4.6
(14)
68
riders
11
rides
Gravel biking around Hodgemoor Wood offers a diverse environment within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region features ancient woodlands with varied tree species and diverse soil types, including clays, sands, and gravels. An extensive network of footpaths, bridleways, and permissive trails provides a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces suitable for gravel biking. The terrain ensures a dynamic experience, with routes ranging from easy to more challenging.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
5
riders
53.0km
03:18
370m
360m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
5
riders
24.7km
01:43
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
5
riders
45.1km
03:07
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
5
riders
35.0km
02:26
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
39.3km
02:31
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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About 1922, the land between the River Colne and the canal was taken over by Rickmansworth Gravel Company. Building in the capital was booming and gravel was in demand. Extraction at the site began and the resulting pit became Stocker's Lake. The original Wembley stadium was built at around this time and many have since speculated on the possibility of a Wembley Connection? Dredging and gravel extraction continued until the 1940s. In 1947 Rickmansworth and Uxbridge Valley Water Company purchased Stocker's Lake (an area of 93.7 acres) for £5000 as the dredging agreement had expired. This was to protect the aquifer and pumping sources at Stocker's and Springwell. The company became Rickmansworth Water Company in 1985 and later part of Three Valleys Water Company, eventually Affinity Water, the present owners. In the 1970s Stocker’s Lake became a nature reserve and day to day management was assigned by the water company to Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
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The land on which Stocker's Lake now stands was once part of Stocker's Farm which is still there today. Records from 1427 show that the farm already existed and was owned by John Stockere or Stocker. In 1861, Stocker's House was built for the Corporation of London to house the Collector of Coal Dues on the Grand Union Canal. Stocker's House cost £850 to build and the first tenant was Mr. Charles Browton. The dues he collected were, for example, 4 shillings per ton of wine and 12 pence a ton of coal. However with the railways becoming increasingly popular it was decided to sell the house and in 1869 Lord Ebury offered £300
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The Ebury Way is a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) rail trail in Hertfordshire between Watford and Rickmansworth. The route crosses the Grand Union Canal and three rivers: the River Colne, the River Chess and the River Gade. Its origin as the Watford and Rickmansworth Railway means that it is wide and largely flat. It forms part of National Cycle Route 61
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Good surface for anybody to ride but a deceptive false flat when cycling North away from the M25 before it becomes a proper low percent gradient climb nearer Hill Farm and Stag Lane... or if heading towards the M25, nice low effort fun non technical Bridleway for gravel riding.
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Very nice for cycling, except the very last bit towards the Chalfont road end, as it was quite muddy with big potholes that you can see as it is a very shaded section
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Chesham Lane climbs from 492 feet (150m) at the A413 London Road to Kingsash at 735 feet (224m). It's quite steep near the top and watch out for the hairpins on the way down.
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This path overlooking a valley was rideable on a gravel bike in peak-summer, even while it had been drizzling for the last hour.
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There are 12 gravel bike trails around Hodgemoor Wood, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has highly rated these routes, with an average score of 4.5 stars.
Hodgemoor Wood features a diverse environment with ancient woodlands and varied soil types, including clays, sands, and gravels. You'll find an extensive network of footpaths, bridleways, and permissive trails, providing a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. This geological diversity ensures a dynamic experience with routes offering both gentle stretches and challenging elevation changes.
Yes, Hodgemoor Wood offers routes suitable for various skill levels. While most routes are moderate, there is at least one easy gravel bike trail available. The varied terrain allows for options that can accommodate families looking for a less strenuous ride, particularly on the more established bridleways.
There is a car park conveniently located on Bottrells Lane, providing easy access to the extensive trail network within Hodgemoor Wood.
Hodgemoor Wood is an ancient woodland, home to diverse trees like oak, birch, beech, and hornbeam. It's a haven for wildlife, where you might spot Muntjac deer, tawny owls, buzzards, and red kites. In spring, the wood is particularly beautiful with its bluebell displays.
Yes, many of the routes around Hodgemoor Wood are designed as loops. For example, the Ebury Way – Belsize Hamlet loop from Amersham is a popular 32.8-mile trail that navigates varied countryside terrain.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 10 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the extensive network of well-maintained trails, and the scenic beauty of the ancient woodlands, making it an engaging experience for gravel biking.
Absolutely. For those looking for a longer ride, the The Lee Village Green – Wendover Woods Café loop from Chesham covers nearly 40 kilometers (39.3 km) and offers significant elevation changes, providing a substantial challenge.
While most routes are moderate, there are two difficult routes available for more experienced riders seeking a challenge. These routes often feature more significant elevation changes and potentially more technical sections. For a moderate but engaging ride, consider the Chesham Clock Tower – Temperance Hall, Chesham loop from Chesham, which includes over 400 meters of ascent.
Hodgemoor Wood offers enjoyable gravel biking throughout the year. Spring is particularly beautiful with bluebells, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. The trails are actively maintained to reduce muddiness, making them accessible even in winter, though some unpaved sections might be softer after rain.
Hodgemoor Wood is conveniently located near towns like Amersham, Chalfont St Giles, and Seer Green. These nearby towns offer various options for cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your ride.
Yes, Hodgemoor Wood is home to an official bike park approved by the Forestry Commission. Located in the north-west corner of the wood, just north of Bottrells Lane, it offers multiple trails with features ranging from easy tabletops to larger jumps for riders looking to progress their skills.
Hodgemoor Wood is relatively accessible, being only about 40 minutes from Central London. While direct public transport to the wood itself might be limited, nearby towns like Amersham and Chalfont St Giles are served by public transport, from which you could cycle to the wood.


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