The best MTB trails around West Putford

There are 9 mountain bike trails documented around West Putford on komoot, offering a range of experiences from easy lakeside loops to more demanding moderate routes.

The terrain around West Putford is diverse, featuring coastal paths, river valleys, and hilly, forested landscapes. You'll encounter varied surfaces, from gravel tracks around lakes to more rugged paths in woodlands and along the coast. The broader North Devon area, accessible from West Putford, is known for its dramatic sea cliffs, expansive beaches, and picturesque coves, all contributing to a varied cycling experience.

Yes, there is an easy mountain bike trail available. The Upper Tamar Lake – Upper Tamar Lake loop from Upper Tamar Dam is a gentle 5.2 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed ride. It follows a gravel track around the lake, though some sections can be boggy after heavy rain.

Many of the mountain bike routes around West Putford are designed as circular loops. For example, the popular River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Langtree is a 48.7 km circular trail exploring the scenic River Torridge valley. Another option is the Brownsham Wood – View of Eldern Point loop from Clovelly, a moderate 26.4 km circular path.

Yes, the trails offer access to several interesting features. You can find spellbinding glimpses of the coast along The Hobby Drive. The Brownsham Wood – View of Eldern Point loop from Clovelly offers views towards Eldern Point. Additionally, the historic village of Clovelly, clinging to a 400-foot cliff, is a unique nearby attraction that provides superb views and a fascinating glimpse into history.

While many routes are moderate, the easy Upper Tamar Lake – Upper Tamar Lake loop from Upper Tamar Dam is a good option for families, offering a relatively flat gravel track. The Tarka Trail, which is incorporated into some routes like the River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Langtree, is also generally multi-use and off-road, making it suitable for family cycling in its gentler sections.

Many trails in the West Putford area, especially those on public bridleways and multi-use paths like sections of the Tarka Trail, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially around livestock, and to check specific trail regulations or local signage for any restrictions before you go.

While specific dedicated mountain biking parking areas in West Putford itself are not extensively documented, you can typically find parking at trailheads or in nearby villages and towns that serve as starting points for routes. For instance, routes starting from Langtree or Clovelly would likely have local parking facilities. For the Upper Tamar Lake loop, parking is available near the Upper Tamar Dam.

Devon's weather can be variable. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, making them ideal for mountain biking. Summer can be great, but trails might be busier. Winter rides are possible, but some areas, particularly around Tamar Lakes, can become boggy after heavy rain, and trails in Dartmoor and Exmoor can be rugged and challenging in wet conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

West Putford is a tranquil village, but the wider North Devon region offers various options for food and accommodation. Nearby towns and villages along the routes, such as Clovelly, will have pubs, cafes, and guesthouses. The Hartland Abbey and Valley – Brownsham Tearoom loop from Redmonsford specifically mentions a tearoom, indicating places to refuel are available on some routes.

The mountain bike routes around West Putford are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 7 reviews. Over 40 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to river valleys and forested areas.

While West Putford itself doesn't host a dedicated mountain bike center, its location provides convenient access to broader regional options. The Tamar Valley, for example, offers off-road multi-use trails through woodlands, centered around the Tamar Trails Centre. Further afield, Haldon Forest Park provides extensive woodland trails, including challenging singletrack. Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks also offer varied mountain biking trails, though they are not directly adjacent to West Putford.

The Tarka Trail is a popular multi-use, mainly off-road cycling route that utilizes old railway lines, providing a gentler option for cyclists. Sections of the Tarka Trail are incorporated into mountain bike routes around West Putford, such as the River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Langtree. It offers a relatively flat and accessible surface, making it suitable for a range of abilities, though some parts might be more suited to hybrid or mountain bikes due to surface conditions.