4.1
(136)
790
riders
14
rides
Mountain biking around North Bovey offers routes through the varied landscape of Dartmoor National Park. The region features rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and open moorland, providing diverse terrain for mountain bikers. Trails often follow bridleways and byways, traversing river valleys and ascending to viewpoints. The area is characterized by its granite tors and a network of paths suitable for off-road cycling.
Last updated: September 30, 2026
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.
4.8
(5)
29
riders
34.7km
03:14
830m
830m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

5.0
(2)
4
riders
32.3km
02:39
630m
630m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.0
(1)
8
riders
26.7km
02:45
770m
770m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
3
riders
18.8km
01:32
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Popular around North Bovey
The grave is believed to be the final resting place of a young woman named Mary Jay, often referred to as Kitty Jay. According to local lore, Jay was an orphaned farm girl who worked as a maid in a nearby parish during the late 18th or early 19th century. She fell in love and became pregnant, but was abandoned by her lover. Despondent and facing social ostracism, Jay took her own life. At that time, suicides were buried at crossroads outside consecrated grounds to prevent their souls from wandering. Jay’s Grave has become a symbol of sadness and remembrance, continually adorned with fresh flowers, coins, and other tokens of respect. Despite its remote location, visitors regularly leave offerings, and it’s said that fresh flowers appear daily, even in harsh weather, a phenomenon that has fueled many local legends and ghost stories. Some claim to have seen the ghost of Kitty Jay weeping at her grave or riding horseback across the moor. The exact origins of the grave and the identity of
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A nice place with spectacular views.
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Simple stone bridge, fits well with the rest!
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A truly ancient place, stretching back to 1400 BC. What a task constructing the surrounding wall must have been!
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The small sacred monument, made of granite typical of the region, which the biker encounters at this spot, has been located here for several centuries. The familiar cross shape is difficult to recognize because the typical side arms of the longitudinal beam are largely missing, and only a few fragments of this monument are present.
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The small granite sacred monument that the hiker encounters at this spot has been located here for several centuries. The familiar cruciform shape is difficult to recognize because the typical side arms of the longitudinal beam are largely missing, and only a few fragments of this monument are present.
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Great decent, quite techy with a few drop offs but a proficient mtb er will love it !
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0
There are 14 mountain bike trails documented around North Bovey on komoot, offering a variety of experiences through Dartmoor National Park.
The trails around North Bovey are primarily categorized as moderate or difficult. There are 8 moderate trails and 6 difficult trails, with no easy routes listed in the current selection.
Given that all listed routes are either moderate or difficult, North Bovey's mountain biking is generally more suited for experienced riders or families with older, more capable children. The terrain often involves significant elevation changes and varied surfaces typical of Dartmoor.
You can expect varied terrain, including rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and open moorland. Trails often follow bridleways and byways, traversing river valleys and ascending to granite tors, providing a diverse off-road cycling experience.
For a longer ride, consider the Jay's Grave Bridleway – Hisley Bridge loop from Warren House Inn, which is 21.6 miles (34.7 km) long. Another substantial option is the Hunter's Tor – Hisley Bridge loop from North Bovey, covering 18.8 miles (30.3 km).
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around North Bovey are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Lustleigh Village – North Bovey Byway loop from North Bovey and the North Bovey Byway – Hisley Bridge loop from North Bovey.
The trails often pass by significant natural landmarks within Dartmoor. You might encounter impressive granite formations like Haytor Rocks, Hound Tor, or Bellever Tor. The ancient Wistman's Wood is also a notable natural monument in the wider area.
Absolutely. Dartmoor is known for its expansive views. Many routes ascend to tors which offer panoramic vistas, such as Hunter’s Tor and Hookney Tor. The open moorland sections of trails like the Hound Tor – Jay's Grave Bridleway loop from Birch Tor also provide stunning scenery.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse Dartmoor landscape, the challenge of the varied terrain, and the opportunity to explore ancient byways and river valleys.
Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in North Bovey, with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. However, Dartmoor's weather can be unpredictable, so being prepared for changing conditions is always advisable. Autumn provides beautiful colours, while winter can bring more challenging conditions, including mud and colder temperatures on the exposed moorland.
Yes, there are 8 moderate trails available. A good option for intermediate riders is the North Bovey Byway – Hisley Bridge loop from North Bovey, which covers 11.7 miles (18.8 km) and has a moderate difficulty rating.
Ride durations vary depending on the route and your pace. For example, the moderate Lustleigh Village – North Bovey Byway loop from North Bovey typically takes around 2 hours 39 minutes, while more difficult and longer routes like the Hunter's Tor – Hisley Bridge loop from North Bovey can take over 3 hours.


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