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Aston Hill’s Comeback: Bike Park Chilterns Launches Fundraiser to Rebuild Flagship MTB Site

Following Forestry England’s announcement last week confirming the reopening of Aston Hill Bike Park, more details have now been released by the new site operator Bike Park Chilterns CIC.

The not-for-profit group has launched a fundraising campaign to support the phased rebuild of the legacy site, which closed in 2020 due to ash dieback. Their vision includes a professionally designed and managed bike park, starting with two trails due to open by October 2025, and expanding to ten new downhill and enduro trails over time.

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Bike Park Chilterns was awarded the operation contract after a competitive tender by Forestry England. Their broader mission is to create sustainable and inclusive mountain biking opportunities across the Chilterns, with Aston Hill set to become the flagship project.

Director Ian Warby, who first helped launch Aston Hill back in 1998, said:

"It’s been a long time coming but this is a fantastic opportunity to bring back an iconic mountain bike destination and return to a project I started in 1998. We’ve got some amazing plans in the pipeline and Aston Hill Bike Park will be the jewel in the crown of mountain biking in the Chilterns. We can’t wait."

About Bike Park Chilterns CIC

Bike Park Chilterns CIC is a Community Interest Company founded in 2019 with a mission to design, build, and manage high-quality mountain biking experiences that are accessible to riders of all ages and abilities. As a not-for-profit, their focus is on responsible trail development that balances progression with environmental stewardship and community benefit.

Their long-term goal is to establish a network of sustainable riding sites across the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — from grassroots trails to gravity hubs — embedding trail care, inclusive access, and regional tourism into the mountain biking landscape.

Support the Rebuild

Bike Park Chilterns has opened a dedicated supporter and donation site at www.astonhill.co.uk. Contributions start at just £10, and donations over £25 receive a limited edition launch supporter t-shirt, ready for collection at the park’s reopening.

The rebuild aims to combine progressive riding features with long-term environmental responsibility and community access. The group is working with Forestry England, local authorities, and riders to ensure Aston Hill returns not just as it was, but as a future-ready MTB destination.

Forestry England’s Simon Fowler added: "We are delighted to begin work with Bike Park Chilterns on this exciting new chapter for Aston Hill… We have every confidence that Bike Park Chilterns will not only restore Aston Hill’s reputation but transform it into a world-class facility."

To support the project or find out more, visit www.astonhill.co.uk.

For the full trail guide and updates, see the Aston Hill Bike Park listing on iBikeRide.

Photo’s courtesy of Neil Hawkins

Read: 49 times Published: 20/06/2025

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