The best MTB trails around Virginia Water
4.5
(567)
5,988
riders
62
rides
Mountain biking around Virginia Water offers access to varied terrain within Windsor Great Park and the nearby Swinley Forest. The area features extensive parkland, woodlands, and dedicated mountain bike trails. While Virginia Water itself is an artificial lake with a paved circuit, the surrounding region provides opportunities for off-road cycling. The landscape includes gentle elevations and more challenging sections within the forest areas.
Best mountain bike trails around Virginia Water
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Windsor Great Park – Savill Gardens loop from Cumberland Lodge, a 6.5 miles (10.4 km) easy trail that takes about 35 minutes to complete, offering scenic views within the park.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Swinley Forest Blue Trail – Berms Section – Blue MTB Trail loop from Sunningdale, a difficult 21.4 miles (34.5 km) path. This route features dedicated mountain bike trails with berms and varied forest terrain.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Horsell Common – Bem Coffee loop from Longcross, a 23.0 miles (37.1 km) trail leading through common land and woodlands, often completed in about 2 hours 28 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Virginia Water is defined by the expansive Windsor Great Park, the dedicated trails of Swinley Forest, and surrounding common lands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy park loops to more challenging forest routes.
- The routes in Virginia Water are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. More than 5000 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Virginia Water's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
3.0
(1)
6
riders
10.5km
00:35
80m
80m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
5
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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5.0
(2)
8
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
37.1km
02:29
150m
150m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.0
(1)
4
riders
45.5km
02:45
210m
210m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Tips from the Community
To a passerby, a mill pond like the one presented here might seem ordinary, but there is another point of view: For example, in the story world of Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), who became famous with the imaginative children's books he wrote, things look quite different: Here, such a mill pond is also the extremely exciting habitat of a water sprite family. His still popular book "Der kleine Wassermann" tells wonderful stories of the adventures experienced by the family's offspring. On an audio book CD, the water sprite mother sings her son to sleep for the winter: "Little water sprite, close your eyes and get some rest, I'll sit here for a while and watch you sleep. May your dreams guide you and touch you wonderfully, and when you wake up again, a new year will begin for you."
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This junction is a great place to meet up or find your way around the trails and Swinley Forest
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Blue trail is great for beginners or intermediate. Recomend😀
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Sick place to ride, loads of trails and the burns are great👌.
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It should come as no surprise that a statue of the long-time regent Elizabeth II (1926 to 2022) is located in the vicinity of royal Windsor Castle. With the exception of the coat of arms, the brick base of the monument erected in her honor is comparatively simple. It depicts the Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, who is also known for her love of horses, in a riding pose. It is an extremely familiar image, as she has often been seen in this manner, for example at her official birthday celebrations, the "Trooping the Colour," sitting on a horse and receiving the parade. A very familiar image, as she was often seen in the same way, for example at her official birthday celebration, the "Trooping the Color".
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The tow path in the Basingstoke canal, from Woking to the junction with the Wey, it is paved and smooth. The tow path in the Wey Navigation canal is more bumpy, roots etc. Apt for a gravel bike, perhaps not so for a road bike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around Virginia Water?
There are over 60 mountain bike trails around Virginia Water, catering to various skill levels. This includes 15 easy routes, 44 moderate routes, and 4 difficult routes, ensuring options for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails near Virginia Water?
The terrain around Virginia Water varies significantly. You'll find extensive parkland and woodlands within Windsor Great Park, offering gentle elevations. Dedicated mountain bike trails in areas like Swinley Forest feature more challenging sections with berms and varied forest terrain. While Virginia Water itself has a paved circuit, the surrounding region provides ample off-road cycling opportunities.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails in the Virginia Water area?
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. For an easy ride with scenic views, consider the Windsor Great Park – Savill Gardens loop from Cumberland Lodge, which is 10.4 km long and takes about 35 minutes. The broader Windsor Great Park also offers many accessible paths suitable for families.
Can I bring my dog on the mountain bike trails around Virginia Water?
Many trails in Windsor Great Park and the surrounding common lands are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife and other park users. Always check specific trail regulations or local signage, particularly in nature reserves or protected areas, to ensure dogs are permitted.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while mountain biking near Virginia Water?
The area is rich in natural beauty and historical features. You might encounter the impressive 30-meter-high Cascade waterfall, ornamental Roman Ruins, or the towering Canadian Totem Pole. The picturesque Obelisk Pond is another highlight. For specific viewpoints, consider the Fort Belvedere Vista from Virginia Water. The Valley Gardens within Windsor Great Park are also beautiful to explore.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes available?
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Virginia Water are designed as loops. For example, the Windsor Great Park – Savill Gardens loop from Cumberland Lodge is a popular circular route. Swinley Forest also offers various loop options, such as the Swinley Forest Blue Trail – Berms Section – Blue MTB Trail loop from Longcross.
Where can I find challenging mountain bike trails in the area?
For a more challenging experience, Swinley Forest is highly recommended. The Swinley Forest Blue Trail – Berms Section – Blue MTB Trail loop from Sunningdale is a difficult 34.5 km route featuring dedicated mountain bike trails with berms and varied forest terrain, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails around Virginia Water?
The mountain bike trails around Virginia Water are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from the expansive parkland to the dedicated forest trails, and the beautiful natural and historical features along the routes.
Are there mountain bike routes that pass by cafes or pubs?
Yes, some routes are designed to include stops at local amenities. For instance, the Horsell Common – Bem Coffee loop from Longcross is a moderate 37.1 km trail that incorporates a coffee stop, making it a great option for a longer ride with a break.
Is there parking available for mountain bikers near the trails?
Parking is generally available at key access points for Windsor Great Park and Swinley Forest. Specific car parks are often located near popular trailheads, though charges may apply. It's advisable to check local signage or park websites for the most current information on parking facilities and fees.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking around Virginia Water?
The trails around Virginia Water can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, but trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially on unpaved forest trails.
Are there any long-distance mountain bike routes in the area?
For those looking for a longer ride, the Coxes Lock and Mill Pond – Horsell Common loop from Sunningdale is a moderate 46.7 km route that takes you through diverse landscapes, offering a substantial mountain biking experience.
Most popular routes around Virginia Water
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