The Hurtwood Singletrack
Peaslake has earned a reputation as one of the best mountain biking destinations in south-east England. The surrounding Hurtwood — the largest area of open common land in Surrey — is laced with singletrack trails built and maintained by a dedicated community of local riders. The terrain is a mix of sandy soil, clay and greensand, with plenty of natural features including root sections, drops and rocky outcrops.
The trails range from flowing, bermed runs suitable for competent intermediates to genuinely technical sections that will challenge experienced riders. Named trails such as Barry Knows Best and Telegraph Road have become legendary in the south-east mountain biking community. The woodland setting is atmospheric, with tall pines and ancient oaks forming a canopy overhead.
Riding at Peaslake
Peaslake village sits at the centre of the trail network and is the natural base for any ride. Peaslake Stores is a celebrated cyclist-friendly shop selling excellent coffee, homemade cakes and bike supplies. The Hurtmore Road car park provides the main access point, with trails radiating out in all directions.
A full day’s riding can easily cover 20 to 30 kilometres of singletrack without repeating a trail. The terrain drains relatively well compared to clay-based trails, making it rideable for much of the year, although the steeper sections can become very slippery in prolonged wet weather. A full-suspension mountain bike is recommended for the more technical trails, though a hardtail is perfectly adequate for the flowing sections.
