Mountain biking in Wye Valley

The Forest of Dean is a great place for mountain bikers of all abilities. You can cycle from the hostel to reach the main centre in the forest (please ask for a map at reception) or alternatively, it is just a 15 minute drive from YHA Wye Valley.
 
 Family Cycle Trail
 
 The family cycle trail is a clearly marked gravel track which provides a perfect day out for all the family. Skills areas along the side of the trail provides extra fun for the more adventurous.
 
 Sallow Valet Cycle Centre
 
 In the heart of the forest are two man-made cross country trails for beginners and intermediate riders and a series of downhill runs for the expert mountain biker.
 
 The Verderers Trail – 11km (Grade Blue - Beginner/Intermediate)
 
 Widely acclaimed as the best new trail in Britain, the Verderers incorporates fast, flowing flat out corners, big berms and rollovers. With some tricky challenges, the trail gently winds uphill before a swooping, flat top section and a brilliant descent on the Dragon's Tail that will have you smiling all the way down.
 
 The Freeminer Trail – 7km (Grade Red – Intermediate/Advanced)
 
 The Freeminer Trail is graded red and now has 2.5km of brand new extension. With two new killer climbs plus a steep twisty bermed section, rock garden and a jumps line, the Freeminers' now has something for every advanced rider.
  
 Designed, built and maintained by volunteers in partnership with the Forestry Commission, this challenging and varied single track (now 7km) can offer something to even the most demanding of riders - from tricky switchback climbs to rooty drops and hairpin bends, it is for experienced riders and off-road quality mountain bikes only.
 
 Downhill runs – Various (Grade Black – Advanced)
 
 There are 11 different downhill runs of varying length. Below is a small selection to whet your appetite. A full list is available at the hostel.
 
 Ski Run – The original downhill trail at the Forest of Dean and rideable in all weathers, the Ski Run drops in through big rocky and rooted sections with fade drops into a fast set of turns, a hip jump, the popular tabletop, berms and road gap.
 
 The GBU - The Forest of Dean's latest line and first three spot trail. Be prepared for big step downs and a final jumps line that will have you shouting all the way down - carry as much speed as possible for the final gap jump.
 
 Uplift Service
 
 At Sallow valet’s there is an uplift service provided by Flyup Downhill. For a daily or per run price you can skip the uphill slog to the fun downhill routes by taking the minibus and then enjoying the ride. The service can be booked online here."