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Red Cycle Trail
(Average user rating: 5 unrated 4.1/5)

Grade of Trail:

  • Difficult

Length of trail:

23 miles

Trail is currently open

 

The 34.3km (21mile) trail starts either at the Visitor Centre or Dixon's Hollow Car Park.

Bikers take to the newly opened trails in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire.

Posts 1-14 is 9.4km (6miles). From The Visitor Centre Car Park. 

Posts 14-25 is 11.1km (7miles). From Dixons Hollow Car Park.

Posts 26-38 is 13.8km (8.5miles) Use the Blue cycle trail from The Visitor Centre Car Park or the Green cycle trail from Dixons Hollow Car Park.

The routes take in variable terrain of single track and sections of forest road. This technical trail features rock gardens and north shore styling with technical features such as drop offs and large rocks. Some challenging climbs and tricky descents. Proficient mountain bikers with good off road handling skills and high level of fitness.

What do other visitors say?

5 Stars 5 Stars

My first visit to the Dalby forest and won't be the last, I biked the red route wih a group of others and it was the most enjoyable and challenging riding I have ever done. the route is relentless with the different gradients and the tehnical stages, drop offs, downhill hairpin bends. The forestry commission does need to stop raping the countryside as they are spoiling the scenary. Won't be long before they can't call it a forest. Apart from that moan you would be very hard to find a better course to bike.

Steve, 12/May/2013

Hello, thanks for your kind words about the cycle trail. I understand your concerns about the areas where trees have been felled, this may look drastic but not only will the forest grow again, the timber we cut will be used to make sustainable products or fuel.

Forestry Commission Response
5 Stars 5 Stars

Given what's on offer at Dalby I'd say 7 quid to get in is a bargain. Even if you don't go to the visitor centre you still have access to mile after mile of footpaths and maintained MTB trails, picnic sites, playparks, clean toilets, etc., and today various events and activities for the kids (e.g. a falconry demonstration and live reptiles - my kids really enjoyed themselves there today). All this for about the equivalent of one cinema ticket, or a couple of pints and some crisps down the pub. Not much contest when it comes to VFM I'd say. Maybe instead of knocking Dalby we could appreciate it for what it is, a great amenity that's very reasonably priced to get into. Cheaper still in the off season, and if you buy a year's pass you can get in for next to nothing each time. Which is why I have one. No, I don't work for the Forest Commission, by the way!

Dom, 6/May/2013

Today, Sunday 14 Apr 13, my wife and I attempted to visit Dalby Forest Visitors Centre. I was very dismayed to discover that the centre is actually on the Dalby Forest Drive, which is a Toll Road. I have no objection to paying a toll to drive the road, but I do object most vigorously to paying a toll to visit a centre, which should be free to visit. I wonder who's bright idea this was. It is not advertised that the centre is on the toll road and I am sure that this fact has put off a number of other people from visiting. Our day out was most assuredly spoilt as we did not visit the centre.

Geoffrey L Horton, 14/Apr/2013

Thanks for letting us know about your concerns over the admission fee. Please keep in mind that the charge is an admission fee into Dalby Forest, this money is reinvested to pay for the maintenance of Visitor Centre, the trails, play areas and the forest drive. I hope this helps to explain what the admission charge is used for. Kind Regards

Forestry Commission Response
More user comments

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at yorkshirefd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

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Chalara ash dieback

Advice for visitors

What's Here?

  • Barbeque
    • BBQ stands are located around the forest.
  • Cafe
    • The Courtyard Cafe provides good, wholesome and locally sourced food. For more information please call 01751 460439.
  • Cycling
    • Dalby forest has a range of cycle trails, from family routes to some of the best mountain biking in the country. Please find more information on the dedicated page.
  • Cycle wash
    • The cycle wash is located near Dalby Bike Barn.
  • Forest drive
    • Admission Charge
    Cars
    March to October
    £7.00 all day or
    £4 after 4pm
    Nov to Feb
    £4 all day
    Motorcycles £2.00
    Mini-buses £15.00
    Coaches £30.00 (must book in advance)
    Discovery Pass £42
    7 Day Pass £20
    The forest drive is open 7.30am to 8.30pm.
    Disabled badge holders are not exempt from charges.
  • Ancient Monuments
    • The signs of past settlers are all around. Burial mounds, linear earthworks of unknown purpose and the remains of a flourishing rabbit warrening industry can be found throughout Dalby.
  • Orienteering
    • Maps for the orienteering course are available from the Visitor Centre.
  • Picnic
    • Picnic benches can be found at the visitor centre and throughout the forest.
  • Play area
    • Play areas are located at the visitor centre and Adderstone Field. Dalby offers exciting adventure play equipment.
  • Restaurant
    • Tree Tops Restaurant is located at the visitor centre. There are large indoor and outdoor seating areas and great views over the forest. Open 10.00am until 4.00pm daily, extended hours of operation in the summer.
  • Walking
    • Waymarkered trails start from several of the car parks and vary in length, so there is something for everyone. Trail maps are available from the visitor centre £1.
  • Visitor centre
    • The visitor centre and forest shop provide information and leaflets for the forest trails and events. Open 10am to 4pm. For more information call 01751 460295.
  • Toliets
    • Toilets can be found at the visitor centre and at Staindale Lake. Ladies, Gents, Disabled, and baby changing facilities.
  • Wildlife
    • A Bird Hide over looks Stonebridge Pool and a seasonal wetland scrape.
More about what's here

Location

OS Grid ref: SE 857875
Postcode: YO18 7LT

Get directions

Contact

Recreation Manager

01751 472771
yorkshirefd@­forestry.gsi.gov.uk

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