4.3
(6)
43
riders
10
rides
Mountain biking around Great Burstead And South Green offers a network of trails through varied landscapes. The region features a mix of wooded areas, open rural paths, and riverside sections. Riders can expect gentle undulations and some more challenging climbs, characteristic of the Essex countryside. The terrain provides opportunities for both leisurely rides and longer, more demanding mountain bike routes.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
3.8
(4)
17
riders
28.5km
01:37
220m
220m
This moderate 17.7-mile mountain biking loop near Brentwood takes you through Weald Country Park and Pole's Wood.
13
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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1
riders
58.9km
03:28
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
38.4km
02:46
280m
280m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
3
riders
31.6km
01:55
250m
250m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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I went down this trail yesterday 5 July 2025, coming from Kelvenden Hatch on a gravel bike. The trail through the forest was fine but as I neared the bottom of the hill my GPS indicated I was off route. As others have suggested the newish fence looks like it has been put in place to push you into a bog, which was dried up for me but only just after 4 months with little rain. It was also full of razor grass. It wasn't obvious which way to go, but I wasn't giving in and after some floundering around I managed to get through. Like the others ignoring the signs and lugging my bike across some quite deep ditches, which may be impassable in wet weather.
0
0
Heading out of Braintree you hit the main road after this point. Careful of the traffic!
0
0
Open 7 days a week from 7am to 3pm. Always a warm chatty welcome. Bike racks. Toilet. Excellent coffee and good selection of cakes as well as breakfasts and lunches. Highly recommend for a stop and refuel.
0
0
Blackmore village is a place to visit they have a great Tea room Homemade cakes made on the premises just across the road there is a little church rumour have it Henry the eighth went there
1
0
Nice garden to the side. Bike racks are a bit tucked away but there are plenty of places to prop your bike.
0
0
Very short section over river at Dunmow end
0
0
There are 12 mountain bike trails around Great Burstead And South Green. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 5 easy, 5 moderate, and 2 difficult options available.
Yes, Great Burstead And South Green offers 5 easy mountain bike trails. These routes are generally shorter with less elevation gain, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. One such option is the Brentwood to Pole's Wood loop, which is a moderate 28.5 km trail that can be completed in about 1 hour 36 minutes.
The Essex countryside around Great Burstead And South Green is generally pleasant for mountain biking from spring through autumn. Spring offers blooming landscapes, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Summer is also good, but trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially on unpaved sections.
While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always explicit, the 5 easy trails in the area are generally suitable for families with some biking experience. These routes tend to have gentler terrain and shorter distances. Always check the route details on komoot for elevation and surface information to ensure it matches your family's ability.
The mountain bike trails in Great Burstead And South Green feature a diverse landscape. You can expect a mix of wooded areas, open rural paths, and sections alongside rivers. The terrain includes gentle undulations typical of the Essex countryside, with some routes offering more challenging climbs and descents.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Great Burstead And South Green are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Brentwood to Pole's Wood loop and the The Bakehouse Cafe – Blackmore Tea Rooms loop from Brentwood, which is a moderate 58.9 km route.
The mountain bike trails in Great Burstead And South Green are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.6 stars from 6 reviews. Nearly 50 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the mix of woodlands, riverside paths, and open countryside.
Yes, several routes pass by interesting sights. You might encounter natural features like Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway or Old Hall Pond. Some trails also lead near historical sites such as St Margaret's Church, Bowers Gifford or St Nicholas Church, Rawreth.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the area offers longer and more demanding routes. The Dunnow Cutting Forest Trail – Flitch Way road crossing loop from Shenfield is a difficult 110.8 km path, and the Riverside Footpath – Pleshey Village Pond loop from Shenfield covers 83.6 km, both offering extensive riding through varied landscapes.
While not all routes are specifically highlighted for views, the Ingrebourne Hill summit – View of the Thames at Purfleet loop from Laindon is a moderate 54.2 km route that includes a section with views towards the Thames. Other routes may offer scenic glimpses of the Essex countryside and local landmarks.
Ride durations vary significantly based on the trail's length and difficulty. Easy trails might take around 1.5 to 2 hours, while moderate routes can range from 3 to 4 hours. The most challenging and longest routes, such as the 110.8 km Dunnow Cutting Forest Trail, can take over 7 hours to complete.


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