Description
Wild Park is Brighton and Hove's largest local nature reserve, on Lewes Road northeast of the city centre. Alongside woodland walks and a "ski slope" hill up to Hollingbury Fort, it has an informal network of cross country, downhill and freeride mountain bike trails built and maintained by local riders. It sits right next to Stanmer Park, worth checking out on the same trip.
Riders should know the trails here are not officially sanctioned by Brighton and Hove City Council. The council has put up signs warning of possible action against trespass and unauthorised trail building. iBikeRide is not recommending riders seek these lines out while that status stands: the park's public paths remain fine for cycling, but check current access before planning a visit built around the downhill trails.
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Wild Park
Wild Park is Brighton and Hove's largest local nature reserve, on Lewes Road northeast of the city centre. Alongside woodland walks and a "ski slope" hill up to Hollingbury Fort, it has an informal network of cross country, downhill and freeride mountain bike trails built and maintained by local riders. It sits right next to Stanmer Park, worth checking out on the same trip.
Riders should know the trails here are not officially sanctioned by Brighton and Hove City Council. The council has put up signs warning of possible action against trespass and unauthorised trail building. iBikeRide is not recommending riders seek these lines out while that status stands: the park's public paths remain fine for cycling, but check current access before planning a visit built around the downhill trails.
The Trails
- Four or five short downhill runs with berms, drops and jumps, some of them steep. Most are graded black, with one blue line for less experienced riders.
- Cross country and freeride lines through the woodland, mostly under 5km, connecting into longer loops around the reserve.
- Trails ride well in wet weather thanks to the woodland cover and drainage.
Local Organisation
Local riders have proposed the Wild Park Trail Collective, a volunteer group aiming to formalise trail management and maintenance with the council. For the latest on trail status and access, follow the Brighton MTB Facebook group.
Getting Here
The main access point is on Lewes Road, Coldean, opposite the park. There is no dedicated mountain bike car park, but on-street parking is available nearby and a small car park serves the wider park and playing fields.
Stanmer Park, next door, has a larger pay and display car park if Wild Park's roadside parking is full.
Buses 23, 24 and 25 run along Lewes Road past the park entrance every few minutes during the day, making it an easy trip without a car.
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