Top 4 Bike Parks in East Devon AONB

The bike parks in East Devon AONB, particularly around Woodbury Common, offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find extensive heathland with networks of bridleways and singletrack, characterized by short, sharp ups and downs. Trails can be rooty, undulating, tight, and twisting, providing a dynamic riding experience. Some areas also feature purpose-built jump lines and technical descents.

Yes, there are options for beginners and families. While many trails offer challenges, areas like Haldon Forest Park, just outside the AONB, provide family-friendly routes such as the Discovery Trail. Within the AONB, the 1.5-mile off-road path called 'The Byes' from Sidford to Sidmouth is suitable for families. For those looking to learn jumps, Yettington Jump Line offers intermediate options in a semi-covered area.

For challenging rides, explore the areas around Woodbury Common. The Woodbury Common Perimeter Singletrack is known for its narrow, techy singletrack with hidden roots, especially challenging in wet conditions. The Woodbury Common XC Race Course also offers rooty, undulating, tight, and twisting trails. Additionally, the Sidmouth area, including Mutter's Moor and Peak Hill, provides rugged terrain with steep ascents and descents.

Yes, you can find bike parks with jumps and technical features. Yettington Jump Line is a popular spot for intermediate riders with a fantastic set of jump lines. For more advanced jumps, Pines Ridge Jumps offers gap jumps, tables, and drop-offs in a natural bowl setting.

Beyond bike parks, East Devon AONB offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, such as those found in the Easy hikes in East Devon AONB guide, including the Otter Valley Walk or routes around the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. For more cycling, consider the Cycling in East Devon AONB guide, which features routes like the Budleigh-Exmouth Cycleway. Gravel biking is also popular, with options like the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk, as detailed in the Gravel biking in East Devon AONB guide.

East Devon AONB is rich in natural beauty. While cycling, you can experience vast heathland, extensive woodlands, and dramatic coastal areas. Trails around Sidmouth, including Mutter's Moor and Peak Hill, offer panoramic views over the Jurassic Coastline. The East Devon Trail bikepacking route showcases diverse habitats from freshwater marshes and heathland to cliffs and beaches.

The bike parks in East Devon AONB can be enjoyed year-round, but conditions vary. In autumn, fallen leaves can make trails interesting with hidden roots. In winter, some trails, especially those around Woodbury Common, can become quite sloppy and wet due to the soil taking longer to drain. For the most comfortable riding conditions, spring and summer generally offer drier trails and milder weather.

Yes, the East Devon Trail is a notable 113-mile (182 km) bikepacking route that traverses East Devon, including parts of the AONB. It features a mix of coastal cliff tops, double-track, gravel paths, quiet country lanes, and some technical singletrack. Approximately 50% of the route is unpaved, making it ideal for adventurous cyclists seeking a multi-day experience with diverse landscapes.

Singletrack trails are a highlight of the region. The Woodbury Common Perimeter Singletrack is a popular choice, known for its narrow and techy sections. The Holly Trail (Eastern Edge of Woodbury Common) also offers a singletrack bridleway through mixed deciduous woodland. Woodbury Common generally provides extensive singletrack networks within its heathland.

Yes, many cycling routes in East Devon AONB offer opportunities for refreshments. The Exe Estuary Trail, for example, has numerous cafes and pubs along its 16-mile circular route. The East Devon Trail bikepacking route also features plenty of opportunities for stops at seaside cafes and pubs, allowing riders to refuel and enjoy local hospitality.

When riding on Woodbury Common, be mindful of the varied terrain, which includes heathland, bridleways, and singletrack. Trails can be techy with hidden roots, especially challenging in wet conditions. It's important to take care of other trail users, including walkers and their dogs, as it's a shared space. Always check local guidelines and trail conditions to ensure responsible riding and minimize erosion.