more stats
1,781 ft
Distance
-221 ft
Descent
00:02:05
Avg time
-221 ft
Altitude change
117 ft
Altitude min
340 ft
Altitude max
339 ft
Altitude start
118 ft
Altitude end
-12.4%
Grade
-51.7%
Grade max
1%
Grade min
69 ft
Distance climb
1,558 ft
Distance down
154 ft
Distance flat
00:02:05
Avg time

The X-files Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Friston Forest
    Eastbourne
  • Difficulty Rating
    Red Rate
  • Local Popularity
    95 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 100 in E-Biking
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #52882 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #3274 in E-Biking
    • #130701 in Trail Running
    • #123803 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH, AM, XC
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
  • Climb Difficulty
    Green
  • Physical Rating
    Easy
  • Season
    All seasons
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • TTFs on Trail
    Berm, Drop, Jump
  • Ride in Rain
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    Forestry Comission

The X-files run is one of the original trails of Friston Forest and has been there since the 1980s. Featured in some of the early MBUK video tapes and sprung videos. This trail is suited for AM/Enduro/.XC bikes mainly. Long travel Dh bikes are slightly overkill but also possible. The trail incorporated DH, berms,switchback,drops

Access Info

Passing Friston Forest car park by road,ride up the long steep uphill main road until you come to a lay by on the left with a forest access point. Enter the forest and ride 20 yards until you find the trail start point

This trail is unsanctioned.

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 11 miles average
6 Months
  • 12 rides
  • 14 miles avg distance
All
  • 85 rides
  • Last: Jun 20, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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The X-files Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Mar 22, 2026 @ 7:46am (Europe/London)
Mar 22, 2026
 quick conditions
Jan 9, 2026 @ 7:37pm (Europe/London)
Jan 9, 2026
 bit wet but gd. tree cleared
Jan 2, 2026 @ 9:43pm (Europe/London)
Jan 2, 2026
there is a tree down on it
Apr 13, 2025 @ 9:14am
Apr 13, 2025
 Good riding conditions
Apr 6, 2025 @ 4:39am
Apr 6, 2025
 A tree has fallen over the upper section of the trail, however, sticks have been placed up against it to create a ramp/jump.
more »
Status:
on Mar 22, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 4.33 (6 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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  • Downhill Primary
  • Both Directions
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  • Uphill Only
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Slope Aspect
Direction the slope faces
Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to the-xfiles trailhead (50.765910, 0.181360)

        Photos

        8 more »
        123 |
        May 7, 2021 @ 1:23pm
        May 7, 2021
        149 |
        May 7, 2021 @ 1:23pm
        May 7, 2021
        156 |
        May 7, 2021 @ 1:22pm
        May 7, 2021
        162 |
        Aug 15, 2009 @ 9:11am
        Aug 15, 2009

        Videos

        4 more »
        Sprung 2 dvd x-files clip
        957 | Jan 4, 2015 , Eastbourne
        Steep, Slippery, Southern - Antinatural
        0:50 | 754 | Jan 4, 2019 , Eastbourne
        The X-Files in HD
        2:53 | 493 | Jul 3, 2010 , Eastbourne
        Friston 'x files'
        0:12 | 474 | Jul 19, 2009 , Eastbourne

        Reviews / Comments

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        Nearby Trails

        Friston Forest

        • #23078 - 3,786 views

        Frequently Asked Questions About The X-files

        ▼ Where is The X-files located?
        The X-files is located in Friston Forest, Eastbourne, United Kingdom. It is part of the Friston Forest trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 50.76591, 0.18136.
        ▼ How hard is The X-files?
        The X-files is rated as Red difficulty. The physical rating is Easy. The average grade is 12.4%. The climb difficulty is rated Green.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for The X-files?
        The trail has 68 m of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 36 m to 104 m.
        ▼ Is The X-files a point to point trail?
        The X-files is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.

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