[Closed] Rides info - Essex

loads of stuff in Epping forest (part of which is in Essex).
Go to High Beech visitor centre - they have some decent maps which cover the fire roads , then it's a case of stringing the singletrack together. Take a compass.

BTW - welcome.

Thanks Senor J
I'll head in that way then. Know of any around Danbury? I saw a small group of lads bombing down the hill looking like they were coming from a decent ride (nice bikes anyway! although I guess that doesn't mean much) but that was on the road so not sure where they'd come from.

There used to be a lot around Danbury, circa 1997 which was the first and last time I rode there. I believe that there's been some redevelopments though.

Otherwise you've got Friday Wood just outside Colchester, Halstead Wood on the western side of Colchester and Chalkney Wood which is near Earl's Colne. They're all fairly small, but it's offroad and Chalkney isn't flat which is a bonus.

Thorndon Country Park just South of Brentwood has a good official loop with mostly gravel trails which is great when it's wet. It also has several cheeky unofficial trails and bits of singletrack if you know where to look!

There are also several cheeky trails just outside the park as well that you can link up with.

The Park can be busy at weekends though especially when the weather is good. Loads of walkers with dogs mostly close to the Visitor's Centre.

+1 for Epping as well but can be a mudfest after rain.

check out www.essexhertsmtb.co.uk for lots of rides in epping, danbury and beyond.

I am based in Colchester and would say from there you can do a good xc loop including friday woods, or head to halsted woods (iron latch lane) for some more jumps, drops style stuff.

Personally I am more onthe dh side and Danbury has loads of fun short trails for getting the adrenaline pumping.

excellent! - cheers folks
Will check them out.

Bamsh - where abouts in Danbury should I be looking? been road riding the last few years and used Danbury as my hill training (or slight uphill training) so know the roads ok and also some of the pubs...

sorry - should have said - I'm not actually from round 'ere so apologies for any numpty location questions.

(I'm a sweaty really but don't tell anyone...)

bazep - Member
I'll head in that way then. Know of any around Danbury? I saw a small group of lads bombing down the hill looking like they were coming from a decent ride (nice bikes anyway! although I guess that doesn't mean much) but that was on the road so not sure where they'd come from.

Plenty on the common, don't want to post the exact location for fear of upsetting the balance. Just ride around the common until you find berms and trace them back up the hill. I think there is a bridleway alongside which you can follow to get to the right bit.

Anyone one happen to know of anything in the Sudbury area? I'm sometimes out that way but I've never really managed to find anything much of interest.

Nae worries - cheers

I ride Danbury at least once a week with a group of lads, normally Wednesday nights, Sunday mornings. There are some shall we say cheeky bits to deal with but no real problems as long as you're respectful. You really need to be able to link it all together if you want to make a 20+ mile loop out of Chelmsford. The North Downs are only an hour away and that's great riding. Danbury really is the best locally though as the changing elevation during a ride is the most you'll probably find around Essex.
There is an xc race over at Codham Park, Braintree this coming Sunday, with lots of local Essex riders, racing for points and fun http://www.mudsweatgears.co.uk/. I'll be there working in the Chelmer Cycles/Cannondale wagon.