The best MTB trails around Shirwell

There are over 50 mountain bike trails around Shirwell, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 300 times, providing valuable insights and ratings.

The terrain around Shirwell is incredibly diverse, ranging from the vast moorland and scenic valleys of Exmoor National Park to the wild coastal cliffs and wooded river estuaries of the North Devon Coast National Landscape. You'll encounter a mix of singletrack, wide bridleways, and quiet country roads, with varying ascents and descents.

The trails around Shirwell cater to various skill levels. You'll find 9 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride, and 45 moderate routes that offer more challenge with varied terrain and elevation. There are no trails classified as difficult in the immediate Shirwell area, making it accessible for many riders.

Yes, there are several easy mountain bike trails around Shirwell. For a relatively flat ride along urban and riverside sections, consider the Barnstaple Clock Tower – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Barnstaple. This 12.1-mile path is an excellent option for those seeking a less strenuous experience.

Many of the mountain bike routes around Shirwell are designed as loops. For example, the popular Barnstaple Castle – Lankham Brake Bridleway loop from Barnstaple is a 29.2-mile moderate trail that offers varied terrain and ascents, bringing you back to your starting point.

The region boasts stunning natural beauty. Depending on your chosen route, you might encounter the dramatic coastal scenery of the North Devon Coast National Landscape, the extensive moorland of Exmoor, or river estuaries like the Taw. Highlights include Isley Marsh Nature Reserve, Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide, and various beaches such as Combe Martin Beach and Ilfracombe Harbour.

The mountain biking experience around Shirwell is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, which includes moorland, river valleys, and coastal landscapes, as well as the variety of routes suitable for different ability levels.

Yes, some routes offer convenient stops. The River Taw – Fremington Quay Café loop from Barnstaple, for instance, leads through river estuaries and coastal areas, providing an opportunity to stop at Fremington Quay Café. Additionally, the region has various pubs, such as Hunter's Inn, which might be accessible from certain trails.

Shirwell is approximately 3.5 miles northeast of Barnstaple, which serves as a key hub for accessing many cycling routes and has public transport links. While direct public transport to every trailhead might be limited, reaching Barnstaple can provide access to routes like the Taw Estuary – Quay Café loop from Barnstaple.

Given the proximity to Exmoor National Park and the North Devon Coast National Landscape, many trails offer panoramic views. The diverse terrain, including moorland and coastal areas, provides numerous opportunities for scenic vistas. While specific viewpoints aren't listed for every route, the general landscape ensures a picturesque ride.

North Devon offers mountain biking opportunities year-round, but the best time often depends on weather preferences. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is popular, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, especially on moorland and unpaved sections.

While the Tarka Trail itself is a multi-use path, sections of it can be incorporated into mountain biking routes, particularly the 30-mile traffic-free section between Braunton and Meeth. The Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington highlight indicates a popular section that can be part of a wider mountain biking adventure.