The best MTB trails around Poling

Mountain biking around Poling primarily features the varied landscapes of the South Downs National Park. You'll encounter rolling hills, dense woodlands like East Dean Woods, and river valleys such as the River Arun. The routes often traverse chalk downs, offering a mix of bridleways and trails with scenic views across the region.

Yes, Poling offers a good selection of trails for beginners. Out of nearly 180 routes, 63 are classified as easy. An excellent option for those starting out is the Barpham Hill Summit loop from Angmering, which is an easy 14.4-mile (23.2 km) path that ascends Barpham Hill, providing gentle climbs and rewarding views.

The area around Poling is rich with historical sites and natural viewpoints. You can explore ancient hill forts like Cissbury Ring Hill Fort or enjoy panoramic vistas from Chantry Hill and Kithurst Hill Trig Point. Additionally, many routes offer stunning views of Arundel Castle, such as the View of Arundel Castle from the river.

While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always available, many of the 63 easy trails around Poling are suitable for families. These routes typically have less challenging terrain and elevation, making them enjoyable for riders of varying ages and skill levels. Always check the route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

Many trails in the South Downs National Park, including those around Poling, are accessible for dogs, especially on public bridleways. However, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, particularly near livestock or in nature conservation areas. Always check local signage and respect the countryside code. Some routes, like those through woodlands, might require dogs to be on a lead.

The mountain bike trails around Poling are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars from over 290 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of challenging and easy sections, and the beautiful views across the South Downs National Park.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Poling are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Arundel, East Dean Woods and the River Arun loop is a popular moderate route, and the View of the South Downs – Long Furlong Bridleway loop from Arundel offers another great circular option.

The South Downs National Park offers enjoyable mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with spring showcasing wildflowers like those in Nore Woods Bluebell Wood. Summer is also popular, but trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially on chalk trails, and shorter daylight hours.

Absolutely. Several routes in the Poling area provide excellent views of Arundel Castle. The Arundel, East Dean Woods and the River Arun loop passes through Arundel, offering glimpses of the castle. You can also find specific viewpoints like the View of Arundel Castle highlight, which can be incorporated into your ride.

There are over 170 mountain bike trails available around Poling, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 63 easy routes, 112 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging trails.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a longer challenge, Poling offers several options. The South Downs Way Trail – Chanctonbury Ring hillfort loop from Angmering is a moderate 32.5-mile (52.2 km) route with significant elevation gain, providing a demanding and rewarding ride through the national park.