The best MTB trails in Devon

Embark on the Granite & Gears: Princetown and Burrator Loop for a moderate mountain biking adventure through Dartmoor National Park. This route spans 14.4 miles (23.1 km) and involves a total ascent of 973 feet (296 metres), offering a diverse journey from rugged granite terrain near Princetown to the serene waters of Burrator Reservoir. You can expect to complete this loop in approximately 1 hour and 59 minutes, experiencing wide-open moorland vistas and a true sense of wilderness as you ride.

When planning your visit, remember that Dartmoor's weather can shift rapidly, so prepare for changeable conditions on this exposed trail. Princetown is a convenient starting point, providing amenities like parking, cafes, and pubs for your convenience. While generally accessible, be aware that some sections of the trail feature rubbly tracks and challenging granite boulders, especially on descents, which will test your mountain biking skills.

This trail offers more than just a ride; it's a journey through history and striking natural beauty. You will pass by significant landmarks such as the tranquil Burrator Reservoir and its impressive dam, providing a stark contrast to the open moorland. Keep an eye out for historical sites like the disused Eylesbarrow tin mine and the prominent South Hessary Tor, which add a rich layer of context to your mountain biking experience in this unique part of Dartmoor.

The Haldon Forest loop of the ridge offers a red-graded mountain biking experience, perfect for proficient riders seeking a technical, fast, and flowing adventure. This 5.2-mile (8.4 km) route, with 349 feet (106 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 44 minutes to complete. You'll navigate predominantly singletrack with tight corners, lively descents, and undulating sections that snake through the forest, providing picturesque views of the surrounding woodlands and magnificent vistas of Exeter and the Devonshire countryside from the ridge.

This trail is well-maintained and rideable year-round, thanks to its rocky, flint base, though you might encounter puddles after heavy rain. It features a mix of hardpack and looser gravel, with natural elements like tree roots, ditches, bridges, and boardwalks adding to the dynamic ride. A new 700-meter red section was added in December 2023 to enhance the experience and improve safety, ensuring a fresh challenge for returning riders.

While officially rated as moderate and red-graded, some sections, particularly in the latter half, might feel more like a harder blue or pink grade. The route is part of the larger network at Haldon Forest Park, which also includes easier green and blue trails, a skills area, and a pump track. For an even greater test, you can access the black-graded "Ridge Ride Extreme" from this loop, featuring demanding rocks, berms, drops, and step-downs.

The Haldon Forest loop of the blue Spicers & Kiddens trails offers a moderate mountain biking experience through a wooded hilltop. As you ride, you'll navigate a combination of hard-pack gravel and rocky flint surfaces, ensuring year-round rideability. This 6.3-mile (10.1 km) route, which takes about 52 minutes to complete, features a total elevation gain of 324 feet (99 metres). You'll enjoy pleasant forest views, with tall Douglas firs providing shade, and clearings offering panoramic vistas of Exeter and the wider Devonshire countryside, sometimes extending to the coast on clear days. This loop is designed for intermediate cyclists or those looking to build their off-road skills.

This blue-graded loop is part of a well-maintained and waymarked trail network at Haldon Forest Park. You'll find the trail conveniently located close to the park's cafe and car park, making it easy to grab refreshments after your ride. While the rocky flint base makes the trails rideable throughout the year, be prepared for puddles and potentially stream-like conditions if you visit during wetter months or after heavy rain. The park also provides additional amenities like a skills area and pump track if you want to warm up or hone your abilities before tackling the main loop.

This loop combines two distinct blue-graded trails: Spicers and Kiddens. Spicers is an excellent confidence-builder with gentle gradients, ideal if you are progressing from beginner trails or introducing new riders to mountain biking. Kiddens Trail then offers a natural progression, presenting more challenging terrain with greater changes in gradient and singletrack sections, helping you further develop your skills.

Embark on a challenging mountain biking adventure around Hound Tor, Hunter's Tor, and the River Bovey in Dartmoor National Park. This difficult 25.4-mile (40.9 km) route demands advanced riding skills, featuring technical singletrack, rocky descents, and steep climbs that accumulate 3674 feet (1120 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this demanding ride in about 4 hours and 19 minutes, navigating through diverse landscapes from vast moorland to steep wooded valleys, with magnificent views from the granite tors.

Be prepared for highly technical and sometimes hazardous terrain, as sections of this route are rated STS S3-S6. You will encounter tight, loose, and wet surfaces, including a

Embark on a moderate 13.8-mile (22.1 km) mountain bike loop from Princetown, featuring 1145 feet (349 metres) of climbing and typically taking around 2 hours and 3 minutes. This route offers a diverse experience across Dartmoor National Park, combining rocky tracks, open moorland, and bridleways. You will encounter granite boulders and drainage channels, with expansive views of Burrator Reservoir and iconic tors like South Hessary Tor.

Princetown serves as an excellent starting point for this adventure, providing convenient amenities such as pubs, cafes, and parking. While the overall difficulty is moderate, be prepared for sections that demand good fitness and advanced riding skills. Some parts, like the demanding rock garden known as "The Widowmaker," may even require you to push your bike.

This loop is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Beyond the tranquil waters of Burrator Reservoir, you will discover the commanding views from South Hessary Tor, a historical boundary marker topped with a distinctive iron spike. The route also passes by disused tin mines, adding a layer of history to your ride through the varied landscapes of open moorland and ancient woodlands.

