Aston Hill Bike Park

Forestry England has partnered with Bike Park Chilterns CIC to manage the reopening of the renowned Aston Hill Bike Park. For over 20 years, Aston Hill was a top destination for downhill mountain biking, attracting riders from across the UK. However, in 2021, Forestry England had to close the park due to the ash dieback disease, which posed safety risks after damaging the area’s ash trees. The subsequent tree removal, carried out by specialist contractors, was completed last year, allowing Forestry England to review the site’s future.

A competitive tender process led to Bike Park Chilterns CIC being selected as the new operator, awarded a 10-year lease. Simon Fowler of Forestry England expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting that the park had been missed by riders and that the work to rebuild and enhance the trails is now underway. The goal is to restore Aston Hill to its former glory while transforming it into a world-class facility for mountain bikers of all abilities.

Bike Park Chilterns aims to not only restore Aston Hill but to reimagine it as a modern, world-class bike park with top-tier trail design and infrastructure. With the park’s reopening scheduled for Autumn 2025, the plan is to create a venue that rivals the best biking destinations in Wales and Scotland. Located just 40 minutes from London, it will provide a true mountain biking experience for riders of all ages.

As a Community Interest Company (CIC), Bike Park Chilterns is committed to serving the public interest. All revenue will be reinvested into trail development, maintenance, and community programs, ensuring the park benefits both riders and the local community. To help fund the project, Bike Park Chilterns will soon launch a public crowdfunding campaign and offer exclusive early memberships.

Ian Warby of Bike Park Chilterns expressed excitement for the project, emphasizing the importance of restoring and enhancing the park to create a lasting asset for the mountain biking community.