Northaw Great Wood Country Park
Northaw Great Wood Country Park
4.5
(156)
630
riders
48
rides
Mountain biking around Northaw Great Wood Country Park offers diverse natural environments within Hertfordshire's historic wood pasture commons. The landscape features open bracken glades and wide rides, interspersed with oak, hornbeam, and birch woodland. Riders can navigate dirt paths and enclosed greenery, with small streams and ancient trees adding to the varied terrain. While not having formally dedicated cycling trails, the park provides routes suitable for different skill levels.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4
riders
21.5km
01:27
200m
200m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
1
riders
19.7km
01:14
220m
220m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(4)
8
riders
20.6km
01:20
140m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(2)
2
riders
25.0km
01:34
220m
220m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
35.9km
02:33
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Popular around Northaw Great Wood Country Park
Where Bridleway 2 and 25 meet. just by the stream on BR 25 a bridleway gate has been installed.
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Not easy cycling the winter months or when there's mud down
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Loads of potholes and uneven track, with muddy patches
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in the winter /autumn this section is quite challenging, boggy mud sections, tree branches fallen down as well rolling hills, it's easier to come from White Stubbs Lane
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mixed terrain, mainly hardpack and paved can get muddy in the winter month's. The track goes through a farm.
1
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The heart of historic Hertford with it's castle and old inn at the gateway to London proper. Great place to stop and take a look around.
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It is actually possible - and permissable - to cycle through the grounds of Hertford Castle.
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This is a peaceful and scenic double gravel track starting from Newgate Street. It offers a tranquil ride through beautiful surroundings.
2
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There are over 45 mountain bike routes available around Northaw Great Wood Country Park, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate trails to explore.
The trails around Northaw Great Wood Country Park are predominantly easy to moderate. Out of 49 available routes, 21 are classified as easy, 27 as moderate, and only 1 as difficult, making it accessible for a wide range of riders.
While Northaw Great Wood Country Park does not have purpose-built, formally dedicated cycling trails, mountain biking is generally permitted on shared paths. The Yellow trail, for instance, is considered suitable for solo cyclists. Riders are asked to exercise care and consideration for pedestrians.
Yes, many of the routes around Northaw Great Wood Country Park are suitable for families, especially the easy-rated trails. An example is the Hertford Castle – Hertford Viaduct loop from Tolmers Park, which is 13.4 miles long and explores varied woodland and open sections.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in the area are circular. For example, you can try the Enclosed Path Through Greenery – Newgate Street Gravel Track loop from Northaw and Cuffley, an easy 12.4-mile route that navigates through characteristic dirt paths and enclosed greenery.
The mountain bike routes around Northaw Great Wood Country Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 150 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse natural environments, historic wood pasture commons, and varied terrain that includes open glades and woodlands.
Northaw Great Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with diverse natural features. You can observe ancient hornbeam and beech trees, some dating back centuries, and unique geological 'swallowholes.' The wood also contains remnants of its past as a medieval hunting ground and World War II defenses. The River Lea Waterfall – Essendon Farm Track loop from North Mymms offers varied landscapes, including potential water features.
Northaw Great Wood Country Park offers enjoyable mountain biking throughout the year. The diverse woodland and glades provide shade in summer and interesting scenery in autumn and winter. Conditions can vary with weather, so checking local forecasts is always recommended, especially after heavy rain.
Northaw Great Wood Country Park typically has designated parking areas for visitors. It's advisable to check the official park website or local signage for specific parking locations and any potential fees before your visit.
While specific public transport options directly to the park entrance may vary, Northaw Great Wood Country Park is located near Potters Bar, which has train connections. You may need to combine train travel with a short bus ride or cycle to reach the park. It's best to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Northaw Great Wood Country Park. However, as mountain biking trails often share paths with walkers, it's important to keep dogs under control, especially around other visitors and wildlife, and to follow any posted park regulations regarding leashes.
The area surrounding Northaw Great Wood Country Park, including nearby towns like Potters Bar, offers various options for cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your ride. You'll find local establishments within a short distance of the park.


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