The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre in Gloucestershire is getting a new all-weather asphalt pump track, with work due to start on 16 November 2026.

Forestry England has secured National Lottery funding through Sport England for the new track, which will replace the existing dirt one at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. On Track will build it. Forestry England calls the pump track one of the most popular parts of the centre, with over 17,000 runs counted on it in July.

It follows work this year on GBU and Launchpad, and Dean Trail Volunteers' plan to rebuild Ski Run.

What changes

The new track follows a new layout, and the start mound moves to make more room for waiting your turn and watching the rest of your group ride. Forestry England says the asphalt will ride in all weather conditions, with low rolling resistance and maximum traction, and is designed to work with all wheels. It also says asphalt is harder wearing, lower maintenance and longer lasting than a dirt track.

The same funding will improve the link from Beechenhurst to the Colliers Trail and the Cycle Centre. The top section, through the Beechenhurst car park, will be made wider and more accessible, with clearer signs.

During the work

Riders can enjoy the existing track until work starts. Forestry England expects the job to take four to five weeks, and says it may have to pause because of constraints on site.

The Cycle Centre stays open, but the pump track and the area around it will be fenced off, and the link trail behind the bike hire yard may be closed and diverted at certain stages. There may be other closures at times, so check the trail status page before you ride.

While the pump track is closed, Forestry England suggests the green-graded Beginner Skills Area, just over the bridge on the Colliers Trail, and the green-graded Old Bob's Trail.

What's next

Forestry England plans a launch event once the track is finished, and says more detail on the work will follow on Facebook and Instagram. Its pump track work page also answers questions about using asphalt in a forest, including injuries, heat and tree felling.

Photo: the pump track sign and the existing dirt track, courtesy of Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Forestry England.