The best cycling routes in Hemsted Forest
4.5
(73)
1,036
riders
144
rides
Touring cycling in Hemsted Forest offers a diverse experience across a gently undulating landscape in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region features a mix of coniferous and broadleaf woodlands, including Douglas fir, beech, and Scots pine. Cyclists can navigate approximately five miles of hard-surfaced roads and an extensive network of unsurfaced tracks, providing varied terrain. Continuous climbs and descents characterize the routes, making for an engaging touring cycling experience.
Best touring cycling routes in Hemsted Forest
- The most popular touring cycling route is Benenden Community Shop & Café – St George's Church, Benenden loop from East End, an 18.0 miles (29.0 km) trail that takes 1 hour 48 minutes to complete. This route features moderate gradients through varied woodland scenery.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Louisa Lake loop from Benenden, a difficult 23.5 miles (37.9 km) path. This route traverses a mix of forest tracks and country lanes, offering a more challenging ride with significant elevation changes.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Wittersham Road – Biddenden Vineyard loop from Benenden, a 27.9 miles (45.0 km) trail leading through open countryside and past local vineyards, often completed in about 2 hours 43 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Hemsted Forest is defined by undulating terrain, mixed woodlands, and a network of both hard-surfaced roads and unsurfaced tracks. The routes offer options for different ability levels, from moderate rides to more difficult challenges.
- The routes in Hemsted Forest are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 70 reviews. More than 1,300 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Hemsted Forest's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
3.0
(1)
2
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
157
riders
35.3km
02:39
330m
330m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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3
riders
45.4km
02:45
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
33.7km
02:24
440m
440m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3
riders
20.6km
01:15
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Unfortunately, not very interesting to walk through.
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Fun challenge. Pedal strikes likely so careful to creep on the higher parts.
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Smooth rock gardens can be slippery with mud in winter.
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If you are trying to find an alternative route into the Pinetum, this is for you 🌲
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Louisa Lake is a charming spot nestled within Bedgebury Forest, often encountered on the woodland bike trails. With a peaceful bench nearby, it’s the perfect place to pause and take in the scenery.
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The Five Ways section is part of the 8 mile (13 km) of red-rated single track at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. It winds its way around the 2,000 acres (810 hectares) of Bedgebury Forestry and is designed to meet the thrill needs of most mountain bikers. Expect stiff climbs, technical decents, berms, drops, and large rocks.
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Deliverance is part of the Bedgebury XC route in Bedgebury Forest. It is a short 1,010 feet (333 m) route that has a red difficulty rating. You can expect few rock gardens, which will test you in the wet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Hemsted Forest?
Hemsted Forest offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 150 different tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, ensuring there's something for everyone.
What is the overall difficulty level for touring cycling in Hemsted Forest?
The routes in Hemsted Forest offer a good mix of challenges. You'll find approximately 50 easy routes, around 90 moderate routes, and about 20 more difficult options, providing diverse experiences for all touring cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect when cycling in Hemsted Forest?
Hemsted Forest features a gently undulating landscape with continuous climbs and descents. The terrain is a mix of approximately five miles of hard-surfaced roads and an extensive network of unsurfaced tracks, traversing coniferous and broadleaf woodlands. Some surfaced paths can be coarse with occasional potholes.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Hemsted Forest?
Yes, many routes in Hemsted Forest are designed as loops. For example, the New Pond loop from Benenden offers an easy 15.4 km ride, perfect for a shorter outing.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest I might encounter while cycling?
While cycling in Hemsted Forest, you'll be within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its ancient woodlands and gill valleys. The region also has historical sites such as the ruins of a medieval castle, an old mill, and a church. The nearby village of Benenden, mentioned in the Domesday Book, features historic buildings and pubs.
Are the cycling paths shared with other users?
Yes, the wide paths in Hemsted Forest are shared with walkers and horse riders. Cyclists should be mindful and respectful of other users on the trails.
What do other touring cyclists say about their experience in Hemsted Forest?
The touring cycling routes in Hemsted Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied woodland scenery, the mix of challenging and leisurely routes, and the overall engaging experience.
Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes available?
For those seeking a greater challenge, the Wittersham Road – Biddenden Vineyard loop from Benenden is a difficult 45.0 km trail leading through open countryside and past local vineyards, offering significant elevation changes.
Can I find routes suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, Hemsted Forest has routes suitable for various abilities. Approximately 50 easy routes are available, providing gentler gradients and shorter distances, ideal for families or those new to touring cycling. The New Pond loop from Benenden is an easy option.
What kind of wildlife might I see in Hemsted Forest?
Hemsted Forest is a rich habitat for wildlife. Cyclists might spot deer, badgers, foxes, various bird species, and dormice within the diverse woodlands of Douglas fir, beech, Scots pine, and Corsican pine trees.
Are there any specific routes that offer a good mix of forest tracks and country lanes?
The Louisa Lake loop from Benenden is a popular choice that traverses a mix of forest tracks and country lanes, providing a varied and challenging ride with notable elevation changes.
What are the best routes for experiencing the varied woodland scenery?
Routes like the Benenden Community Shop & Café – St George's Church, Benenden loop from East End offer moderate gradients through varied woodland scenery, showcasing the mix of coniferous and broadleaf trees that define Hemsted Forest.
Most popular routes in Hemsted Forest
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