Cycling is a ideal way to get out and about and explore your local area and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside - it’s good for your health, quiet, environmentally-friendly and you can go at your own pace.
Both on or off-road, Bracknell Forest caters well for cycling, with quiet country lanes and public rights of way to the north of the borough and the large area of Swinley Forest to the south.
A free Leisure Cycling and Mountain Biking leaflet with information and routes is available by calling 01344 354400 or via the leaflets order page.
- Public Rights of Way
- Northern Parishes Leisure Cycle Route
- Swinley Forest
- Swinley Forest Permits
- Clubs
- Races
- Safety Requirements for Mountain Bikers
- Useful Contacts
- Bike Shops
The following types of public right of way are open to cyclists:
- Bridleways: open to cyclists, but you must give way to walkers and horse riders. They are signposted where they meet roads and waymarked along the route with blue arrows.
- Byways Open To All Traffic (BOATs) & Restricted Byways: as well as walkers and horse riders you may occasionally meet vehicles which also have right of access. They are signposted where they meet roads and byways are waymarked with red arrows.
Please note that cycling is not permitted on public footpaths or pavements.
Northern Parishes Leisure Cycle Route
This 12 mile route, approximately half on and half off-road, explores the lanes, bridleways and byways of northern Bracknell Forest and is detailed on the free leaflet available.
The paths used are suitable for all riders, although a well-maintained bicycle is needed and cyclists should be aware that these off-road paths may become wet or muddy in winter months. There are plenty of opportunities to modify the route to suit your own needs, with the country lanes allowing cyclists to shorten or extend the route as they wish.
Swinley Forest is an area of the Windsor Estate between Bracknell and Bagshot to the west of the A322. Owned and managed by The Crown Estate, it comprises 2600 acres of mainly Scots Pine woodland.
This large area of private land is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of a Special Protection Area, protected for the rare bird species that live there.
Cycling in Swinley Forest is permitted on hard tracks and within a specific expert mountain bike area. For those over 16 years of age, cycling in Swinley Forest is by permit only, at a cost of £2 per day or £18 per year. These permits help pay for Public Liability insurance cover, forest and trail upkeep and scheme administration.
Day permits and forest maps are available from The Look Out and annual permits are available from Gorrick MBC. Bike hire is available from Wellington Trek at the Look Out.
Berks on Bikes MBC is the local mountain bike club for the Bracknell Forest area with many members and rides based in Swinley Forest and the local area as well as further afield. The club offers four local rides a week and regular away rides. It welcomes riders with reasonable fitness and off-road ability and also arranges introductory and occasional family rides. It also works with Gorrick MBC to define and maintain bike trails in Swinley Forest.
| Gorrick MBC 100 Harvard Road Owlsmoor Sandhurst GU47 0UR www.gorrick.com info@gorrick.com | Berks on Bikes MBC Roger Wayte 30 Merton Close Owlsmoor Sandhurst GU47 0TU www.bobmbc.com |
Gorrick MBC maintain trails in Swinley Forest and organise local mountain bike races and navigation events. All ages and abilities are catered for, from fun races through to expert categories.
Safety Requirements for Mountain Bikers
- Always wear a safety helmet when riding off-road.
- You are required by law to display lights after dark.
- Reflective materials on your clothes or bike can save your life.
- Ensure your bike is well maintained and safe to ride.
- Take care when passing others, especially pedestrians and horses.
- Particular care should be taken on wet surfaces or when riding downhill.
- Prevent erosion - skids show poor skills.
| Bracknell Forest Borough Council Environment, Culture & Communities Time Square Market Street Bracknell Berkshire RG12 1JD Parks & Countryside Helpline - 01344 354441 | The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride Bracknell Berkshire RG12 7QW 01344 354400 |
| Wellington Trek Cycle hire at The Look Out - 01344 772797 | The Crown Estate office The Great Park Windsor Berkshire SL4 2HT 01753 860222 |
212 Duke’s Ride
Crowthorne
Berkshire
RG45 6DS
01344 773015
Mountain Trax
Unit 1, Barkham Grange
Barkham Street
Barkham
Wokingham
Berkshire RG40 4PJ
0118 9761130
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