4.3
(27)
178
riders
35
rides
Mountain biking around Little Canfield offers access to diverse terrain, primarily through its proximity to Hatfield Forest and The Flitch Way. The region features ancient woodlands, open plains, and former railway lines converted into traffic-free routes. These landscapes provide varied surfaces suitable for mountain biking, from natural forest rides to well-maintained, flat paths. The area's gentle elevation changes make it accessible for a range of skill levels.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
2
riders
35.9km
02:19
250m
250m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(2)
2
riders
18.2km
01:12
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
17
riders
36.7km
02:27
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
23.2km
01:29
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Watch out for pedestrians and dogs, great place to stop to refuel.
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Easy route, suitable for all bikes and ages. Can be bumpy in places.
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Bannister Green Halt was sited on the up side of the line and consisted of a clinker platform with timber facing raised to rail level; it was attended by staff from Felsted or Rayne Stations. It was one of two halts built by the GER in 1922 to attract passengers to the railway and counteract the then recently introduced bus service. Passengers joining or alighting at the halt were required to use retractable steps mounted by the side of the coach and operated by the guard.
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These ponds were part of the formal gardens of Little Easton Manor. They are still part of the estate, currently used as fishing lakes. The pond at the road is called Horse Pond with the larger pond to the north called Great Pond.
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Heading out of Braintree you hit the main road after this point. Careful of the traffic!
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Alot fly tipping over from the travellers site, beware of sharp objects on the cycleway.
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There are over 35 mountain bike trails around Little Canfield, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy and moderate routes to explore.
The terrain varies significantly. You can expect natural, off-road cycling experiences in areas like Hatfield Forest, which features open plains and grassed forest rides. For a less challenging ride, The Flitch Way offers a mostly flat and well-surfaced, traffic-free route along a former railway line.
Yes, Little Canfield offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners and families. The Flitch Way is particularly well-suited for leisurely rides due to its flat and well-maintained surface. An example of an easy route is the Great Dunmow to Little Dunmow loop, which connects the two villages through open countryside.
For longer rides, you can consider routes like the Great Dunmow trails loop, which is 22.3 miles (35.9 km) long, or the Flitch Way road crossing β Bannister Green Halt loop from Takeley, spanning 22.8 miles (36.7 km).
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Little Canfield are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Great Dunmow trails loop and the Great Dunmow to Little Dunmow loop.
You can enjoy diverse scenery including ancient woodlands, open plains, and rural countryside. Notable natural features include Hatfield Forest Lake and other serene lakes. You might also pass by historical sites like the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin.
The mountain bike trails around Little Canfield are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 25 reviews. Many mountain bikers praise the varied terrain, from the natural forest rides to the accessible former railway lines, and the options available for different ability levels.
Parking is generally available at key access points for popular areas like Hatfield Forest and along The Flitch Way. Specific parking details are often provided on individual route pages or local information boards.
The Flitch Way, which is a significant mountain biking route in the area, runs between Braintree and Bishop's Stortford, both of which have train stations. This makes it accessible via public transport, allowing you to cycle directly onto the trail from these towns.
Yes, you can find places to refuel. Hatfield Forest has a cafΓ©, and there are various pubs and cafes in the villages along The Flitch Way and other routes. For example, The Snug at High Easter is a cafe highlight in the wider area.
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be good, but trails might be busier. During winter, some natural forest paths might be muddy or uneven, so an all-terrain or mountain bike with heavy-duty tires is recommended.


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