FAQs
What do I need to ride the trails?
Mountain biking is a potentially hazardous activity carrying a significant risk. It should only be undertaken with a full understanding of all inherent risks. These guidelines must always be used in conjunction with the exercise of your own experience, intuition and careful judgment.
Always ensure that you:
Have the right bike and wear the right safety clothing for the type of riding you are doing.
Cycle within your ability.
Don't rely on others; can you get home safely?
Take care around other visitors, walkers and horses.
Routes may change due to tree felling or other forestry work. These works can be dangerous, so always follow warning signs, instructions and diversions.
If a vehicle is loading timber, wait for the driver to let you pass.
Expect the unexpected.
Motorbikes and quadbikes are not allowed on cycle trails.
What is your code of conduct?
Ride Responsibly Be courteous and respect other users. Respect other riders and help those less experienced than you.
Leave No Trace Keep your riding to the trails area. Take your litter home.
Control Your Bike Check out the trail before you ride it. Ride under control and within your ability.
Always Give Way Let people know you are there. Pass wide and slow, particularly with horse-riders.
Always Plan Ahead Know your bike, your equipment and the area. Wear appropriate safety gear.Are the trails open?
Are the trails open?
Rowberrow Warren trails are open all year round. However, Rowberrow Warren is a working forest, managed by Forestry England, and trails may be temporarily closed whilst forestry works are conducted. Also, the Warren Shooting Club hold pheasant shooting events between October and February. They also conduct maintenance works during the rest of the year. At these times they may close some forest tracks. During these times please do not ride closed trails or tracks and respect signage for your own safety.
Rowberrow Warren trails are intentionally more natural, with no imported materials. As a result the quality of the trail surface can vary considerably during the year. During winter months the trails can be very muddy and slippery.
Do I have to pay to use the trails?
The landowners have kindly given permission for two official trail lines in Rowberrow Warren. Therefore, the trails are free to use. However, Ride Mendips maintain the trails under an Operating Agreement with Forestry England. Ride Mendips is a registered charity run by volunteers. Therefore, we appreciate any support from the mountain biking community either via dig day volunteers, donations, or even by joining our team.
Where should I park?
Parking close to Rowberrow Warren is extremely limited. We ask you to respect local residents in Rowberrow village and on Black Down by not parking in passing places and on grass verges. We encourage you to park in surrounding villages such as Cheddar, Shipham, Churchill or Burrington and to cycle into Rowberrow via bridleways.
Are motocross bikes allowed?
No. Motorbikes or motocross bikes are not permitted in Rowberrow Warren. This is for both the bridleways and official mountain bike trails. According to the government PROW guidance bridleways are for for walking, horse riding, bicycles, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs.
How do I report a problem with the trails?
If you find a problem with the official trails please report it to Ride Mendips via Instagram, Facebook or email.
What should I do in an emergency?
In an emergency, dial 999. Be aware that mobile coverage can be patchy within the forest. It is always advisable to ride with someone else in case of an emergency. All official trails are named and signposts numbered. Emergency services have access and location information.