I would ideally like to be within easy riding distance of a breathtaking array of home-made enduro tracks.
And within striking distance of Barnstaple in the car.
I've raced near Minehead a few times but that's mostly private woodland I believe?
Quantocks are too far east.
Any tips gratefully received!
Your best bet is sticking to Exmoor around the coast - Porlock is good. For proper enduro tracks you're looking either there or Minehead/Avil Ball way. West Exmoor has fewer trails (e.g. Simonsbath and west) and North Devon proper is very limited for good mtb trails. There are pockets of trails of course, but not much. Lynmouth/Lynton is pretty good to access the moor too, but not really home-made endure stuff.....about 45 mins from Barnstaple.
I lived 14 years in Barnstaple, left last year - North Devon is great for roadbiking, mtb less so I'm afraid. Best bet close to Barnstaple is Lee Woods, but these trails are cheeky in nature.
Thanks!
Yes I’ve spent a couple of very enjoyable mornings in Lee woods, shame it’s such a small area. Could stick to jumping and progress to the dirt jumps in Barnstaple park I suppose 😱
And pedal over to Exmoor on the xc bike.
I just hate the idea of having to drive to ride, and this is my chance to minimise that.
Do you prefer village life or a small town.
My parents used to live near Braunton. There is a reasonable loop out to Woolacombe. This used to get alternated with a trip to Codden Hill.
When foot and mouth was on it was also enjoyable riding the tiny country lanes with grass up the middle.
Out the back of Taunton you have Triscombe which is good for riding. Not too far from Exmoor and the M5 for shooting off to other places.
Or move to Barnstaple and learn to surf.
If you’re in N Somerset / Barnstaple it’s ridiculous to rule out Quantocks and Triscombe which have the most fantastic mix of trails including the gnarliest downhills and flowing xc routes. Plus Exmoor and around there to boot.
If you don’t want to drive then really I’d suggest living in the Quantocks.
Do you prefer village life or a small town.
I can do either
it’s ridiculous to rule out Quantocks
Ok, I’ll reconsider them. Only then i’m a long way from surfville.
Is there enough fair-game stuff around porlock/minehead to keep me happy?
If you’re after surf then half way between Quantocks and Saunton is ideal. So basically Exmoor. Then you’ve got riding on the doorstep, Quantocks and Triscombe in one direction and surf in the other. And if you fancy an introduction to kitesurfing let me know...
If you need to get west and rarely need to head east then there’s no reason not to choose somewhere near Porlock. As someone lucky enough to live at the foot of the Quantocks (because Exmoor is just too far from occasional work trips to Bristol/London’s/Birmingham) I treasure the days when I can get over to Exmoor to ride... it’s just like the Qs but bigger. So long as you’re willing to climb (and that means pushing most rides) then I can’t think of anywhere better to ride
I lived in Taunton for a long time, great for the quantocks, ok for exmoor but for surfing sucked. Could do woolacombe in an hour or so on a good run cross country, normally more. You can go on the link road but then got the lottery of Barnstaple/braunton.
Porlock is now pretty pricey for property and the last 3 I've been looking at have sold the same day they went on the market. Roadways is out of the way enough to be much better priced and a bit less desirable amongst the Surrey set who seen to be taking Porlock over. Minehead has some nice bits and is well located for riding and travel. As far as riding is concerned Exmoor is the most underrated area in the UK. There's loads of stuff you just need to either be prepared to put the leg work in or get in with the locals (should only take a decade or so 🤔)
Well yes, there are only about two houses available in the whole of Devon at the moment.
I’m not averse to earning my descents and a bit of scenery, but is Exmoor not a bit XC-ish?
I do love sliding down a steep twisty hand-built South Wales mud slide...
Minehead would seem a good compromise. The woods just south of Minehead have loads of steep techy built trails. Exmoor has some great natural descents eg from Hawkcombe head but you will definitely have to earn them* and the Quantocks/Triscombe and North Devon (for surfing) are not far away. Dartmoor, isn’t that faraway either and the riding there also shouldn’t be under-estimated.
*took an ebike recently and joined a lot of them up and over 45km did 1800m of ‘climbing’. The tops of the Exmoor, Quantocks and Dartmoor are more XC but the fringes are where the best descents lie.
Maybe it's not the best place for you. Innerleithen has exactly what you need. Why is it that you've decided on the North Devon area.
And within striking distance of Barnstaple in the car.
innerleithen to barnstaple is a bit of a hike?
Minehead would seem a good compromise.
depends on how important getting to barnstaple is. you don't get anywhere quickly from minehead...
Innerleithen has exactly what you need
I’ve spent hours poring over my map of the West Country but I can’t find it anywhere🤷♂️ Is it any good for surfing?
Thanks everyone. I shall check out Butlins tomorrow.
Maybe it’s not the best place for you. Innerleithen has exactly what you need. Why is it that you’ve decided on the North Devon area.
Mega-classic STW! 402 miles!!! (Minehead)