The best MTB trails around Curry Rivel

This guide features 5 mountain bike trails around Curry Rivel, offering a mix of easy and moderate routes. The area's distinctive "water and willow landscape" of the Somerset Levels provides a unique backdrop for your rides.

The trails in this guide range from easy to moderate. You'll find 2 easy routes, such as the Birchfield Park Playground – Ninesprings Café loop from Martock, and 3 moderate routes, including the Market House – Hedgecock Hill Wood loop from Martock.

Yes, there are easy routes suitable for families. The Birchfield Park Playground – Ninesprings Café loop from Martock is an easy 19.5-mile (31.4 km) path with over 800 feet (250 meters) of climbing, offering a relaxed ride through the landscape.

While riding, you'll experience the unique "water and willow landscape" of the Somerset Levels. Nearby, you can explore significant landmarks such as Burrow Mump, a prominent hill with a ruined church offering panoramic views, and the historic Muchelney Abbey Ruins.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular. For example, the Donyatt Halt – Castle Neroche Woods loop from Ilminster is a moderate 14.8-mile (23.9 km) circular trail that takes about 1 hour 39 minutes to complete.

The Somerset Levels can be enjoyed year-round, but conditions vary. While the area offers riding in all seasons, it can become muddy in wetter months. Spring and autumn often provide pleasant temperatures and drier trails, making them ideal for exploring the region's unique landscape.

While Curry Rivel itself offers more gentle terrain, it serves as a convenient base for accessing more challenging mountain biking. The Quantock Hills (approx. 11 miles away) and the Mendip Hills offer extensive networks of bridleways and dedicated trails with steep climbs, technical descents, and varied terrain suitable for advanced riders.

Trail durations vary depending on the route and your pace. For instance, the easy Donyatt Halt – Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve loop from Ilminster is about 18.1 miles (29.1 km) and typically takes around 1 hour 12 minutes. A longer moderate route like the Donyatt Halt – Staple Hill Trail loop from Ilminster, at 24.6 miles (39.6 km), might take closer to 2 hours 55 minutes.

Yes, the Somerset Levels are known for their rich wildlife. The distinctive "water and willow landscape" with its numerous waterways and drainage ditches provides habitats for various birds, including swans, herons, and egrets, which you may spot during your ride.

The longest trail in this guide is the Donyatt Halt – Staple Hill Trail loop from Ilminster. This moderate route covers 24.6 miles (39.6 km) and features over 1,970 feet (600 meters) of elevation gain.

Yes, some routes pass by or are near interesting sites. For example, the Donyatt Halt is a former railway station that serves as a starting point for several routes, including the Donyatt Halt – Castle Neroche Woods loop from Ilminster.