31.9 miles
Distance
2,086 ft
Climb
-2,087 ft
Descent
422 ft
High Point
-2 ft
Altitude change
14 ft
Altitude min
262 ft
Altitude start
262 ft
Altitude end
-32.7%
Grade max
21.3%
Grade min
12 miles
Distance climb
12 miles
Distance down
8 miles
Distance flat

Roughly 50K loop from Buckhurst Hill taking in the River Roding (can get overgrown in places), Wanstead Flats and then on to the forest proper to take in mostly single track across the main part of the forest. The single track tends to vary a little depending on fallen debris and mud.

Detailed Description
River Roding & Epping Forest Loop is a 32 mile popular intermediate route located near London. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 35 trails. This route climbs 2,086 ft with a max elevation of 422 ft then descends -2,087 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Significant Issue / Amber: 1 trail (newest: Aug 13, 2025)
  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Dec 26, 2022)
Local Trail Association
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.

Stats

  • Distance
    32 miles
  • Avg time
    5 hr 9 min
  • Altitude min
    14 ft
  • Altitude start
    262 ft
  • Altitude end
    262 ft
  • Climb
    2,086 ft
  • Descent
    -2,087 ft
  • Grade max
    -32.7%
  • Grade min
    21.3%
  • Distance climb
    12 miles
  • Distance down
    12 miles
  • Distance flat
    8 miles

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Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Gravel Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
  • Bike type
    XC, CX, Gravel
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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Slope Aspect
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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    Local Lines at Epping Forest
    Local Lines at Epping Forest
    0:21 | 222 | comments: 0 | favs:
    Nov 26, 2023
    Epping Forest mtb night ride
    Epping Forest mtb night ride
    2:45 | 181 | comments: 0 | favs:
    Nov 26, 2023

    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

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    The Ching
    Jun 25, 2026 @ 10:24pm (Europe/London)
    Jun 25, 2026
    Return of the Jedi
    Jun 25, 2026 @ 10:23pm (Europe/London)
    Jun 25, 2026
    Overgrown vegetation
    Epping New Road Crossing bridleway
    Jun 20, 2026 @ 3:35pm (Europe/London)
    Jun 20, 2026
    Dick Turpin
    Jun 20, 2026 @ 3:35pm (Europe/London)
    Jun 20, 2026
    Bicycle Pump
    Jun 20, 2026 @ 3:35pm (Europe/London)
    Jun 20, 2026
    more reports »
    • By MathieuCTF Pro TRAILFORKS & contributors
    • #20357 - 4,221 views

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