If you’re in (or heading to) East Grinstead and want to hop on your bike, there are several great trails to explore. Below are routes you might enjoy, along with tips on when to ride and how to plan.

Trail Highlights

• Forest Way: East Grinstead ↔ Forest Row — Rail-trail out-and-back on a gentle gradient; great for a relaxed spin or family ride.

• Forest Way: Groombridge → East Grinstead — The full rail-trail stretch; fast, traffic-free and perfect for steady mileage.

• Weir Wood Reservoir Circular — Lakeside loop with woodland sections; short, varied, and photogenic.

• Sunnyside – Weir Wood Reservoir Circular — Compact loop linking quiet lanes and bridleways with reservoir views.

• River Medway, Weir Wood Reservoir & Sunnyside Circular — A longer loop that stitches together riverside sections and the reservoir.

• East Grinstead & the High Weald Circular — Rolling countryside, patchwork fields and bridleways; a solid half-day ride.

• Kingscote → Horsted Keynes — A more challenging point-to-point toward the Bluebell Railway; expect punchier climbs and rougher bits.

Seasonal Advice — When to Ride & What to Expect

Spring (March–May)

• Trails dry out slowly after winter, but wet patches may linger in woodlands.
• Expect soft ground and roots showing; grip becomes more important.
• It’s a beautiful time for new foliage, blossoms, and clearer skies.

Summer (June–August)

• Generally, the best time: trails are at their driest, visibility is good, and late sunsets let you ride longer.
• Beware of dry, loose surfaces in some woodland sections.
• Early mornings or late evenings help avoid heat and crowding.

Autumn (September–November)

• A favourite for many: crisp air, changing colours, and trails that firm up after summer.
  Leaves and wet patches can hide roots, and roots may be slick.
  Try to time rides when it hasn’t rained heavily; avoid extremely muddy days.

Winter (December–February)

• Expect muddy, soft sections, especially after rain or frost.
• Some trails may be unusable; forest paths can become slippery, and drainage may be poor in certain areas.
• Stick to primary lines (like Forest Way), which are more robust. Shorter rides may be safer.
• Dress in layers, bring waterproofs, and check the forecast.

How to link them together

• Easy Out & Back: Start in town, follow Forest Way to Forest Row, coffee stop, then roll back.
• Reservoir Day: From East Grinstead, drop to Weir Wood Reservoir Circular; add Sunnyside for extra distance.
• Bluebell Railway Adventure: From town, head south to Kingscote → Horsted Keynes, then loop back on lanes/bridleways (or arrange a pickup).

Practical Tips

• Tyres: Fast-rolling XC tyres are perfect for the Forest Way and reservoir loops; add a bit more tread if you’re tackling the Kingscote–Horsted Keynes stretch.
• Bike choice: Hardtails shine here; short-travel full-suss is a treat on rougher bridleways.
• Navigation: Load the route in your preferred app and download offline maps (mobile signal can dip in the woods).
• Etiquette: Trails are mixed-use. Slow right down for walkers and horses; give a friendly call-out well in advance.

Sample Ride Ideas to Try

• Beginner / relaxed: Start on Forest Way, branch off into the Sunnyside loop, and return — around 10–15 km of pleasant riding.
• Mid-distance: Do the Weir Wood Loop, then pick up a stretch of Forest Way — good mix of scenery and moderate effort.
• Full-day ride: Attempt the Haywards Heath → East Grinstead leg of the High Weald route. Add loops, take breaks, and enjoy varied terrain across the day.

Here’s the original page we used from AllTrails for reference (for extra trail detail)