Sadly one of the local forest volunteers turned out to be a trail sabotaging menace a few years back, but a real dialogue with the ranger would be very welcome.
What do you like?
Can always mix it up and everything is close on the hill, so you can travel from one end to the other in about 15 min max.
Locals are always chipper and welcoming, happy to show people around etc.
Good for family's, and more serious riders.
What could be improved?
The local authority in charge of maintenance of the fire roads have allowed them to fall into disrepair, dangerously deep rain ruts eroded which poses a risk for walkers, commuters, wildlife and horse riders. There is prevelent mud in the winter, stuff I've worked on mostly drains well and works with nature, but some stuff is un-rideable in the winter and/or gets damaged by traffic, and some fire road has been difficult or impossible to pass due to mud even until last month.
Financial input, for sanctioned planned work and Trails would reduce this issue.
Not enough people put the work in, but ride a lot in all conditions, so again, official Trail Association with some reasonable amnesty for past work, would allow the real ones and some well selected locals to really make it amazing again here.
Would you recommend?
yes
Date written:
03/07//2025 - 4 months agoWas this review helpful to you?
Check out the full trail description: Tilgate Forest Mountain Biking Trails
