The best MTB trails around Allington

Allington offers a wide selection of mountain bike routes, with over 60 trails available for you to explore. These range in difficulty from easy to difficult, catering to various skill levels.

The mountain bike trails around Allington offer a good mix of challenges. You'll find 21 easy routes, 35 moderate routes, and 8 more difficult trails, ensuring options for all experience levels.

The terrain around Allington, situated on the edge of the Vale of Belvoir, is characterized by rolling countryside and local hills. You'll encounter diverse landscapes with sedimentary mudstones, thin limestones, and Jurassic Ironstone. Some routes navigate the escarpment, offering varied riding experiences from smooth gravel tracks to more technical singletrack sections.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Easy routes like the Boscombe Down Gravel Track – Ford Bridge loop from Amesbury, which is 12.1 miles long and follows a smooth gravel track, are ideal for families. Another easy option is the Boscombe Down Gravel Track – Gravel Path Beside River Avon loop from Amesbury, which is just under 12 miles.

The mountain bike routes in Allington are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.3 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain and the scenic views across the Vale of Belvoir.

Many of the trails in Allington are designed as loops. For example, the Woodfords Singletrack – Ford Bridge loop from Amesbury is a moderate 15.6-mile route featuring singletrack sections. Another option is the more challenging View of Salisbury Plain – Tank Crossing loop from Bulford, which is 22.7 miles long.

While mountain biking, you can explore several notable attractions. Nearby highlights include the historic Stonehenge, the impressive Salisbury Cathedral, and the ancient Old Sarum Ruins. You might also pass by Woodhenge, another significant prehistoric site.

The region offers beautiful natural features and viewpoints. The Vale of Belvoir itself provides rolling countryside views, and the scarp slope where Belvoir Castle stands offers commanding vistas across the valley. Some trails, like the View of Salisbury Plain – Tank Crossing loop from Bulford, are specifically named for their scenic outlooks.

Mountain biking in Allington is generally enjoyable in dry conditions, especially for routes that navigate the escarpment and feature cross-country riding. Spring and summer typically offer the most favorable weather, though autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Salisbury Plain Perimeter Path – Redhorn Hill Byway loop from Bulford is a difficult 32.2-mile (51.8 km) route with significant elevation gain, often taking over 3.5 hours to complete.

Many trails in the Allington area are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other trail users. Always check for specific signage or local regulations on individual routes or in nature reserves.

Yes, the area offers options for refreshments. The Engine Yard, adjacent to Belvoir Castle, provides local food, artisan shopping, and cafes. Additionally, the nearby town of Grantham features a traditional rural market and various amenities.