4.4
(10)
47
riders
9
rides
Mountain biking around Little Burstead offers routes through gently rolling countryside, rural pathways, and a network of bridleways and green lanes. The area is characterized by common land, farmland, and winding country lanes, providing off-road cycling opportunities. While dedicated technical trails are not a primary feature, the landscape offers varied terrain for exploration. Public rights of way, such as bridleways, allow for cycling through pasture land and areas rich in hedgerow wildlife.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
3.8
(5)
18
riders
28.5km
01:37
220m
220m
This moderate 17.7-mile mountain biking loop near Brentwood takes you through Weald Country Park and Pole's Wood.
13
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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1
riders
58.9km
03:28
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
38.5km
02:47
280m
280m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
3
riders
31.6km
01:55
250m
250m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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I went down this trail yesterday 5 July 2025, coming from Kelvenden Hatch on a gravel bike. The trail through the forest was fine but as I neared the bottom of the hill my GPS indicated I was off route. As others have suggested the newish fence looks like it has been put in place to push you into a bog, which was dried up for me but only just after 4 months with little rain. It was also full of razor grass. It wasn't obvious which way to go, but I wasn't giving in and after some floundering around I managed to get through. Like the others ignoring the signs and lugging my bike across some quite deep ditches, which may be impassable in wet weather.
0
0
Heading out of Braintree you hit the main road after this point. Careful of the traffic!
0
0
Open 7 days a week from 7am to 3pm. Always a warm chatty welcome. Bike racks. Toilet. Excellent coffee and good selection of cakes as well as breakfasts and lunches. Highly recommend for a stop and refuel.
0
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Blackmore village is a place to visit they have a great Tea room Homemade cakes made on the premises just across the road there is a little church rumour have it Henry the eighth went there
1
0
Nice garden to the side. Bike racks are a bit tucked away but there are plenty of places to prop your bike.
0
0
Very short section over river at Dunmow end
0
0
There are 12 mountain bike trails around Little Burstead listed on komoot. These routes offer a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options, catering to various skill levels.
The terrain around Little Burstead is characterized by gently rolling countryside, rural pathways, and a network of bridleways and green lanes. You'll encounter common land, farmland, and winding country lanes, providing off-road cycling opportunities through varied landscapes rich in hedgerow wildlife.
Yes, Little Burstead offers 5 easy mountain bike trails, perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. These routes allow you to enjoy the rural charm and countryside views without overly technical sections.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 2 difficult mountain bike routes available. One such extensive route is the Dunnow Cutting Forest Trail – Flitch Way road crossing loop from Shenfield, which covers over 110 km through varied terrain.
The mountain bike routes in Little Burstead are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.6 stars from 6 reviews. Over 40 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the rural charm and varied terrain.
Yes, many of the routes around Little Burstead are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the popular Brentwood to Pole's Wood loop is a moderate 28.5 km circular trail through the Essex countryside.
While cycling, you can explore areas like Laindon Common with its ancient grassland and woodland. You might also pass by numerous ponds and ancient hedgerows, some estimated to be 600 years old. For specific points of interest, consider routes that pass near Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway or Old Hall Pond.
Yes, some routes incorporate stops at local amenities. For instance, the The Bakehouse Cafe – Blackmore Tea Rooms loop from Brentwood is a moderate route that includes a stop at Blackmore Tea Rooms, offering a chance to refuel during your ride.
While specific mountain biking parking is not detailed, the area around Laindon Common is known to have car park facilities. Many routes start from nearby towns like Shenfield or Brentwood, which offer various parking options.
Little Burstead's rural pathways and bridleways can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. During wetter periods, some unpaved sections may become muddy, so checking local conditions is advisable.
Given Little Burstead's character as a tranquil rural setting, many of its bridleways and green lanes offer a less crowded experience compared to more dedicated mountain biking parks. Exploring routes like the Riverside Footpath – Pleshey Village Pond loop from Shenfield can provide a peaceful ride through rural landscapes.
Generally, permits are not required for cycling on public bridleways and green lanes in Little Burstead. These are public rights of way open to cyclists. However, always respect private land and adhere to local signage.


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