The best MTB trails around Wakerley Great Wood
4.7
(34)
199
riders
33
rides
Wakerley Great Wood mountain bike trails offer a varied landscape within an ancient woodland setting, part of the historic Rockingham Forest. The area features a network of trails catering to different skill levels, with sections of berms, climbs, and descents. The terrain includes winding woodland paths and areas of packed gravel, suitable for exploring the natural environment.
Best mountain bike trails around Wakerley Great Wood
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Bike Hire and Café – Wakerley Great Wood Trails loop from Wakerley, a 13.9 miles (22.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 37 minutes to complete. This route explores the core of Wakerley Great Wood, offering a mix of woodland riding.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Fineshade Woods – Cycle Centre and Grounds Cafe loop from Top Lodge Caravan Club, an easy 9.1 miles (14.6 km) path. This route extends to the nearby Fineshade Wood, known for its family-friendly trails and amenities.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Cycle Centre and Grounds Cafe – Bike Hire and Café loop from Top Lodge, a 3.4 miles (5.5 km) trail leading through woodland areas, often completed in about 25 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Wakerley Great Wood is defined by ancient oak, beech, and hornbeam woodlands, diverse trail networks, and historical features like medieval boundary banks. The network offers options for both beginners and more experienced riders.
- The routes in Wakerley Great Wood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 200 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Wakerley Great Wood's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4.7
(3)
10
riders
22.4km
01:37
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(11)
86
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
7
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(9)
9
riders
18.8km
01:25
170m
170m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
St Luke's Church is a church in Tixover, Rutland. It is a Grade II* listed building. The church is close to the River Welland, now about 3/4 mile from the village of Tixover. The church consists of a nave, north and south aisles, chancel and tower. The tower dates from the early 12th century and has a bell inscribed Sancta Fides Ora Pro Nobis, which translates as "Holy Faith, pray for us" The nave and chancel are 13th century and the nave is unusually shorter than the chancel. It has slit windows of an unknown date, thought to be either 13th century or perhaps the Tudor period. The 13th-century north doorway is blocked and has a pointed arch. The north aisle roof is higher than the south aisle because the clerestory on the south side has three Victorian quatrefoil openings. The south porch dates to the 13th century. The pews have poppy head ends, the font dates to the 13th century and the pulpit, which is of Caen stone, dates to 1864. The original stone seats run along the chancel wall. At the southern end is the Dale monument, erected by Margaret Dale, the third wife of Roger Dale (died 1623), to commemorate her husband after he died.[7] It shows Margaret and Roger kneeling each end of a prayer desk with their kneeling daughters at the base. All their hands are missing and one head of the daughters is missing
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There's much for outdoor lovers to enjoy in Fineshade Wood, with walking trails, family bike trails, running routes and kids' adventure trails. There's a visitor centre where you can find out more about the woodland. It's part of what was once Rockingham Forest, a vast royal hunting ground.
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A historic ancient woodland, Wakerley Great Wood boasts an extensive network of unmarked trails to explore, picnic areas and information boards. Dogs are permitted on the trails but it is important to follow the principles of the countryside code. The Jurassic Way long-distance trail passes through the woodland.
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Great place a family to hire bikes to ride around the numerous cycle paths through the forest
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Lovely courtyard to eat some delicious ice cream.
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If you need to hire bikes the prices seem reasonable and there's a nice cafe
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difficulty level of mountain bike trails in Wakerley Great Wood?
Wakerley Great Wood offers a diverse network of mountain bike trails catering to various skill levels. You'll find options suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders. The area includes trails with bermed sections, short climbs, descents, and flowing sections. For example, the Bike Hire and Café – Wakerley Great Wood Trails loop from Wakerley is rated as easy, as are many of the 18 easy routes available.
Are there family-friendly mountain bike routes in Wakerley Great Wood?
Yes, Wakerley Great Wood and the surrounding area offer family-friendly options. The nearby Fineshade Wood, about 1.5 miles away, has a green family-friendly trail with blue sections. An example route that extends to Fineshade Wood is the easy Fineshade Woods – Cycle Centre and Grounds Cafe loop from Top Lodge Caravan Club, which is 9.1 miles long.
Can I bring my dog mountain biking in Wakerley Great Wood?
Wakerley Great Wood is an ancient woodland with diverse wildlife. While dogs are generally welcome in public woodlands, it's always recommended to keep them under control, especially given the presence of deer, foxes, badgers, and various birds. Check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs on trails.
Is there parking available for mountain bikers at Wakerley Great Wood?
Yes, free parking is available at Wakerley Great Wood, which is a significant advantage for cyclists planning to explore the trails.
When is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Wakerley Great Wood?
Wakerley Great Wood is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and seasonal wildflowers, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. The trails are generally accessible, but conditions can vary with weather, so checking local forecasts is always a good idea. The woodland's ancient trees provide good cover in various conditions.
Are there cafes or pubs near Wakerley Great Wood for refreshments?
Yes, there are facilities available. The Bike Hire and Café – Wakerley Great Wood Trails loop from Wakerley and the Cycle Centre and Grounds Cafe – Bike Hire and Café loop from Top Lodge both indicate the presence of a cafe and bike hire services within or very close to the wood, providing convenient options for refreshments.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see while mountain biking in Wakerley Great Wood?
Wakerley Great Wood is an impressive ancient woodland, part of the historic Rockingham Forest. You'll ride through landscapes characterized by ancient oak, beech, and hornbeam trees, some centuries old. The wood is rich in biodiversity, offering glimpses of deer, foxes, badgers, and various bird species. Seasonal wildflowers and fungi also add to its natural beauty.
Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest along the trails?
Beyond its natural allure, Wakerley Great Wood offers historical attractions. The wood contains medieval boundary banks and ditches, remnants of its past as a royal hunting forest. Archaeologists have also uncovered the remains of a Tudor hunting lodge. Information panels are planned to educate visitors on its history, blending nature with heritage exploration.
How many mountain bike trails are there in Wakerley Great Wood?
There are over 30 mountain bike trails available around Wakerley Great Wood, with 18 rated as easy and 15 as moderate, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and skill levels.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about mountain biking in Wakerley Great Wood?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 30 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain within the ancient woodland setting, the mix of woodland riding, and the options for both beginners and more experienced riders. The convenience of free parking is also frequently appreciated.
Are there circular mountain bike routes available in Wakerley Great Wood?
Yes, many of the routes in Wakerley Great Wood are designed as loops, allowing for circular rides. For instance, the Bike Hire and Café – Full Moon in Wakerley Wood loop from Wakerley is a 10.3-mile circular trail, and the Bike Hire and Café – Fineshade Woods loop from Collyweston is another circular option that extends to Fineshade Woods.
Can I rent a mountain bike near Wakerley Great Wood?
Yes, bike hire facilities are available. The route Bike Hire and Café – Wakerley Great Wood Trails loop from Wakerley specifically mentions bike hire, indicating that you can rent equipment directly in the area to explore the trails.
Most popular routes around Wakerley Great Wood
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