Old Bob's trail

New to mountain biking and want to know what riding off-road is like? This is the trail for you! Suitable for a wide range of cycles with 2, 3 or 4 wheels, adaptive cycles and tag-a-longs.

Old Bob’s starts with a gentle, twisting climb up to the first of 3 skills areas found along the route. Each area is designed to help you learn the skills you will need for off-road riding, with berms, rollers, bridges, boardwalks and rock gardens. The trail is designed so you can either session these areas over and over again, or you can skip them completely and just ride the main trail - whatever suits you.

Between these, the route continues to sweep you through the forest on a fun, flowing track. If you need a break there are rest stops, giving you a chance to take in your surroundings and possibly spot some of the local wildlife. 

As the trail turns downhill and you start to pick up speed, the corners will carry you down - be sure to use your brakes! 

There is another rest stop at the end of the loop and then it’s up to you to decide if its time for another lap, or to head back to the café for a well-earned treat! 

Trail name

At the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, we are really proud of our industrial heritage. In its heyday, Cannop Colliery was one of the most successful coal mines in the Forest of Dean. 

Old Bob’s was a pumping engine for Cannop Colliery, located just over the road from the Cycle Centre. The site can be seen on maps dating right back to 1880.

Naming the trail after Old Bob's is one small thing we can do to make sure this piece of history is not forgotten.