Friston Forest Hidden Trails

Shock horror a day off work coincides with warm sunshine and no rain!

It is a while since we visited Friston Forest, in fact last time one of our gang was unlucky enough to get a log through the spokes of his front wheel resulting in a major crash.

With the warm sun in our faces we set off up one of the paths that quickly changes into a ribbon of secret singletrack that gently climbs while twisting and turning around trees and tree stumps. At the end of the well beaten path we dip straight into the partially hidden entrance of one of the secret little trails and continue to climb crossing little dips that require lifting the front wheel to bridge the gap and crossing a multitude of logs both large and small. A couple of trees have fallen very recently blocking the route causing a little off-piste adventure before rejoining the trail. We continue to the very end emerging on a fireroad just below the bomb-holes and dew pond at the north east end of the forest. Inevitably the trail cuts through sections that are overgrown with nettles and brambles, hours later the gentle tingling on the shins is a reminder of the ride.

A quick detour and we are at the beginning of the MTB Technical Trail. There are a couple of singletrack sections but overall the trail is too worn and we are too familiar with it to find any excitement. However the Technical Trail climbs past the bomb-holes and therefore provides a good link back onto our secret singletrack trail. This time made a short de-tour to check out the north shore constructions just off the secret trail, everything has been trashed. With gravity on our side the ride back to the carpark is a lot more enjoyable than the climb earlier in the day.

A day off work and a 4.5 hour ride in the sun with no sign of rain. A day well spent.

'MTB-Nomads on the trail' for more photos.