4.2
(22)
87
riders
26
rides
Mountain biking around Ingatestone And Fryerning offers varied terrain across the rolling hills of Essex. The region features a mix of woodlands, open green spaces, and access to natural areas like Hanningfield Reservoir. These landscapes provide both challenging ascents and enjoyable descents for mountain bikers. The area serves as a convenient base for exploring numerous mountain bike trails in the surrounding Essex countryside.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
3.8
(4)
17
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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3.0
(1)
3
riders
33.2km
01:49
220m
220m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
58.9km
03:28
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. 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
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Heading out of Braintree you hit the main road after this point. Careful of the traffic!
0
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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.
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Hanningfield Reservoir is celebrated for its significant wildfowl populations and serves as a sanctuary for nature and wildlife. It’s an ideal destination for a day out, offering a range of attractions including the Café on the Water, a gift shop, a play park, fishing opportunities with an on-site tackle shop, picnic areas, and scenic woodland walks. Visitors can also explore the Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre and nearby nature reserve. With convenient road access and free parking, Hanningfield provides something for everyone to enjoy.
1
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You can enjoy lovely views of Hanningfield Reservoir from this road on the south side. The reservoir is framed by beautiful woodlands and meadows, making it a favourite spot for walkers in the Essex area.
1
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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
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There are over 25 mountain bike trails available around Ingatestone And Fryerning, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and difficult routes to explore.
The region is characterized by the 'rolling hills of Essex,' offering varied terrain with both challenging ascents and enjoyable descents. You'll encounter a mix of woodlands, open green spaces, and routes near natural areas like Hanningfield Reservoir. The trails range from easy to difficult, with 15 easy, 10 moderate, and 2 difficult routes available.
Yes, there are several easy trails perfect for beginners. A good option is the Scenic Country Road in Essex – Blackmore Tea Rooms loop from Writtle, which is 20.6 miles (33.2 km) long and offers a scenic ride through the countryside. Another easy route is the View of Hanningfield Reservoir – Hanningfield Reservoir loop from Great Baddow, covering 15.2 miles (24.5 km) with lovely views.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, consider the Dunnow Cutting Forest Trail – Flitch Way road crossing loop from Shenfield. This difficult route spans 68.8 miles (110.8 km) with a significant elevation gain of almost 700 meters, traversing varied forest terrain. Another difficult option is the Riverside Footpath – Pleshey Village Pond loop from Shenfield, which is 51.9 miles (83.6 km) long with over 500 meters of elevation gain.
Many trails offer views of natural features. You can ride near Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway, which is a notable viewpoint. Other highlights in the wider area include Old Hall Pond and Writtle Village Green and Duck Pond. The region also features areas like Mill Green Common, part of the ancient Writtle Forest, and Weald Country Park, which the Brentwood to Pole's Wood loop traverses.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Ingatestone And Fryerning are circular loops. For example, the popular Brentwood to Pole's Wood loop is a 17.7-mile (28.5 km) circular route. The Scenic Country Road in Essex – Blackmore Tea Rooms loop from Writtle and the View of Hanningfield Reservoir – Hanningfield Reservoir loop from Great Baddow are also circular, offering convenient starting and ending points.
The 'rolling hills of Essex' provide varied terrain that can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. While specific conditions can vary, be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on some trails, especially after heavy rainfall, as is common in the UK countryside.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain, the mix of woodlands and open spaces, and the accessibility to natural areas like Hanningfield Reservoir. The routes offer options for different ability levels, making it enjoyable for many.
Yes, the region offers opportunities to combine cycling with local amenities. The Scenic Country Road in Essex – Blackmore Tea Rooms loop from Writtle specifically mentions the Blackmore Tea Rooms as a popular stop for cyclists, suggesting that other local establishments are likely available in nearby villages and towns.
Yes, while Ingatestone And Fryerning is a great base for mountain biking, it also provides access to a range of other outdoor activities in the surrounding Essex area. Local holiday clubs offer activities such as high ropes, climbing, water sports, and bushcraft at various Essex Outdoors centers. For more information on these activities, you can visit the Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council website.
The duration varies significantly depending on the trail's length and difficulty. Easy routes like the Scenic Country Road in Essex – Blackmore Tea Rooms loop from Writtle (20.6 miles) can take around 1 hour 49 minutes. Longer, more difficult routes, such as the Dunnow Cutting Forest Trail – Flitch Way road crossing loop from Shenfield (68.8 miles), can require over 7 hours to complete, demanding very good fitness.


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