Description
Wyre Forest
Wyre Forest is one of Britain's largest ancient woodlands, straddling the Worcestershire and Shropshire border near Bewdley and Kidderminster. Forestry England waymarks a single blue-graded trail here, a 7.7km loop of forest road and natural track through ancient oak woodland and along a disused railway line, well suited to cross country riders and gravel bikes alike. The Discovery Centre at the trailhead adds bike hire, a cafe, Go Ape and a play trail, so there is plenty to do beyond the riding.
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The Trails
- Blue Trail (7.7km). Forestry England's own waymarked family cycle trail, graded blue and suited to intermediate riders or anyone with basic off-road skills. It descends from the Visitor Centre through ancient oak woodland, picks up the old railway line, then climbs back up to the start. The surface is forest road and natural track, so expect mud after rain.
- The hardpack, forest-road surface also makes this a good outing on a gravel bike, not just an MTB.
- The trail is shared with walkers and horse riders, so ride with courtesy on blind corners and pinch points.
Ribbesford Bike Park (Closed)
Ribbesford Bike Park, a small downhill park that once sat on the edge of Wyre Forest near Bewdley, closed permanently in 2022 when landowner Forestry England withdrew consent over parking and overcrowding, and the site's status as Plantation on Ancient Woodland. Its three trails are no longer rideable. See the Ribbesford Bike Park (Closed) listing for the full story. The Wyre Forest blue trail above is unaffected and remains open.
Beyond the Trails
Wyre Forest's Discovery Centre at Callow Hill is a full day out, not just a trailhead. Bewdley Outdoors hires adult, junior and electric bikes on site, and there's a cafe, picnic areas and a dog wash. Families can add a Go Ape treetop adventure course, a Gruffalo-themed trail and orienteering packs, a play area, and geocaching around the forest. See the Wyre Forest website for opening times and current activities.
Facilities
Wyre Forest Visitor Centre has a car park, toilets, a cafe, and on-site bike hire from Bewdley Outdoors. There's a small car parking charge (Wyre Forest members park free); check current prices before you travel.
Getting Here
- Wyre Forest Visitor Centre, Callow Hill, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY14 9XQ, on the A456 about 3 miles west of Bewdley.
- Nearest train station is Kidderminster. Bus routes 192/292 run between Birmingham and Ludlow and stop nearby.
- National Cycle Network Route 45 (the Mercian Way) passes through the forest, linking on towards the Severn Valley and Bridgnorth.
Share
- If you have ridden the trails at Wyre Forest, please share your reviews, photos, and videos to this listing.