Olympic mountain biker Oli Beckingsale and photograher Steve Behr visited Swinley Forest this Summer to write an MBUK article for their Trail of the Year competition. Jon Lucas and Paul Howard were invited along on behalf of Gorrick MBC to show them the trails and pose like "men at C&A"! Trail of the Year article [1.7MB pdf] Courtesy of MBUK Buy your Permit to ride Swinley Forest map A riders review of the forest

The forest is a rare mountain bikers paradise, situated only minutes from Bracknell Town centre and approximately 40 miles from Central London. Full of purpose built singletrack, much of it hand built and maintained by the club, you can ride for hours rarely covering the same tracks twice, but if you do it is the perfect opportunity to improve your bike handling skills and take the fastest line.

The Trails
Some of the best tracks within the dedicated mountain biking area of Surrey Hills are named; Twisted Sister, the Full Nine Yards, the Long Run, the Axle Run (due to an old Ford Transit axle lying at the start). Fortunately you won't find many of the red sock brigade walking the singletrack but please do bear in mind that the tracks are bi-directional so be prepared for oncoming riders.

The ground is predominately peaty earth with some sand, and hand made gravel berms. Although this drains well water can still collect, but fortunately the mud is not of the sticky claggy variety that stops your wheels turning. Often in the winter all your bike needs is a quick wash off rather than using a spade to remove the mud!

Getting There
Swinley Forest is off the B3430 between the A3095 and A322, just south of Bracknell. Follow the signs for 'The Look Out' and you're there. The nearest railway station is Bracknell.

View directions on Streetmap

The Wildlife Habitat
In many areas of Swinley Forest English Nature have recorded sightings of heathland birds such as the Nightjar, Woodlark and Dartford Warbler.

Riders are requested to avoid potential nesting sites during the breeding season from February through to September. Potential nesting sites are areas of recently felled plantation for up to 15 years. Natural open heathland supporting heather should also be avoided. Please respect the sensitivity of these areas by staying on established paths and keeping noise to a minimum.

Further information can be obtained from Sarah Brocklehurst at English Nature on 01653 268881.

Refreshments
The Look Out Visitor Centre has its own cafe serving all the cakes, drinks and hot meals you're likely to need.

The Permit Scheme
It is a condition of cycling within Swinley Forest that you must hold a cycle permit if over 16 years of age.