The best MTB trails around Clyst St. Mary

There are over 75 mountain bike trails available around Clyst St. Mary, offering a diverse range of options for riders. These include routes through gently rolling hills, dense woodlands, and scenic river valleys.

Yes, Clyst St. Mary offers a good selection of easier trails. There are 32 easy routes, many of which are relatively flat and traffic-free, such as sections of the Exe Estuary Trail. For a pleasant, accessible ride, consider the Exe Estuary Trail – Exe Estuary Trail loop from Newcourt, which is an easy 21.3 km route.

The terrain around Clyst St. Mary is quite varied. You'll find gently rolling landscapes, dense woodlands like Ashclyst Forest, and scenic river valleys along the River Clyst and Exe Estuary. Trails can range from well-surfaced paths, especially near the Exe Estuary, to more technical singletracks with roots and rock gardens in areas like Haldon Forest Park and Woodbury Common.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, areas like Haldon Forest Park offer trails such as the 'Ridge Ride Extreme,' a black-rated trail with steep rock gardens and rooty sections. Another technical option is the 'St Andrew's Lane Descent,' a narrow bridleway with small, rollable drops. The Woodbury Common Perimeter Singletrack also provides a 'techy' and challenging ride.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Clyst St. Mary are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Peak Hill and Mutter's Moor loop from Woodbury Castle — East Devon, a moderate 38.5 km route that explores varied terrain.

The region offers several scenic spots. You can enjoy views over the wild river valley towards Topsham along the developing Clyst Valley Trail. The Exe Estuary provides fantastic views of the river and its diverse wildlife. Nearby, the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is excellent for birdwatching. For historical interest, Woodbury Castle — Iron Age hillfort offers a glimpse into the past.

The mountain bike trails around Clyst St. Mary are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 90 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, from riverside paths to challenging forest sections, and the beautiful natural landscapes of the Clyst Valley and Exe Estuary.

Yes, Clyst St. Mary connects to the extensive Exe Estuary Trail, a 36 km largely flat and traffic-free cycle route. This trail links Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish, offering leisurely rides with picturesque views. The developing Clyst Valley Trail also aims to connect Clyst St. Mary directly to the Exe Estuary Trail.

Conditions can vary. While some trails, like the Exe Estuary Trail, are well-surfaced, others, particularly in areas like Woodbury Common, can become sloppy in winter. Trails like 'St Andrew's Lane Descent' in Haldon Forest can turn into a muddy, stream-like experience during wet seasons. Fallen leaves in autumn can also conceal roots on more technical singletracks.

While popular spots like Haldon Forest Park can see more traffic, exploring the extensive network of trails through Ashclyst Forest or less-trafficked sections of the Clyst Valley can offer a quieter experience. The komoot community has mapped many routes, allowing you to discover hidden gems away from the main hubs.

Yes, many routes provide excellent views, especially those that ascend to higher ground or run along the estuaries. For example, the Peak Hill and Mutter's Moor — Exeter gravel routes offers extensive views across the East Devon landscape. White Down Copse, an ancient woodland in the Clyst Valley, also provides expansive vistas.