The best MTB trails around Stoke Rivers

There are nearly 30 mountain bike routes around Stoke Rivers, offering a diverse range of experiences. These trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 30 reviews.

Yes, the region offers several options suitable for families and those seeking a gentler ride. The Barnstaple Clock Tower – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Barnstaple is an easy 12.1-mile path along the River Taw. Additionally, the Tarka Trail, a major traffic-free cycling route, is excellent for low-impact cycling and families, offering stunning scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities.

For those looking for a more demanding ride, the Stoke Woods Mountain Biking Trails offer specific routes with steep and fast-flowing sections, including drops and berms. These trails provide an exciting experience for mountain biking enthusiasts. While most routes in the area are moderate, there is at least one difficult trail available for experienced riders.

Many of the mountain bike routes around Stoke Rivers are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Barnstaple Castle – Lankham Brake Bridleway loop from Barnstaple, a moderate 29.2-mile trail featuring varied terrain through the North Devon countryside.

Mountain biking around Stoke Rivers offers access to diverse landscapes, including the edge of Exmoor National Park. You'll encounter picturesque wooded river valleys, rolling green hills, and paths along the wild and beautiful River Taw. The area provides a mix of serene natural beauty and varied terrain.

While riding, you might encounter several natural features. The River Taw is a prominent feature, and you can also visit the tranquil Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide. For historical interest, the Shoulsbury Castle Earthworks are also nearby.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from gentle riverside paths to more challenging ascents, and the stunning natural beauty of the North Devon countryside, including the wooded river valleys and rolling green hills.

Yes, parts of the Tarka Trail are easily accessible and integrated into mountain biking routes in the area. This major traffic-free cycling route offers stunning scenery and is known for its good surface, making it suitable for various cycling abilities. The Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington is a highlight you can explore.

Yes, routes like the Codden Hill – Quay Café loop from Swimbridge lead through rolling hills and rural landscapes, providing opportunities for elevated views. Codden Hill itself is known for its viewpoints, such as the Coddon Hill Climb.

Ride durations vary significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty. Easy routes, like the 12.1-mile Barnstaple Clock Tower – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop, can take around an hour. Moderate trails, such as the 33.4-mile Codden Hill – Quay Café loop, typically take around 3 hours to complete.

Yes, you can find routes that explore the Taw Estuary. The Taw Estuary – Quay Café loop from Barnstaple is a moderate 26.8-mile route that takes you along this scenic waterway, offering a different perspective of the region's natural beauty.

The region, particularly near Exmoor National Park and along the River Taw, is rich in wildlife. You might spot red deer, otters, and wild ponies, especially in the more expansive natural areas. The tranquil Wistlandpound Reservoir is also known for birdwatching.