Exmoor trails…

Is there a resource for finding out decent trails over on exmoor? I’m currently on the quantocks, yes that’s right, awesome riding out the backdoor but I’m curious about what’s over on exmoor – especially since I can see it from the house! Nope, never explored it on the bike…I’m getting good rides locally so never bothered to road trip the 30mins! Ha!
Also, was wondering if there’s a sea-to-sky type trail effectively going from the coast (Porlock?) up to the top of the beacon, highest point of exmoor etc…and back down again for some crazy down hill fun. I’m on 120mm so definitely fall on the xc/trail rather than trail/DH’er side so climbing is fine (keep climbing past people when I go out!), on the quantocks you’re either climbing or screaming downhill but all good fun. Imagining exmoor is similar?

It’s awesome. There’s a VertebratePublishing South West Mountain Biking book which is good for Exmoor (and the quantocks) but also this site which should help

http://www.1sw.org.uk/experience/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/South-West-Mountain-Biking-Quantocks/dp/1906148260

There’s also, obviously, the OS Map. That area is criss crossed with bridleways

There was a Porlock/Dunkery Beacon route in MBUK recently. Looked pretty good.

Cool, I’ll check those out, thanks!

One of my favourite routes locally which I’m just to set out on:

Start Porlock and climb and climb up Hawkecombe head to road.Turn left and make your way via Aldermans Barrow to long climb on west side of Dunkery. Down Dunkery to Brockwell and turn left again to climb back up to Webbers post. Descend from Webbers into Horner valley and climb back up to find the Doverhays downhill back to Porlock.

Brief description but I think its obvious on map.

Just waiting for sun to come out!

sounds good, big grey clouds moving through at the moment…rain on the way? It’s still pretty warm out though. Have fun! 🙂

I think that 1 South West site is no longer being managed. Their map section doesn’t work and going by their twitter account there’s been no posts since March 2014… shame, seems like a good idea.

The best kept secret about Exmoor:

Croyde

The 1:12,500 reveal all…

I think the 1st SouthWest project finished up about a year or so ago.
Tourist information in Dunster used to and may still sell a shiny waterproof map showing the bike trails with difficulty gradings. Unlike The Quantocks most Exmoor rides seem to involve some road riding to string the trails together. One i’ve done in the past starts at Horner Woods, climbs up to Dunkery then eventually drops back down into Porlock
The Exmoor Explorer is in a couple of weeks starting at Minehead Rugby Club.
Like you i can ride to the Quantocks from my door so tend to stay there.

Anyone who has ridden one of the Mondraker Enduros there in recent years will attest to how good the area is if you scrape beyond the superficial. Even the superficial is very good. My personal opinion is that it knocks the Quantocks into a cocked hat.

In character, the Minehead, Dunkery, Porlock area is a bigger, higher, steeper version of the Quantocks, involving more steep road climbs and push-ups due to the general increase in steepness and size. The plus side is that it abounds in longer, steeper descents. The croyde maps reveal most of the good trails in fine detail; many are simply missing from the OS25K. Do be aware that the whole area is popular with elderly walkers at peak times!

A downside is that, though there are hidden DH trails around, it doesn’t really have a real equivalent of Triscombe DH.

Right then , start in Minehead , warm up to Dunster up over Wooton Common b/p to Webbers Post or up to Dunkery ! . On to Stoke Pero absolute hoot of a descent to Horner , cream tea ! After on to Selworthy , climb to beacon then epic descent back to Minehead 🙂

Like you i can ride to the Quantocks from my door so tend to stay there.

I’m the same. I’ve been to Exmoor a few times and done most of the good bits but it’s a place I’ve never really had the urge to go back to, especially as I would have to drive past the Quantocks which is nearly on my doorstep.

Wouldn’t bother, there’s better trails on the Q’s

If you know where to look around Porlock, Horner, Selworthy and Minehead there is some good riding to be had, mostly flat out singletrack, but hard to describe and you do need to put the work in to find it…

I ride the Qs a lot but its definitely worth a visit. However be prepared to think you’re climbing all the while as the descents are just rapid!

I’ve never been as broken as after a days ride based out of Pool Bridge. From porlock weir at sea level, dunkery at 600m give or take, and every point in between, 38 miles of tough climbs and arm pumping finger wringing descents had me calling for my mummy.

I ride both the Q’s and Exmoor every week. I have been riding on exmoor now for 15+ years. I guided a group of 5 yesterday who usually ride the Q’s around Exmoor on a 25 mile route. An assortment of bikes and riders 120mm’s to 160mm’s. Despite the fact it was hammering down for the whole day, 3700 ft of climbing involved and plenty of off’s they loved it. Their feedback over a pint or two was:

Everything was bigger and tougher, ups and downs.
More intimidating – The quantocks are ridden a lot more which gives chicken runs round most obstacles on natural trails ie hodders logs, chimney lower on the bank rather than the shute even some of the other stuff is changing lately chimney link having been straight lined, beside the road straight lined, etc etc. Exmoor has little bike traffic and therefore line choice and commitment is vital as its not all ‘rollable’.
More exposure and massive – Croydon, Grabbist, North Hill, Dunkery, Exmoor Forest, Brendon, Withypool it just goes on.
Exmoor Singletrack – Kidney Jarer, Cats Scramble, Goosey, the wall were all ‘unforgettable’.

I rate both highly and if your only 30mins away it’s a must do. Organised events like the upcoming explorer are a good introduction but limited where they can go. Others have given great suggestions above . If you want other options with some hidden gems give me a PM with a starting point and what your after and I’ll send you a GPX.

Reminded me I must get back to Exmoor, my favourite national park for mtbing. Loved Horners Wood in particular, the granny run!