The best MTB trails around Reading

There are over 40 mountain bike trails around Reading, catering to various skill levels. These include 16 easy routes, 23 moderate routes, and 1 difficult trail for experienced riders.

Mountain biking around Reading offers diverse terrain, from dense woodlands and river paths along the Thames to the varied landscapes of the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs. You'll find a mix of bridleways, gravel tracks, and challenging singletrack sections.

Yes, Reading has several easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners. For a gentle ride, consider the View of Basildon House – Birchen Copse loop from Caversham Heights, which is 17.9 miles (28.8 km) and leads through woodlands. Another option is the Mapledurham Estate Bridleway – Caversham Court Gardens loop from Reading, which is 15.6 miles (25.1 km) and offers pleasant river views.

For a more challenging experience, the View of the North Wessex Downs – The Rowbarge loop from Tilehurst is a difficult 47.1 miles (75.8 km) trail with significant elevation changes, offering expansive views across the North Wessex Downs. The Chiltern Hills also provide challenging paths with varied terrain.

The mountain bike trails around Reading are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.

Many of the mountain bike routes around Reading are circular. For example, the popular Ashampstead Common loop from Reading is a moderate 23.2 miles (37.4 km) circular trail through woodlands and open common land. Another great option is the View of Reading – Nunhide Lane Gravel Track loop from Clayfield Copse, a moderate 23.4 miles (37.6 km) circular path offering views of Reading.

Many trails offer views of the scenic River Thames, and some pass through the rolling Chiltern Hills or the expansive North Wessex Downs. You might also encounter historical sites or notable structures like the Mapledurham Estate Bridleway or the Maiwand Lion in Forbury Gardens in Reading itself.

Yes, Reading is known for its numerous woodlands and forests, which many mountain bike trails traverse. Routes like the Ridgeway Track to Streatley – View of the North Wessex Downs loop from Tilehurst and the View of Reading – Kingwood Common MTB Trail loop from Tilehurst offer extensive sections through wooded areas, providing a classic forest riding experience.

For families, easy routes that avoid significant climbs and technical sections are ideal. Consider trails that follow bridleways or gravel tracks through parks or less challenging woodlands. The Lackmore Wood loop from Caversham Heights is an easy 14.3 miles (23.1 km) route that could be suitable for families looking for a pleasant ride through nature.

Yes, the River Thames flows through Reading, and several trails incorporate river paths. The Fobney Island Weir – Fobney Island Nature Reserve loop from Select Car Leasing Stadium is an easy 15.8 miles (25.4 km) route that follows the river, offering scenic views and a chance to explore Fobney Island Nature Reserve.

Reading's mountain bike trails can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also great, though some trails might be dustier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially in wooded areas.