Walking, Running & Cycling
There are many miles of paths and tracks through Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. You are welcome to walk on any of these paths, however the best routes have been waymarked.
The routes range in distance from 3/4 mile to 5 miles and are easy to follow. The walking routes are waymarked on the ground with posts with the appropriate coloured band, however a detailed ‘Explore’ map which shows all waymarked walking and cycling trail is available to buy for £1 from the Visitor Centre.
Lakes and Riverside Walk is a 0.75 mile / 1.2 km walk. Tarmac and boardwalk all the way, one short rise and fall, otherwise easy with benches along the way.
Lookout Walk is 1.5 miles / 2.3 km. A meandering route through the forest. Excellent views and picnic spot at The Lookout. Gravel and dirt track. Steep rise and fall from The Lookout.
Park and Forest Walk is 3 miles / 5 km. It’s a varied walk via The Lookout before returning through meadows, woodland and alongside the Moors and Crane Lakes. Gravel and tarmac tracks with a steep rise and fall from The Lookout. Benches and picnic tables along the way.
Long Forest Walk is 5 miles / 8km. Discover the quieter areas of the forest, including Pine Avenue. Gravel and dirt track with some gentle rises.
Please note: This is an area of countryside and a working forest; there are lakes, rivers and ponds, uneven footpaths, people and machinery at work. Please stay on the footpaths and keep those in your care close to you.
Running Trails
Enjoy the variety of paths and nature trails or follow the 3-2-1 running route to enjoy a one, two, or three mile trail in conjunction with England Athletics through the forest. Start at the Totem Pole at the Visitor Centre and just follow the red Run England signs.
For added motivation, join the weekly 5K adults parkrun held every Saturday at 9am, or the 2k Junior parkrun on Sundays at 9am.
Play Trail and Tree Top Trail
For a short walk in the forest – discover the Play Trail with its unique pieces of wooden play equipment situated on a three quarters of a mile walk. Half way along the Play Trail there is the option to divert onto the Tree Top Trail; a wooden walkway that gives you a birds-eye view of the forest.
Cycling Trails
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest has many miles of trails and tracks. You can ride your bike on any of the gravel or paved paths, but the best cycling routes are waymarked.
Watchmoor Bike Park
Watchmoor Bike Park features something for every rider: green skills loops for beginners, flowing blue lines, and red jump trails for those ready to step it up.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, Watchmoor Bike Park is the perfect place to develop your mountain biking technique. The park features a range of progressive trails, graded from green to red in line with British Cycling standards.
Each trail includes a variety of features such as berms, drops, tabletops, and jumps, designed to help riders build confidence and improve their control in a safe, purpose-built environment.
There are no age restrictions at Watchmoor. We ask that everyone reads the signs before riding and judges their ability and what they feel happy riding. The bike park is progressive so it should have something for every ability.
We do not allow rented bikes from Moors Valley at Watchmoor as they are not designed to be used for this type of mountain biking.
Electric bikes
As with any type of cycling, an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), electric bike or e-bike is only allowed on designated cycle routes. We urge people to behave responsibly and considerably, and respect other users. All e-bikes must be fully EAPC compliant.
An EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it and the electric motor must only have a maximum power output of 250 watts and should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph. Find out more about EAPC legislation: https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules
Parking
Head into the main Moors Valley car park and follow the signage from the visitor centre and from the overflow car park.
Grab a map from the Visitor Centre for £1, or follow our signs to find the route to cycle down to Watchmoor. Our waymarked Watchmoor Loop trail takes you from the Visitor Centre to Watchmoor in around 15/20 minutes. There is a map sign at the entrance of the bike park which can direct you to the trails most suitable and has safety advice too.
Facilities
There are no toilets or bins located at Watchmoor Park. Please use the toilet facilities within Moors Valley and ensure that you take your rubbish home with you.
Remember to always wear a helmet.
Helmet on. Wheels down. Time to ride.
Explore More
Fitness Trail
Orienteering
Audio Trail
