Hadleigh Farm, Essex

Hadleigh Farm, Essex

Hadleigh Farm in Essex has been chosen as the alternative to the original site for the Mountain Bike competition, Weald Country Park. The alternative was found after a change in requirements for the sport that resulted in the need for a more technical and challenging course.

The venue covers a 550 acre site including beautiful grassland the woodland of Hadleigh Farm: land owned by the Salvation Army. It also includes the surrounding countryside of Hadleigh Castle Country Park.

The terrain is hilly with open grass land covered by low shrubbery. The site offers some fantastic gradients for Mountain Biking and great viewing opportunities for spectators.

The course will be set against the backdrop of the 700-year-old ruins of Hadleigh Castle.

Where is it?

Hadleigh Farm is to the east of London, in Essex. The M25 and A13 provide easy access by road and regular trains run from Fenchurch Street station in the City of London.

Getting ready for 2012

A new temporary Mountain Bike course will be created within Hadleigh Farm. The Mountain Bike Course will be prepared with temporary grandstands and facilities to be built in the lead up to the Games in 2012.

Detailed planning on the course layout and the temporary facilities will take place this year, as well as engaging with the local community about plans.

During the Games

Temporary grandstands will provide seats for 3,000 people to enjoy the Mountain Bike competition. Thousands will be able to stand close to the action, along a course winding through woods and parkland.

After the Games

The temporary structures will be taken down. We will work closely with our partners including Essex County Council and the Salvation Army to explore what course will be left in place for future use.