The best MTB trails around Claygate

There are over 160 mountain bike routes around Claygate, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.

Yes, Claygate offers numerous easy trails, with 63 routes specifically rated as easy. These often traverse woodlands and fields, providing a gentle introduction to mountain biking. An example is the Ashtead Common loop from Claygate, an 11.5-mile path through scenic woodland.

The terrain around Claygate is diverse, characterized by woodlands and open common land. Trails often include doubletrack sections and can range from relatively flat paths, particularly in areas like Arbrook Common, to more challenging routes with roots and potentially boggy conditions, especially when connecting to areas like Esher Common.

While many local trails are relatively flat, routes connecting to the wider Surrey Hills area can offer more significant elevation gain. For example, the Box Hill viewpoint – View from Box Hill loop from Chessington North includes over 570 meters of ascent, providing a more challenging ride with rewarding views.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Claygate are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The The Tamsin Trail – Richmond Park Off-Road Trails loop from Esher is a popular 24.5-mile circular route, and the Ashtead Common loop from Claygate is another excellent circular option.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the best conditions for mountain biking in Claygate. During colder or wetter months, some trails, particularly in areas like Arbrook Common, can become quite wet and boggy due to the low-lying land and clay soils. Always check local conditions before heading out.

Yes, many trails around Claygate are suitable for families, especially the easier, less technical routes. The extensive network of paths in Arbrook Common and parts of Esher Common provide relatively flat and wide sections that are enjoyable for all ages. Look for routes marked as 'easy' for the most family-friendly options.

While riding, you can explore natural features like Arbrook Common and Esher Common, which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Further afield, you might encounter highlights such as Deer in Richmond Park or the scenic Thames Path: Kingston to Hampton Court. The area also features beautiful woodlands and open spaces.

Claygate itself has a railway station, making it accessible by public transport. From there, you can often connect to local trail networks directly or with a short ride. Many routes start near residential areas, offering convenient access points.

Parking is generally available in and around Claygate, particularly near common lands and trailheads. Specific parking information is often provided on individual route pages on komoot, or you can look for public car parks in the village or near popular access points to Arbrook Common or Esher Common.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 170 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse natural landscapes, the interconnected trail networks, and the mix of easy cross-country routes with more challenging sections, providing something for every skill level.

While Claygate itself offers many accessible trails, more advanced riders can find challenging features, such as roots and technical sections, particularly when exploring the wider network of Esher Common. For truly advanced riding, the proximity to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means riders can extend their routes to include renowned areas like Pitch Hill and Peaslake, known for their diverse and challenging trails.