🐗 Sunday 20 September 2026 · Forest of Dean

Wild Boar Chase

Q: Are e-bikes and gravel bikes allowed?

Yes. E-bikes are fine provided they are legal to ride in the UK. The Forest sections (Small Boar and Woody) suit gravel bikes; the Hog and Full Boar have technical descents better suited to an XC mountain bike.

The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley's off-road challenge — up to 47 miles of forest tracks, bridleways and big descents. Gravel & e-bikes welcome.

21 mi37 mi41 mi43 mi47 mi+ Kids' Humbug

Enter now — from £35 See the routes

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📏 Up to 47 miles⛰️ 5,100 ft of climb🔴 CTC Red grade ⚡ E-bikes & gravel welcome🏅 Now in its 14th year❤️ All profits to charity

Riders on the Wild Boar Chase in the Forest of Dean

The Ride

One big day out in the Forest

Off-road from start to finish — forest tracks, bridleways and short sections of quiet lane through the Forest of Dean and down towards the River Wye. Pick your distance, ride at your pace, and tackle the climbs and descents that make the Wild Boar a Forest favourite.

Five routes from 21 to 47 miles — switch distance on the day
Gravel bikes suit the Forest loops; the longer routes reward an XC MTB
E-bikes welcome (UK-legal) · GPX route files provided
Friendly, well-marked, fully marshalled by local volunteers

Explore the routes

Choose your distance

Five routes, one start line

All routes start together at Speech House Field from 10:00am (staggered). Take a shortcut — or push on for the Full Boar.

21mi

Small Boar

↑ 1,950 ft

A loop within the Forest of Dean — the shortest route, ideal for gravel bikes and first-timers.

37mi

Woody & Hog

↑ ~4,000 ft

Take both shortcuts on the Full Boar — 10 fewer miles and around 1,100 ft less climbing.

41mi

Woody

↑ ~4,440 ft

The Woody shortcut trims 6 miles and 660 ft of ascent from the Full Boar.

43mi

Hog

↑ ~4,640 ft

The Hog shortcut trims 4 miles and 460 ft of ascent from the Full Boar.

The full challenge

47mi

Full Boar

↑ 5,100 ft

The complete route, with descents down to the River Wye. Full-on CTC Red grade for distance, climb and technicality.

GPX files for every route are published before the event. Not sure? Start the Full Boar and shorten it on the day.

For young riders

The Humbug Chase

A fun, fully off-road ride of about 9 miles for children aged 8–12 — no road crossings, well sign-posted, and guided start-to-finish by experienced local riders from the Royal Dean Forest Cycling Club.

Ages 8–12 · 100% off-road · no road crossings
Accompanied by experienced ride leaders
Goody bag & medal for every finisher
Starts from 10:30am · just £10

Enter the Humbug Chase — £10

Why we ride

Every entry does good

The Wild Boar Chase is run entirely by volunteers from Severn Dean Lions Club and Forest of Dean Lions Club. There are no shareholders and no profit motive — every penny of profit goes to local good causes.

£5,500jaundice scanner funded for local midwives

100%run by volunteers

2Lions clubs behind the event

14years and counting

Registered charities 1189930 & 1178015. When you enter, you're funding projects right here in the Forest of Dean.

Last year on the trails

The Wild Boar in pictures

Event day

Everything you need to know

Start & finish: Speech House Field, beside the Speech House Hotel, GL16 7EL
Start time: staggered from 10:00am (Humbug from 10:30am)
Sign on at the event control before you start
Bring: a roadworthy bike, a hard-shell helmet (no helmet, no ride) and kit for the weather
Biosecurity: arrive with a clean, mud-free bike (wash facilities at Pedalabikeaway)

Entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. Under-18s need a signed parental consent form; under-13s must be accompanied by an entered adult.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch to a different distance on the day?+

Yes — you can change your distance on the day. The routes share a common start and the shortcuts let you shorten the Full Boar as you ride.

Are e-bikes and gravel bikes allowed?+

Yes. E-bikes are fine provided they're legal to ride in the UK. The Forest sections (Small Boar and Woody) suit gravel bikes; the Hog and Full Boar have technical descents better suited to an XC mountain bike.

Is there an age limit?+

Riders under 18 need a signed parental consent form. Riders under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who has also entered. The Humbug Chase is for children aged 8–12.

What do I need to bring?+

A bike in good working order, a hard-shell helmet (no helmet, no ride) and clothing for the conditions. Please arrive with a clean, mud-free bike to protect the Forest from woodland diseases.

Are GPX route files available?+

Yes — GPX files for each route are published ahead of the event so you can preview and navigate the courses.

Is my entry refundable?+

Entry fees are non-refundable and entries are not transferable. All profits go to local good causes.

Entries open now