The best MTB trails around Wicken Bonhunt

There are over 50 mountain bike trails around Wicken Bonhunt, offering a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate routes.

Yes, Wicken Bonhunt offers 23 easy mountain bike trails. A good option for beginners is the Cooper's End Byway – Arkesden Village loop from Clavering, which is 17.8 km long and features gentle terrain through agricultural land.

While there are no trails officially graded as 'difficult', Wicken Bonhunt has 32 moderate mountain bike routes that offer longer distances and varied surfaces. For example, the Dirt tracks south of Saffron Waldon is a 43.3 km ride that takes around 3 hours, exploring open countryside.

Many of the easy and moderate trails in Wicken Bonhunt are suitable for families, especially those with older children comfortable with longer rides. The region's gentle undulations and mix of byways and quiet country lanes make for pleasant family outings. Look for routes under 20 km for a more relaxed experience.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Wicken Bonhunt are designed as loops. For instance, the Newport to Debden Byway – Downhill Forest Trail loop from Arkesden is a 34.9 km circular path combining byways with forest sections. Another option is the Littlebury Green Bridleway – Icknield Way Wheat Field Path loop from Audley End, a 43.6 km circular route.

Trail lengths vary significantly, ranging from shorter, easy rides of around 10-15 km to longer, moderate routes exceeding 40 km. The average length of a mountain bike trail in the area is approximately 25 km, with durations from 1.5 to over 3 hours.

Parking is generally available in the villages surrounding Wicken Bonhunt, such as Saffron Walden, Newport, or Arkesden, which often serve as starting points for many routes. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.

Wicken Bonhunt itself is a small village with limited public transport options. However, nearby towns like Saffron Walden and Newport have train stations with connections to larger cities. From these towns, you might need to cycle to reach specific trailheads. Always check train operator policies regarding bikes.

While riding, you can encounter various points of interest. Notable attractions include the historic Audley End House, a grand Jacobean mansion, and the scenic Bridge End Gardens. You might also pass by the Roos Byway, a popular cycling path, or the Nuthampstead Airfield Memorial Road.

The mountain bike trails in Wicken Bonhunt are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the mix of dirt tracks and bridleways, and the quiet, scenic agricultural landscapes.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Wicken Bonhunt, with milder temperatures and less chance of extreme weather. Summer can be enjoyable, but trails might be dusty. Winter riding is possible, but some unpaved sections can become muddy, especially after rain.

While specific routes aren't highlighted for pubs, many trails connect small villages in the region. It's common to find traditional pubs in these villages, offering a convenient stop for refreshments. Planning your route to pass through a village like Arkesden or Clavering could provide such an opportunity.

The trails in Wicken Bonhunt consist of a mix of dirt tracks, established byways, bridleways, and quiet country lanes. Conditions can vary with weather; dirt tracks and bridleways may become muddy after rain, while country lanes remain more consistent. The terrain features gentle undulations rather than steep climbs.