Thetford Forest Mountain Bike Trails

Cycling and mountain biking trails at High Lodge

Thetford Forest MTB Trail centre is situated in England's largest lowland forest and is home to hundreds of miles of fast flowing singletrack trails & routes.

With 4 routes on show from the green rated family orrientated Shepherd trail to the blue Poacher trail and then onto the more challenging red graded Beater trail and Lime Burner trail there is something on show for everyone from beginner to enthusiast and even race events held by the "Thetford MTB Racing" group.

Pedal and Play

Grade: Green/Blue - 2 km

Introducing Pedal and Play, an exhilarating new addition to High Lodge for 2025. Tailored for children aged 3 to 11, this program aims to foster and enhance young cyclists' skills through a series of variable challenge and ability levels, designed for families to cycle and enjoy together.

Pedal and Play comprises two distinct components: Pedal and Play. The Pedal component features a series of four progressively more intensive cycle loops, ranging from simple beginner 'green' graded sections to 'blue' graded technical sections. Meticulously crafted to increase skills and confidence, these loops provide an excellent opportunity for active engagement and serve as a stepping stone towards our more advanced bike trails.

Shepherd trail

Grade: Green - 5 miles (8 km)

Start your cycling adventure at High Lodge on this trail that is accessible for anyone riding virtually any type of bicycle. The trail is relatively flat, wide and uses a mixture of gravel forest roads, tracks and trails. It is suitable for most bikes including tag-a-longs, trailers and bikes with child seats. The trail is 5 miles (8 km) long but there is a shortcut option of 3.5 miles (5.5 km).

Beater trail

Grade: Blue - 6 miles (10 km)

This trail in our entry level single track route, leading you winding between the trees with small obstacles of roots and rocks. If you are an aspiring off-road cyclist, have a moderate skill level, and would like to be challenged, this is the trail for you.

Lime Burner trail

Grade: Red - 10 miles (16 km)

This single-track trail is for the experienced mountain biker on the right bike. The route provides a chance to hone your cycling skills with crests, dips, bomb holes and great single-track.Along this sweeping single-track you will find drop-off's and fantastic rock features. You will need high levels of skill, endurance and off-road knowledge.

Pump track

Grade: Blue

This off-road mountain bike skills learning area is a closed loop of rolling features and tightly bermed corners. As you gradually build your skills, speed and confidence you will be able to ride the loop without pedalling, gaining speed and momentum by 'pumping' the bumps and corners.

Mountain bike pits and features

Grade: Black

These severe, challenging and extremely difficult features are found scattered throughout High Lodge. You will need to be highly skilled, have a high level of fitness and have a quality off-road mountain bike that is set up for the purpose. Expect large and unavoidable features and make sure you take a look before you ride.