The best MTB trails in West Devon

West Devon offers over 120 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 21 easy routes, 95 moderate routes, and 7 challenging trails for experienced riders.

The terrain in West Devon is diverse, centered around Dartmoor National Park. Expect rugged granite tors, expansive heather-clad moorlands, ancient woodlands, and winding river valleys. Trails range from gentle forestry tracks to technical singletrack, offering a mix of rocky bridleways and undulating hills.

Yes, West Devon has options suitable for families. The Princetown Old Railway Track, for example, offers a mostly traffic-free route that follows part of a historic railway line. Additionally, areas like Bellever Forest provide gentle trails through deciduous woodland, perfect for novices and families.

Many trails in West Devon, particularly those within Dartmoor National Park, are dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially on open moorland where livestock may be grazing. Always check local signage and be mindful of ground-nesting birds during spring and early summer.

West Devon's trails offer stunning natural features. You can encounter impressive granite tors like Bellever Tor and Hunter’s Tor, as well as ancient woodlands such as Wistman's Wood. Some routes pass by beautiful water features like waterfalls near Burrator Reservoir or the tranquil River Dart.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in West Devon are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Granite & Gears: Princetown and Burrator Loop, the South Hessery Tor, Burrator Reservoir & Ingra Tor loop from Princetown, and the Postbridge loop to Shapley Tor, Hameldown and Bellever Forest.

The mountain biking experience in West Devon is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 380 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, the stunning views across Dartmoor's open moorlands, and the variety of trails that cater to different skill levels, from challenging singletrack to scenic, less technical routes.

The best time to go mountain biking in West Devon is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and the trails are drier. While winter riding is possible, conditions can be challenging with colder temperatures, rain, and potentially boggy sections on the moorland trails.

For experienced riders seeking longer distances, West Devon offers challenging routes such as the Merrivale Range, Bellever Forest & Yelverton loop from Tavistock, which covers over 62 km. The region also forms part of the West Country Way, a long-distance bikepacking route that includes wide gravel trails, muddy climbs, and singletrack sections.

For those seeking a challenge, West Devon offers routes with significant elevation gain and technical sections. The Merrivale Range, Bellever Forest & Yelverton loop from Tavistock is classified as difficult, featuring over 1100 meters of ascent. Dartmoor also has steep, technical singletrack trails and exposed moorland tracks for advanced riders.

While many trails in West Devon, especially those deep within Dartmoor, are best accessed by car, some areas have limited public transport options. For specific routes, it's advisable to check local bus services that connect towns like Princetown, Tavistock, or Okehampton, which are often starting points for trails. However, carrying bikes on public transport can be restricted.

Parking is available at various points around Dartmoor National Park and near trailheads. Popular starting points like Princetown, Postbridge, and near Burrator Reservoir often have designated car parks. Always ensure you park responsibly and check for any parking fees or restrictions.