The best MTB trails around Shillingford St George
4.5
(336)
4,241
riders
61
rides
Mountain biking around Shillingford St George offers access to a landscape characterized by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and country lanes. The area is situated near Haldon Forest Park, a dedicated destination for mountain biking with a variety of trails. This region provides diverse terrain suitable for different skill levels, from gentle paths to more challenging routes.
Best mountain bike trails around Shillingford St George
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Haldon Forest loop of the ridge, a 5.2…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
4.8
(23)
349
riders
8.44km
00:45
110m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(32)
321
riders
10.1km
00:52
100m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.7
(3)
7
riders
28.4km
02:29
510m
510m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
1
riders
77.5km
05:34
960m
960m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(79)
911
riders
21.1km
01:47
240m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Tips from the Community
Top bit technical, then gets faster and flowing. a great down hill
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Nice flat cycle path. But gets VERY busy with 2 wheeled, 2 legged and 4 legged visitors in the summer months. Watch how you go.
1
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A bit rocky in places, as areas have been washed out in recent rains. Picked up a rear puncture and had to walk the bike on to East Budleigh to find a dry, flat spot to do the repair.
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Not for me on my new e-mtb. Chicken'ed out and went around it.
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The bridleway has now been resurfaced with tarmac, so can be ridden on any type of bike. A really good and quiet link from the Exe Estuary trail up towards Woodbury village and the common beyond.
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Haldon Forest Park opened the new start to the red trail in mid December 2023 and it's fantastic. It's packed gravel with berms at the start, then splits in two. Take the right 'short cut' to cut the entire red in two (or take it to ride back to the start and do the new section again) or stay left to carry on along the new bit and then get onto the usual red. This new section is nowhere near as challenging as the main red, but it's super fast and fun. As it spits you out on the fire track after a short distance, it's great for kids too, who can have a great time on this punchy gravel but bail before the red gets hairy. The way it's set up means it's easy to only do this bit, ride back to the start, and do it again and again.
3
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Great trail for the whole family. Can relax and cruise or head down and pick up some speed. The full trail is about 7 miles so tough for little ones
1
0
What a great trail it's got it all from seaside views and beaches to open commons and ancient woodland. Plenty of food stops to be had too.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around Shillingford St George?
There are over 60 mountain bike trails available around Shillingford St George. These routes range from easy, family-friendly paths to more challenging, technical tracks, primarily found within the nearby Haldon Forest Park.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families in the area?
Yes, Shillingford St George is close to Haldon Forest Park, which offers several beginner-friendly options. The "Discovery Trail" is ideal for novices, and the "Kiddens Trail" (blue-grade) provides a good warm-up. These trails are generally well-maintained and suitable for families looking for a less strenuous ride.
Where can I find more challenging mountain bike routes near Shillingford St George?
For more advanced riders, Haldon Forest Park features the "Ridge Ride Trail," which is a red-grade route with technical sections, tighter corners, and steeper descents. You can also explore longer, moderate routes like the Haldon Forest XC loops from Belvedere Castle, which covers 17.6 miles (28.4 km) through varied forest terrain.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in the Shillingford St George area?
Many of the mountain bike trails in Haldon Forest Park are designed as circular loops. For example, the Haldon Forest loop of the ridge is a popular 5.2-mile (8.4 km) moderate circular route. Another option is the Haldon Forest loop of the blue Spicers & Kiddens trails, a 6.3-mile (10.1 km) moderate path.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Shillingford St George?
The mountain bike routes around Shillingford St George are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders often praise the well-maintained trails within Haldon Forest Park, the diverse terrain, and the stunning woodland views, especially the elevated lookouts over Devon.
Are there any scenic views or natural attractions along the mountain bike trails?
Yes, the trails in Haldon Forest Park offer stunning woodland views and elevated lookouts over Devon. While not directly on the MTB trails, the broader area features the Exe Estuary Trail, which provides fantastic views along the River Exe. Shillingford Wood, nearby, is known for its bluebells in spring and views across the valley.
Is there parking available for mountain bikers near the trails?
Haldon Forest Park, the primary mountain biking destination near Shillingford St George, offers dedicated parking facilities. These are typically well-signposted and provide convenient access to the trailheads.
What facilities are available at Haldon Forest Park for mountain bikers?
Haldon Forest Park is well-equipped for mountain bikers, offering bike hire, a bike wash station, and a café. It also has a skills area for practicing jumps, berms, and balance, as well as a pump track, making it a comprehensive destination for riders.
Are there any long-distance mountain bike routes in the region?
For those seeking a longer ride, the Exeter loop to Ottery St Mary is a challenging 48.2-mile (77.5 km) route that explores a wider area. Within Haldon Forest Park, the Kiddens Trail loop from Haldon Forest Park offers a substantial 13.1-mile (21.1 km) moderate ride.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking around Shillingford St George?
The trails in Haldon Forest Park are designed as all-weather trails, meaning they can be enjoyed year-round. However, spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with Shillingford Wood known for its bluebells in springtime. Winter conditions can be managed due to the all-weather surfacing.
Can I find other cycling options besides mountain biking in the area?
Absolutely. The Exe Estuary Trail is easily accessible from the area and offers a 22.5-mile (36-km) mostly flat, traffic-free cycle route. It's well-surfaced and suitable for any type of bike, providing a leisurely cycling experience along the estuary.
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