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.
