Best Sherwood Forest Cycling Trails

Encompassing over 1,000 acres of wild and wonderful woodland, Sherwood Forest is a royal forest in Nottinghamshire – famed for its historic association with the legend of Robin Hood. With so much beauty and history to uncover, one of the best ways to explore Sherwood Forest is from the seat of your bicycle. Whether you’re looking for a gentle family ride through the forest or a challenging mountain path, there is a Sherwood Forest cycling trail for everyone. With our Sherwood Pines campsite nestled in the heart of the forest, all of these trails are accessible from the campsite.

Family Cycle Trail

Distance: 4.8 km (3 miles)

Combining quiet forest roads and off-road trails, the Family Cycle Trail is the perfect path for anyone exploring Sherwood Forest with children. This circular route starts and ends at the Visitor Centre and is suitable for cycling in any weather – although extra caution should be taken during rain. Looping around the forest, this 3 mile route takes in a variety of habitats and views that Sherwood Forest has to offer.

Taking approximately 1 hour to complete when approached at a leisurely pace, the Family Cycle Trail also passes a number of picnic benches that are dotted around the forest, providing the ideal resting spot to unpack your picnic. This trail is also suitable for off-road wheel chairs, prams and all terrain scooters.

Full route (green)

Adventure Trail

Distance: 9.6 km (6 miles)

Ideal for the intermediate rider, the Adventure Trail starts and finishes on the Family Cycle Trail but includes an extra 3 miles of off-road cycling to challenge more experienced cyclists. At just over 6 miles, this trail is double the length of the Family Cycle Trail and drives through the heart of Sherwood Forest before tracing the ancient trees that border the forest.

With a steep gradient, an uneven surface and small obstacles such as roots and rocks, the Adventure Trail is only suitable for mountain bikes. Expect to cycle on natural terrain, round fast-flowing corners and past the remote beauty of Sherwood Forest.

Full route (blue)

Kitchener’s Trail

Distance: 13 km (8 miles)

Named after Lord Kitchener, the famous British Army general of the First World War, the Kitchener Trail is a fast-paced, unsurfaced, single track that provides a significant physical and technical challenge for cyclists. Taking in 8 miles of broadleaf and pine woodland, heathland and clear-fell sites, the Kitchener Trail is not only fiercely challenging but exceedingly beautiful.

Requiring a high level of skill and fitness, this trail is only suitable for mountain bikes and experienced cyclists.  While the forest may lack severe elevation, this trail more than makes up for it with a flowing path, berms, rollers and a mix of obstacles.

Full route (red)

The Bike Park

Distance: 0.8 km (0.5 miles)

Comprising of two distinct zones, the Dirt Jump Zone and the Downhill Zone, the Bike Park is only suitable for riders aspiring to achieve an elite level of technical ability. Taking inspiration from other famous bike parks such as Canada’s Whistler, this trail incorporates downhill riding and “big air” jumps.

The Dirt Jump Zone is home to a linear pump track and a series of graded dirt jumps. The jumps vary from beginner to advanced and are marked with “Freeride” signs to represent the level of difficulty. The Downhill Zone begins at the wooden tower; with four paths running down the hillside to the bottom of the valley. This trail includes a series of rock drops and jumps and finishes at the Blue Adventure Trail Climb.

Sherwood Forest Bike Hire

You can either strap your bikes to the roof of your car, or hire some bikes once you've arrived in Sherwood Forest. We recommend you hire your bikes from Sherwood Pines Cycles, the forest's largest supplier of bikes. Stocking a wide variety of bike brands, Sherwood Pines Cycles also have qualified mechanics if you have any issues with your bike.

Feeling inspired to camp beneath the stars in the wilderness of Sherwood Forest? Take a look at everything our wonderful Sherwood Pines campsite has to offer. If you’re looking for more activities to try during your stay, take a look at some of our other favourite things to do in Sherwood Forest.