The best MTB trails around Devon

Devon offers a wide variety of mountain biking experiences, from challenging moorland climbs and technical boulder-strewn descents in Dartmoor National Park to flowy forest trails in Haldon Forest Park. You can also find coastal, wooded, and open moorland trails in Exmoor National Park, and even dedicated downhill tracks at Gawton Gravity Hub. The region's diverse landscapes ensure options for all skill levels and preferences.

Yes, Devon has several excellent options for beginners and families. Haldon Forest Park near Exeter features all-weather surfaced trails, including green (Discovery trail) and blue (Spicers and Kiddens trails) options. In Dartmoor, the fully surfaced Granite and Gears trails near Princetown are family-friendly. Additionally, the Tarka Trail offers a 30-mile traffic-free, mostly flat, and tarmacked section between Braunton and Meeth, ideal for less experienced cyclists.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Dartmoor National Park offers grueling climbs and technical, boulder-strewn descents, with areas like Lustleigh Cleave known for their technical riding. Haldon Forest Park also has the black-rated Ridge Ride Extreme trail with rock garden sections and drop-offs. Exmoor National Park provides varied cross-country riding with challenging roller-coaster bedrock descents and steep climbs. For pure downhill, Gawton Gravity Hub offers four technical downhill trails.

Devon's trails often pass through stunning natural landscapes. In Dartmoor, you'll encounter rugged granite tors and ancient woodlands. Haldon Forest Park offers magnificent views of Exeter and the Devonshire countryside. Exmoor National Park features diverse coastal, wooded, and open moorland scenery. While our specific routes don't pass directly by them, you can explore highlights like the National Memorial Arch or sections of the Schuylkill River Trail in the wider region.

Absolutely. Many trails in Devon boast spectacular views. The Ridge Ride Extreme trail in Haldon Forest Park provides panoramic vistas of Exeter and the surrounding Devonshire countryside. Dartmoor National Park is renowned for its expansive, desolate panoramas and rugged landscapes. Exmoor National Park offers breathtaking coastal views, especially on trails near the sea. The Tarka Trail also includes sections with views towards Dartmoor and Exmoor.

The best seasons for mountain biking in Devon are typically spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these times, temperatures are milder, and trails are generally less crowded. While some trails, like those in Haldon Forest Park, are all-weather, moorland routes can become very wet and challenging in winter.

Many trails in Devon, particularly those on public bridleways within Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially around livestock, and to check specific park or trail regulations regarding dogs. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and doesn't interfere with other trail users or wildlife.

Yes, many mountain bike routes in Devon are designed as loops. For example, Dartmoor offers routes like the Burrator Reservoir and Princetown Circular, and the Hound Tor, Hunter's Tor, and River Bovey loop. The Tarka Trail, while extensive, is a figure-of-eight looping trail providing many circular riding opportunities. Our featured routes also include loops such as the Knox Covered Bridge – River Trail loop from Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Schuylkill River Trail loop from DeKalb Street.

The mountain biking experiences in Devon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 3 reviews. Riders often praise the region's diverse terrain, from challenging technical sections to smooth, flowing singletrack, and the stunning natural beauty encountered along the routes.

Yes, several popular mountain biking spots in Devon offer good facilities. Haldon Forest Park, for instance, has a well-equipped hub with amenities including a café, bike hire, mechanics, and a bike wash. Other areas, especially those near towns or villages within the National Parks, often have pubs and cafes nearby to refuel after a ride.

This guide features 5 mountain bike trails around Devon, catering to various skill levels. These include easy routes like Chapel Trail, moderate options such as Single track that flows smoothly – River Trail loop from Tredyffrin Township Open Space, and more difficult challenges like the Knox Covered Bridge – River Trail loop from Valley Forge National Historical Park.