The best MTB trails around Great Haldon
4.8
(194)
2,458
riders
21
rides
Mountain biking around Great Haldon offers a diverse network of trails within a heavily forested area situated on a wooded hilltop. The region is characterized by its varied terrain, including well-maintained forest paths and challenging singletrack sections. Panoramic views of the Devonshire countryside and the Exe Estuary are common from higher elevations. Haldon Forest Park serves as a central hub for mountain biking, providing routes for all skill levels.
Best mountain bike trails around Great Haldon
- The most popular mountain…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.8
(23)
353
riders
8.44km
00:45
110m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(32)
321
riders
10.1km
00:52
100m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.7
(3)
7
riders
28.4km
02:29
510m
510m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(79)
911
riders
21.1km
01:47
240m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.6
(36)
351
riders
9.04km
00:50
130m
130m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Popular around Great Haldon
Forest singletrack and Devonshire views — Haldon Forest MTB trails
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Tips from the Community
Top bit technical, then gets faster and flowing. a great down hill
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Not for me on my new e-mtb. Chicken'ed out and went around it.
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Haldon Forest Park opened the new start to the red trail in mid December 2023 and it's fantastic. It's packed gravel with berms at the start, then splits in two. Take the right 'short cut' to cut the entire red in two (or take it to ride back to the start and do the new section again) or stay left to carry on along the new bit and then get onto the usual red. This new section is nowhere near as challenging as the main red, but it's super fast and fun. As it spits you out on the fire track after a short distance, it's great for kids too, who can have a great time on this punchy gravel but bail before the red gets hairy. The way it's set up means it's easy to only do this bit, ride back to the start, and do it again and again.
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Great trail for the whole family. Can relax and cruise or head down and pick up some speed. The full trail is about 7 miles so tough for little ones
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Great little hire shop. £20 for 4 hours and decent bikes for the trials around the forest. Don't forget ID
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Nice and very cycle friendly cafe at Haldon Forest. Plenty of outside bike storage, picnic benches etc as well as indoor seating. Good simple menu for food, snacks, and drinks. Perfectly positioned to ride from here on the surfaced trails of Haldon or to include it as a stop in a longer loop. Open every day.
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This new trail feature on the red run is a really testing one, with a left hander followed by a rocky, tight right hand turn down to the fire road. You might need a few attempts before you can get it running fluidly, or at least I did!
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Here you can hire mountain bikes for riding at Haldon Forest Park and enquire about the Segway tours that operate here. It's right next to the cafe, car park, play area and toilets so there's plenty of facilities for all the family. Bike servicing is also offered here, so if your mountain bike could do with a little TLC, it's a great place to come. At the end of the ride, make the most of the bike wash too (a small charge applies), so that's one less thing to clean when you get home! For more information about the hire bikes, availability and pricing, visit: http://www.forestcyclehire.co.uk/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in Great Haldon?
Great Haldon offers a diverse network of over 20 mountain bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy family-friendly loops to challenging technical singletrack sections.
What kind of mountain biking experience can I expect in Great Haldon?
Mountain biking in Great Haldon provides a varied experience through dense woodlands and rolling hills. You'll find well-maintained forest paths, exciting singletrack, and opportunities for panoramic views of the Devonshire countryside and the Exe Estuary from higher elevations. Haldon Forest Park is a central hub with trails for all abilities.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners and families in Great Haldon?
Yes, Great Haldon is very family-friendly. Haldon Forest Park features the Discovery Trail, an easy 2.5km to 2.87km loop perfect for all ages and those building confidence. There are also several other easy routes, with 6 trails specifically rated as easy in the area.
What options are there for experienced mountain bikers seeking a challenge?
Experienced riders can tackle the Ridge Ride Trail (Red), known for its technical sections, tight corners, and lively descents, including rock gardens and small drop-offs. For the most advanced, the Ridge Ride Extreme (Black) and Freers Loop (Black) offer demanding features like roots, rocks, berms, and step-downs. Overall, there is 1 difficult trail and 14 moderate trails available.
Are there facilities available for mountain bikers at Haldon Forest Park?
Haldon Forest Park is well-equipped for mountain bikers. You'll find a bike shop offering bike hire and servicing, a café, restrooms, and a bike wash. Additionally, there's a pump track and skills area, such as the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park, to practice and improve your off-road cycling skills.
Where can I park when visiting the mountain bike trails?
Haldon Forest Park offers ample parking facilities. It's the primary access point for many of the mountain bike trails in the Great Haldon area. Specific parking information and potential fees can usually be found on the Forestry England website for Haldon Forest.
Are dogs allowed on the mountain bike trails in Great Haldon?
Haldon Forest Park is generally dog-friendly, with many trails suitable for dogs on leads. However, it's always best to check specific signage at the trailheads or the Forestry England website for any restrictions on particular mountain bike trails, especially those with technical features or sensitive wildlife areas.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while mountain biking in Great Haldon?
While mountain biking, you can encounter diverse natural environments and historical landmarks. The forest itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its bird life and butterflies. You might also pass by the Grade II* triangular tower of Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle), offering impressive views, or the 18th-century Mamhead Obelisk.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots along the trails?
Yes, the broader Haldon Hills are renowned for their panoramic views. The Ridge Ride Trail offers splendid views of Exeter and the Devonshire countryside. The Haldon Belvedere and the Mamhead Obelisk also provide stunning vistas over the Exe Estuary.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy the most about mountain biking in Great Haldon?
The mountain bike trails in Great Haldon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 180 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the well-maintained trails, and the beautiful forest setting that caters to all skill levels.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Great Haldon?
Many of the mountain bike trails in Great Haldon are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Kiddens Trail loop from Haldon Forest Park is a popular option, as is the Kiddens Trail loop from Dunchideock.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Great Haldon?
Great Haldon's trails are generally all-weather, making them accessible year-round. However, spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. During winter, some sections might be muddier, while summer can be busy, but the forest provides good shade.
Can I rent a mountain bike at Haldon Forest Park?
Yes, Forest Cycle Hire at Haldon Forest Park offers mountain bike rentals, making it convenient for visitors who don't have their own bikes or prefer not to transport them. They also provide servicing for bikes.
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