The best MTB trails in Wiltshire

Wiltshire offers a wide selection of mountain biking routes, with over 570 trails recorded on komoot. These range from easy, family-friendly rides to more challenging routes across varied terrain.

Wiltshire's landscape is incredibly diverse, featuring rolling chalk downlands, ancient woodlands like Savernake Forest, and tranquil river valleys. You'll find extensive networks of bridleways and byways, offering everything from natural gradients to flatter, scenic routes along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Nearly half of the county is designated as a National Landscape, providing stunning backdrops for your rides.

Yes, Wiltshire has a good selection of trails suitable for beginners and families. There are 175 easy routes available, many of which follow gentler paths like those along the Kennet & Avon Canal. These provide a great way to enjoy the scenery without overly technical challenges.

For those looking for longer rides, Wiltshire offers several options. The Imber Range Perimeter Path from Warminster is a moderate 52.3 km (32.5 miles) route. Another substantial ride is the Kennet & Avon Canal and Caen Hill Locks Loop, which covers 53.4 km (33.2 miles).

Many of Wiltshire's mountain bike trails are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the King Alfred's Way: Marlborough and Avebury Loop, the Colerne Park loop from Castle Combe, and the Ebble Valley loop from Salisbury.

Wiltshire's trails often pass by significant historical sites and natural wonders. You can cycle past iconic chalk figures like the Westbury White Horse, or explore ancient sites such as Avebury Stone Circle. Routes like the King Alfred's Way: Marlborough and Avebury Loop offer views of these historic locations. You might also encounter picturesque villages like Castle Combe or explore areas like Savernake Forest. For specific points of interest, consider visiting highlights such as Longleat House or the Old Sarum Ruins.

The mountain biking trails in Wiltshire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 590 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from the expansive views across Salisbury Plain to the peaceful ancient woodlands and the unique experience of cycling along historic chalk roads.

Yes, Wiltshire is home to several dedicated bike parks for those seeking more technical challenges. These include Tidworth Freeride Bike Park, Windhill Bikepark, Rushmore Bike Park, and Nadder Valley Mountain Bike Park. These parks offer a range of features from freeride and downhill trails to machine-groomed options with berms, jumps, and gap jumps.

Absolutely. Wiltshire's mountain biking network includes sections of renowned long-distance routes. For example, the King Alfred's Way: Marlborough and Avebury Loop incorporates ancient chalk roads that are part of the larger King Alfred's Way. Similarly, the Ridgeway & St Alfred's Way loop from Beckhampton utilizes parts of The Ridgeway National Trail, offering a taste of these historic paths.

Wiltshire offers good mountain biking opportunities throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with autumn foliage being particularly beautiful in areas like Savernake Forest. Summer is ideal for longer days and drier trails, though some chalk paths can become dusty. Winter riding is possible, but trails can be muddy, especially in woodland areas, so appropriate gear is recommended.

Yes, several routes offer views of Wiltshire's lakes and castles. For instance, the Longleat & Pertwood loop from Warminster passes near the Longleat Estate, home to Longleat House. You can also find routes that offer glimpses of other historical sites like Old Wardour Castle or scenic spots like Shearwater Lake.

Yes, Salisbury serves as a good starting point for several mountain bike routes. The Ebble Valley loop from Salisbury is a popular moderate route covering 48.4 km (30.1 miles), taking you through picturesque countryside south of the city.