Frequently Asked Questions

You should bring: a well-maintained mountain bike, a helmet (mandatory), gloves (mandatory), appropriate clothing for the weather including waterproofs, water or your preferred drink, snacks and a packed lunch, and eye protection (recommended). Knee and elbow pads are recommended for more technical courses.

This depends on the course or ride you've booked. We have options for all fitness levels, from gentle family-friendly rides to more demanding technical sessions. When booking, please ensure you're at the minimum fitness level stated in the course information. If you're unsure, contact us and we can help match you with the right session.

Central MTB does not provide bike hire. You will need to bring your own mountain bike. Third-party hire is available independently at some trail centres — contact the visitor centre directly for details.

Not necessarily. We have courses designed for complete beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced sessions. Our beginner courses cover all the fundamentals, so you can start with no prior off-road experience. Just let us know your current level when booking.

Cancellation 4 weeks prior to course = refund minus 10% admin fee. Cancellation 14 days prior = 50% refund. Cancellation 7 days or less = no refund. If we cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, we'll offer to reschedule or provide a 100% refund.

Yes, course dates and names can be changed up to 7 days prior to the course commencing. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes.

Payments are made securely through Stripe. Your card details are not stored on our website. You can also use gift vouchers towards your booking.

Yes! Gift vouchers are available and can be used on any skills course, guided ride, or private coaching day. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase and make a great gift for any mountain biking enthusiast. View our gift vouchers.

Yes, we offer group bookings. Guiding is £145 per person and coaching is £155 per person. Sessions are usually limited to 6 riders, but bigger groups can be catered for. Group sessions are perfect for friends, family outings, or corporate team-building events.

Our team are British Cycling L2 certified (coaching and guiding), hold British Cycling Leader qualifications, Cytech Cycle Maintenance awards, and are first aid qualified and DBS checked. You're in safe hands!

We operate from three fantastic locations in the Midlands: Forest of Dean (world-class trails in ancient woodland), Wyre Forest (natural singletrack through oak woodland), and Cannock Chase (purpose-built trails in stunning AONB). Each location offers something different!

Guided rides focus on exploring the trails with an experienced guide who knows all the best routes and hidden gems. MTB coaching focuses on improving your technical skills with structured instruction, video feedback, and a progression plan. Both are great fun — it just depends on your goal. Learn more about our MTB coaching.

Meeting points are at the visitor centres of each location. We'll send you specific details when you book, including parking information. All three centres have pay-and-display parking, cafes, and toilet facilities.

Mountain biking is an outdoor sport and we ride in most weather conditions - that's part of the fun! However, if conditions are dangerous (severe storms, etc.), we reserve the right to cancel and will offer to reschedule or provide a full refund.

Absolutely. Your safety and confidence are our priority. You always have the option to walk any part of a route or bypass any features you feel are beyond your capability. We'll never pressure you to ride anything you're not comfortable with.