The best MTB trails in Dartmoor

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.

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 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 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.