Mountain biking in the Surrey Hills
The Surrey Hills is one of the most popular areas for mountain biking in the country. It provides many people with a healthy means to enjoy the countryside and support our local economy. Mountain bikers have a right to share bridleways and byways, but there are no trail-centre style dedicated mountain biking trails in the Surrey Hills, so please:
Protect Nature
- Protect the environment: Think about the impact of your journey. Ride from home where possible, or consider public transport and car-sharing options
- Protect wildlife: Be aware of the potential impact of public access on sensitive ecosystems, plants and animals. Take extra care during ground nesting bird season (March to August).
- Leave no trace: Leave gates as you find them, take all litter home and do not light fires.
Respect the Hills
- Be prepared: Know your access rights. Know where you are and where you are heading. Ride within your limitations, wear a helmet, and carry appropriate equipment for the duration of your ride and likely weather conditions.
- Ride appropriately for the conditions: Avoid wet, boggy or soft ground and don’t churn up the surface. Avoid skidding or cutting corners. Some areas are vulnerable to damage, particularly in winter months, so please consider using alternative, more sustainable, routes.
- Put something back: Consider joining us as a Surrey Hills Conservation Volunteer to help make space for nature.
Enjoy Responsibly
- Be Nice – Say Hi: Moderate your speed and give an audible greeting when approaching other users. Give way to walkers and horse riders and be prepared to stop if necessary. Always leave plenty of room when passing.
- Context is key: Appropriate riding styles for Public Rights of Way and other shared user routes are different to those at trail centres, modify your riding style to match your surroundings.
- Be considerate: Think about the people who live and work where you ride. Avoid busy areas at peak times, park considerately, act responsibly and support local businesses
It is illegal to build trails without landowner consent, anyone doing so could be liable to prosecution – particularly if they harm important archaeological features and habitats. The trails have not been approved, inspected, maintained or managed, so please be aware that you are riding at your own risk.