Forest Road and Similar

Suitable for a wide range of cyclists. Most bikes and hybrids. Ability to use maps helpful. Routes may or may not be waymarked.

Trail & Surface Types: Relatively flat and wide. The trail surface may be loose, uneven or muddy at times. These roads may be used by vehicles and other users, including Horse riders and dog walkers.

Gradient & Technical Trail Features (TTF’s): Gradients can be very variable and may include short steep sections. Occasional potholes may be present.

Suggested Fitness Level: A good standard of fitness can help.

Green – Easy

Suitable for beginner/novice cyclists. Basic bike skills required. Most bikes and hybrids. Some green routes can take trailers.

Trail & Surface types: Relatively flat and wide. The trail surface may be loose, uneven or muddy at times. May include short flowing singletrack style sections.

Gradient & Technical Trail Features (TTF’s): Climbs and descents are mostly shallow. No challenging features.

Suggested Fitness Level: Suitable for most people in good health.

Blue – Moderate

Suitable for intermediate cyclist/mountain bikers with basic off-road riding skills. Mountain bikes and hybrids.

Trail & Surface Types: As ‘Green’ plus specially constructed single track. Trail surface may include small obstacles of roots and rocks.

Gradient & Technical Trail Features (TTF’s): Most gradients are moderate but may include short steep sections. Includes small TTF’s.

Suggested Fitness Level: A good standard of fitness can help.

Red – Difficult

Suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-road riding skills. Suitable for better quality off-road mountain bikes.

Trail & Surface Type: Steeper and tougher, mostly singletrack with technical sections. Expect very variable surface types.

Gradient & Technical Trail Features (TTF’s): A wide range of climbs and descents of a challenging nature will be present. Expect boardwalks, berms, large rocks, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers, water crossings.

Suggested Fitness Level: Higher level of fitness and stamina.

Black – Severe

Suitable for expert mountain bike users, used to physically demanding routes. Quality off-road mountain bikes.

Trail & Surface Type: As ‘Red’ but with an expectation of greater challenge and continuous difficulty. Can include any useable trail and may include exposed open hill sections.

Gradient & Technical Trail Features (TTF’s): Expect large, committing and unavoidable TTF’s. Sections will be challenging and variable. May also have ‘downhill’ style sections.

Suggested Fitness Level: Suitable for very active people used to prolonged effort.