UPDATE FOR MTB POWERLINE – THE DAMAGED BRIDGE HAS BEEN REPLACED. 

The Powerline is a fast technical mountain bike trail that starts at the main car park and finishes near the River Derwent.  The main trail is classed as Red Grade (difficult), but there is also an optional Black Grade (severe) section.

North East Free Ride Association (NEFA) did the initial work on building the trail, and this was continued by Chopwell Trail Builders who also carried out repairs and maintenance work on the Powerline trail for many years.  These sections of MTB trail were constructed in agreement and consultation with Forestry England.  Sadly, Chopwell Trailbuilders disbanded in 2022.  Repairs and maintenance on the MTB trail is now carried out by our volunteers and Forestry England staff.

Any other trail building without the agreement of Forestry England is illegal.  Such trail building often damages wildlife habitats and is hazardous to other visitors.  These unsafe trails are removed.

There are many other trails in the woodland which can be used but are multi-user, please take care and keep your speed down.  There could be small children, elderly people, dog walkers or horse riders around any corner.

A Pump Track is open just outside the wood, on the west side, in Chopwell village park at NE17 7EH.  This can be used by cycles, scooters, and skateboards and is free.  This is the result of much planning and work by the Friends of Chopwell Park.  Their volunteers maintain the site, so please help them by reading and observing the rules on the Safety Notice at the site.