The best MTB trails around Leigh-On-Mendip

The terrain around Leigh-On-Mendip, nestled within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is characterized by a distinctive limestone ridge. You'll encounter a varied landscape featuring gorges, valleys, woodlands, and grasslands. The trails often include natural bridleways and singletrack, with some areas known for their limestone features, which can become quite challenging and muddy in wet conditions.

There are over 50 mountain bike trails available around Leigh-On-Mendip. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 22 easy trails and 36 moderate trails, ensuring options for both beginners and more experienced riders.

Yes, there are several easy trails suitable for beginners. For example, the Seymour Arms Pub – Hose Gate Road Summit loop from Nunney is an easy 13.7-mile (22.1 km) route, and the Mells Village – The Walled Garden at Mells loop from Leigh-on-Mendip offers another accessible 15.6-mile (25.1 km) option.

The mountain bike trails around Leigh-On-Mendip are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 45 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the blend of natural bridleways and singletrack, and the scenic beauty of the Mendip Hills.

Yes, many of the routes around Leigh-On-Mendip are circular. For instance, the Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Nunney Castle loop from Oakhill is a popular moderate 32.9-mile (52.9 km) loop, and the Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Heaven's Gate Viewpoint loop from Nunney is another moderate 22.3-mile (35.8 km) circular path offering scenic views.

The trails often pass through or near notable natural features and landmarks. You might encounter the distinctive limestone geology of the Mendip Hills, dense woodlands like Muddy Trail in Littleton Wood, or historical sites such as Nunney Castle. The region is known for its gorges, valleys, and grasslands, providing varied scenery.

While specific viewpoints are not always marked, the Mendip Hills offer spectacular views, often stretching across to Wales, the Quantocks, and Glastonbury Tor from its windswept plateau. Routes like the Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Heaven's Gate Viewpoint loop from Nunney are specifically highlighted for their scenic vistas.

The best time for mountain biking in Leigh-On-Mendip is typically from spring onwards. Due to the limestone-based terrain, trails can become a 'slippery mud fest' during the wet winter months. Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer drier and more enjoyable riding conditions.

Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options, particularly on the easier graded trails. The Colliers Way cycle route, which follows an old railway line, provides a pleasant and generally flat option suitable for families. Additionally, the village of Leigh-On-Mendip has a Recreation Field and Coronation Park with a pump track, which can be fun for younger riders.

Yes, some routes are designed to include stops at local establishments. For example, the Seymour Arms Pub – Hose Gate Road Summit loop from Nunney starts near a pub, and the Mells River Stone Bridge – The Talbot Inn loop from Leigh-on-Mendip passes by The Talbot Inn, offering opportunities for refreshments during or after your ride.

The duration and elevation vary significantly. Easy routes like the Mells Village – The Walled Garden at Mells loop from Leigh-on-Mendip might take around 1 hour 27 minutes with about 230 meters of elevation gain. Longer, moderate routes such as the Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Nunney Castle loop from Oakhill can take over 3 hours 45 minutes and involve around 790 meters of climbing.