Whippendell Wood, located to the west of Watford town centre and adjoining Cassiobury Park, is set to welcome a new purpose-built mountain bike trail — the first council-led semi-urban facility of its kind in the UK. The project is being delivered in partnership with BikePark Chilterns CIC, the same team behind the plans to revitalise Aston Hill Bike Park.

We previously reported that BikePark Chilterns had been working on a proposal to create sanctioned trails in Whippendell Wood, replacing a network of unsanctioned tracks that were removed to protect the woodland’s designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The new trail area will provide a managed, sustainable alternative that supports local riders while safeguarding the natural environment.

The trails are part of a wider aim to deliver “doorstep to trail” access — giving people the ability to ride from home to the trails by bike, without relying on car travel. Whippendell Wood can be easily accessed by bike from both Watford and Croxley Green, and by car via junction 19 of the M25 and the A411 Hempstead Road. Parking is available at the Grove Mill Lane car park.

Thanks to funding from the Watford Neighbourhood Grant Scheme and land returned by West Herts Golf Club, construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with the trail set to open in autumn 2025.

Once complete, the site will include:

• A blue trail
• A red trail
• Skills and coaching zones
• Group sessions and events

The trails will feature flowing berms, progressive jumps, and technical lines, catering to everyone from beginners to experienced riders. Through a Community Use Agreement, BikePark Chilterns will offer free group coaching and paid private tuition, supporting rider development and accessibility.

John Holbrook, Director at BikePark Chilterns CIC, said:
“It’s great that we can assist with one of the UK’s first council-led semi-urban mountain bike trail areas. This project highlights what can be achieved through collaboration and presents a great opportunity for Watford to take a leading role in outdoor recreation. Many residents will be able to cycle to the trail, and it will significantly benefit health, wellbeing, and the local outdoor community, while offering inclusive access through funded group coaching and private tuition.”

Subsidised bike hire and coaching sessions will be available to local residents, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as part of a wider commitment to reducing barriers to participation and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.

Watford’s Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, added: “The work with Bike Park Chilterns to relocate the mountain biking tracks from the old site of protected woodland to the new area will help us to keep the woods healthy for many more years, as well as providing some great new biking facilities.”

We’ll be keeping a close eye on progress as construction moves forward. One to watch — and good luck to the team at BikePark Chilterns.

Update – August 2025

BikePark Chilterns has confirmed that construction work on the new trail area in Whippendell Wood is now underway. The build is expected to take around five weeks. Once complete, the trails will need time to settle and compact, after which a formal opening date will be agreed in consultation with Watford Borough Council.

Read: 199 times Published: 12/07/2025