Trail grades
All formal routes are graded to show the level of difficulty. The universally accepted grading system uses a system of colours and in some cases symbols as developed by the Forestry Commission. This grading system is explained below:-
Trail Grade: Forest Road and similar
Suitable for
A wide range of cyclists. Most bikes and hybrids. Ability to use maps helpful. Routes may or may not be way marked.
Trail and surface types
Relatively flat and wide. The trail surface may be loose, uneven or muddy at times. These roads may be used by vehicles and other users, including Horse riders and dog walkers.
Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s)
Gradients can be very variable and may include short steep sections. Occasional potholes may be present.
Suggested fitness level
A good standard of fitness can help.
Trail Grade: Green - Easy
Suitable for
Beginner/novice cyclists. Basic Bike Skills required. Most bikes and hybrids. Some green routes can take trailers.
Trail and surface types
Relatively flat and wide. The trail surface may be loose, uneven or muddy at times. May include short flowing singletrack style sections.
Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s)
Climbs and descents are mostly shallow. No challenging features.
Suggested fitness level
Suitable for most people in good health.
Trail Grade: Blue - Moderate
Suitable for
Intermediate cyclist/mountain bikers with basic off road riding skills. Mountain bikes or hybrids.
Trail and surface types
As “Green” plus specially constructed single track. Trail surface may include small obstacles of roots and rock.
Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s).
Most gradients are moderate but may include short steep sections. Includes small TTF’s
Suggested fitness level
A good standard of fitness can help
 Trail Grade: Red - Difficult
Suitable for
Proficient mountain bikers with good off road riding skills. Suitable for better quality off-road mountain bikes.
Trail and surface types
Steeper and tougher, mostly singletrack with technical sections. Expect very variable surface types.
Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s)
A wide range of climbs and descents of a challenging nature will be present. Expect boardwalks, berms, large rocks, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers, water crossings.
Suggested fitness level
Higher level of fitness and stamina.
 Trail Grade: Black - Severe
Suitable for
Expert mountain bike users, used to physically demanding routes. Quality off-road mountain bikes
Trail and surface types
As “Red” but with an expectation of greater challenge and continuous difficulty. Can include any useable trail and may include exposed open hill sections.
Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s)
Expect large, committing and unavoidable TTF’s. Sections will be challenging and variable. May also have “downhill” style sections.
Suggested fitness level
Suitable for very active people used to prolonged effort.
Trail Grade: Bike Parks/Extreme
Suitable for
Riders aspiring to an elite level of technical ability, incorporates everything from Full on downhill riding to big-air jumps.
Trail and surface types
Severe constructed trails and / or natural features. All sections will be challenging. Includes extreme levels of exposure and or risk. Jumping ability obligatory.
Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s)
Will include a range of small medium and large TTF’s, including downhill trails, freeride sections and mandatory jumps.
Suggested fitness level
A good standard of fitness, but technical skills more important.
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