Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park
Nutcracker Trail
Mountain biking
4.7
(42)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
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Tips
October 3, 2018
Mountain biking
November 11, 2019
Mountain biking
March 28, 2022
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Nutcracker Trail
3.7
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72
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1,120m
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Embark on a challenging mountain biking adventure around Hound Tor, Hunter's Tor, and the River Bovey in Dartmoor National Park. This difficult 25.4-mile (40.9 km) route demands advanced riding skills, featuring technical singletrack, rocky descents, and steep climbs that accumulate 3674 feet (1120 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this demanding ride in about 4 hours and 19 minutes, navigating through diverse landscapes from vast moorland to steep wooded valleys, with magnificent views from the granite tors.
Be prepared for highly technical and sometimes hazardous terrain, as sections of this route are rated STS S3-S6. You will encounter tight, loose, and wet surfaces, including a
3.4
(7)
29
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26.5km
03:04
740m
740m
Prepare for a challenging mountain biking adventure on the Grimspound, Hayne Down & the Nutcrackers loop from Manaton. This difficult route spans 16.5 miles (26.5 km) and features a significant 2419 feet (737 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 3 minutes to complete. As you ride, you'll navigate Dartmoor's distinctive landscape, characterized by vast open skies, rolling grassland, and dramatic granite tors. A highlight is the ancient Grimspound Bronze-Age Settlement, which emerges strikingly from the open moorland, offering a unique historical backdrop to your ride. The trail also includes the renowned Nutcracker Trail, a particularly rocky descent that will test your technical skills.
When planning your visit, be aware that this route is a shared bridleway, so you will encounter walkers, horses, and local sheep. Winter conditions can make the trail exceptionally difficult, with very slippery and potentially unridable sections. Expect boggy and waterlogged ground, especially after rain, which can slow your progress and add to the technical challenge. For the best experience, consider tackling this route during drier seasons to avoid the most challenging conditions.
This loop offers a deep dive into Dartmoor National Park's rugged beauty and ancient history. Beyond the physical challenge, you'll gain insight into the region's past at the Grimspound Bronze-Age Settlement, a well-preserved example of prehistoric life. The combination of demanding terrain, historical sites, and expansive moorland views makes this route a standout option for experienced mountain bikers seeking a memorable ride in the heart of Dartmoor.
4.3
(6)
51
riders
30.3km
03:04
900m
910m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
Details
Informations
Distance 1.70 km
Uphill 120 m
Downhill 20 m
Weather
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Thursday 20 August
19°C
9°C
39 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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