Embark on the Red Lake & Avon Dam loop from Ivybridge, a diverse mountain biking trail spanning 20.0 miles (32.2 km) with 1760 feet (537 metres) of elevation gain. This moderate route, typically completed in 2 hours and 55 minutes, winds through open moorland, past granite tors, and along river valleys. You will encounter varied surfaces, from gravel to natural trails, and enjoy vast views of the Avon Dam reservoir and the distinctive conical spoil tip of the historic Red Lake, where Dartmoor ponies often graze. Be prepared for some challenging sections that may require advanced riding skills or even pushing your bike.

To make the most of your ride, plan your visit during drier months to avoid boggy conditions, especially past Avon Dam. The starting point in Ivybridge is easily accessible by public transport, and you will find parking options along with places for food and drink. Be aware that some tracks around Avon Dam Reservoir can disappear, adding a navigational challenge, so come prepared with good route-finding skills.

This loop offers a rich blend of natural beauty and history. The Avon Dam Reservoir provides a picturesque spot for a break, while Red Lake, a former china clay quarry, offers panoramic views from its prominent spoil tip. You will also ride along the "Puffing Billy" gravel trail, an old narrow-gauge railway line that now provides a long, fast-flowing descent off the moor. The trail is highly rated for its diverse terrain and scenic vistas, making it a rewarding adventure for experienced mountain bikers.

Embark on the Simonsbath & Exford loop from Lorna Doone, a moderate mountain biking adventure through the heart of Exmoor National Park. This route spans 29.3 miles (47.2 km) and features a significant 2872 feet (875 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 14 minutes to complete. You will ride through peaceful river valleys and across heather-covered uplands, encountering ancient woodlands and possibly even wild Exmoor ponies. The trail offers diverse terrain, from well-surfaced tracks to rougher, steeper, and potentially boggy sections, especially as you pass through the historic Lorna Doone Valley near Badgworthy Water.

When planning your ride, note that while the trail has a remote feel, starting points often provide accessible parking. Consider making a stop in villages like Withypool, which serves as a convenient halfway point and offers amenities such as tearooms, pubs, and shops for a refreshing break. Be prepared for the varied terrain, which can include well-surfaced paths but also rough, steep, and potentially boggy sections, requiring appropriate gear and readiness.

This loop is a prime example of Exmoor's natural beauty, guiding you through landscapes that inspired literature and continue to host unique wildlife. Beyond the physical challenge, you will experience the quiet solitude of empty, green valleys and the expansive views from heather-covered uplands. The presence of wild Exmoor ponies adds to the distinct character of the region, making this route a memorable journey through a truly special part of England.

Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure on the Peak Hill and Mutter's Moor loop, a 23.9-mile (38.5 km) route with 2379 feet (725 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 3 hours and 19 minutes. You will encounter varied surfaces, from accessible gravel paths and mucky farm tracks to technical singletrack sections and smoother disused railway lines. Enjoy incredible views over the Exe Estuary from Woodbury Castle, then ride through vibrant heathland with purple heather and yellow gorse as you approach Peak Hill and Mutter's Moor. The coastal proximity also offers magnificent views extending along the coast to Berry Head and around Lyme Bay to Portland Bill. You will also pass through woodlands with ancient, lichen-encrusted trees. This ride demands good fitness and advanced riding skills for its technical sections.

While rated moderate, this loop requires advanced riding skills to navigate some of the more technical sections, which can include jumps, drops, and varied singletrack. The quick-draining terrain, thanks to underlying pebble beds, means that many areas of Woodbury Common can be ridden year-round. However, be prepared for potentially sloppy and rooty sections, especially in wet conditions, and sandy patches when dry. Some portions of the route may even require you to push your bike.

This loop is notable for its diverse landscape, combining historic sites like Woodbury Castle with the natural beauty of heathland, moorland, and coastal views. The area is part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, rich in ecological and historical significance. Woodbury Common itself offers

Embark on a challenging mountain biking adventure through Dartmoor National Park with the Postbridge loop to Shapley Tor, Hameldown, and Bellever Forest. This moderate route covers 21.8 miles (35.1 km) with a significant 2300 feet (701 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 8 minutes to complete. You'll navigate a diverse mix of surfaces, from technical singletrack and rutted forest tracks to paved roads and exposed moorland. A highlight is the ascent to Shapley Tor, where you might need to push your bike up an incredibly steep bridlepath, but you'll be rewarded with spectacular views across the moorland. The trail also winds through the ancient Bellever Forest, offering a contrasting landscape of wooded areas and open grassland. Expect classic Dartmoor scenery with granite tors and heather-clad expanses.

Before you set out, be aware that the route demands good fitness and advanced riding skills, with some sections requiring dismounting and pushing your bike. Dartmoor's exposed moorland means the weather can change rapidly, so always carry appropriate clothing for varying conditions. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, planning your visit during drier months will make the rutted and technical sections more manageable. Always check local conditions and forecasts before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

This loop offers a deep dive into Dartmoor's characteristic wildness and rich history. As you ride through Bellever Forest, you'll encounter ancient archaeological sites, including Bronze Age hut circles and stone rows, providing a glimpse into the region's past. The variety of riding surfaces, from challenging singletrack to forest roads, ensures a constantly engaging experience. Keep an eye out for Dartmoor ponies and other wildlife, especially around Bellever Forest and along the River Dart, adding to the unique charm of this rugged landscape.