We're going to a party in Essex soon and thought we'd do a detour to Thetford Forest.

If you were pushed for time which route would you do, the black or red? How do they compare grading wise to other trails say the 7stanes? Is the black equivalent in technical difficulty to a 7stanes black?

Hey Pez,

I live just up the road in Ipswich so ride in Thetford often. The grading does NOT compare with 7Stanes!!! I am quite a novice and struggled with Kirroughtree blue trail, however completed Thetford red the other day without too much difficulty, wouldn't have dreamed of trying a 7Stanes red. People like thetford because it is fast to ride as it is so flat, there is a new section in the red with a few jumps and a skinny but as a whole the trail is worn out through over riding. Nevertheless, I love it! I haven't done black but my OH has several times, he enjoys it, but again it is very eroded - the black one does have bomb holes to play in though which my OH likes. Both routes are similar length (16/17km) but the red has a shortcut.

Be warned  BTW it is £6/7 to park at high lodge, if you go 2 miles up the road and park at Brandon country park it's free. Have fun

Thanks that's really useful info. Will have to be another time now though as it's tipping it down this w/end.

Pootle I'm trying to keep the 28th free to join your ride, but I'm so sick of the rain - hope the weather improves.

Pez you should try two weeks of camping in it in scotland then you would be sick of the rain.

But i hope you can come on the pootle ride at cannock