The best MTB trails around North Somerset

Explore the challenging Ashton Court & Leigh Woods trails, a difficult mountain biking route spanning 11.2 miles (18.0 km) with 694 feet (211 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 1 hour and 21 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of flowing singletrack, twists, turns, and drops, with sections featuring berms, rollers, and small jumps. The route winds through dense woodland, offering picturesque views overlooking the Avon Gorge and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, especially stunning in autumn. Expect varied surfaces, including stone-based, all-weather trails designed to shed mud, making them rideable year-round.

These trails are conveniently located just outside Bristol, making them easily accessible for a quick escape and reachable via the National Cycle Network. Ashton Court provides excellent amenities, including cafes, toilets, bike wash facilities, bike hire, and coaching services, ensuring you have everything you need for your ride. The purpose-built nature of the trails means they are well-maintained and can be enjoyed in various conditions, allowing for year-round mountain biking adventures.

The Ashton Court and Leigh Woods networks are notable for their variety and progression, offering both blue-graded main trails and optional red-graded sections like Ashton Court's Supernova Trail and Leigh Woods' Gert Lush section. This setup allows riders of all abilities to find enjoyment and develop their skills, with dedicated skills areas and jump lines. The trails are actively managed and maintained by local groups such as the Bristol Trails Group and Ride Bristol, reflecting a strong community commitment to enhancing the riding experience, including a recent revamp of the Yer Tiz trail for improved flow and accessibility.

Get ready for a dynamic mountain biking experience on the Blue Nova & Supernova trails in Leigh Woods, near Bristol. This combined route covers 5.3 miles (8.5 km) with 322 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 41 minutes to complete. You will ride through dense deciduous and coniferous forests, with some sections offering views overlooking the Avon Gorge and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. The overall difficulty is rated as difficult, reflecting the varied challenges you will encounter.

When planning your ride, remember that the Blue Nova component is a blue-graded trail, offering flowing sections with twists, turns, drops, small rock steps, rollers, and banked corners, perfect for building confidence. However, the Supernova trail is an optional, red-graded section designed for proficient mountain bikers. This 0.5-mile (860-meter) stretch features a pump/jump feel with a rocky descent, including technical elements like doubles, step-ups, rock gardens, and multiple berms. Be prepared for a very rough and technical downhill singletrack on Supernova.

These trails are highly regarded within the mountain biking community for their unique combination of flow and technical challenge. The Blue Nova provides an excellent experience for a range of riders, while the Supernova offers a significantly more demanding test of skill. Part of a larger network managed by the Bristol Trails Group and the Forestry Commission, these purpose-built trails showcase the protected woodland environment of Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve, making for a memorable ride.

Embark on a mountain biking adventure through the Mendip Hills, a moderate route covering 20.7 miles (33.4 km) with an elevation gain of 2928 feet (892 metres). This journey is estimated to take you around 3 hours and 11 minutes. You will navigate varied terrain, from the wide, rocky paths of Rowberrow Warren Bridleway Trail to more technical singletrack. The trail offers a dynamic experience as you ride through forests and open moorland. Keep an eye out for the impressive cliffs of Cheddar Gorge and the distinct features of Burrington Combe, which define much of the scenery. You will also find expansive views across the Mendips, with vistas reaching towards the Bristol Channel.

This mountain biking loop is best suited for experienced riders due to its challenging nature. Some sections may require you to push your bike, especially on technical climbs, so be prepared for rugged paths and significant elevation changes. While there are no specific warnings about closures or permits mentioned, always check local conditions before you head out. Parking is generally available in the Churchill area, making it a convenient starting point for your ride. Plan your visit to allow ample time to complete the route comfortably.

The route provides a unique opportunity to explore the geological wonders of the Mendip Hills. You will encounter the dramatic formations of Cheddar Gorge, one of England's most iconic natural landmarks, and the equally striking Burrington Combe. These features are not just visually impressive; they also contribute to the diverse and challenging terrain you will experience. The trail's path through varied landscapes, from dense woodland to open moorland, highlights the rich natural environment of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mountain bike the easy 7.8-mile Yer Tiz Trail in Leigh Woods, featuring flowy sections, optional challenges, and beautiful forest scenery.

This moderate 18.1-mile mountain bike loop combines the level Strawberry Line with challenging Mendip Hills terrain and scenic views.