The best MTB trails around Preston Bissett

There are over 30 mountain bike trails around Preston Bissett, offering a good variety for different preferences. The area features a mix of easy and moderate routes, with 16 easy and 17 moderate trails to explore.

Yes, Preston Bissett offers several easy mountain bike routes. For example, the Stone Bench on Rural Road – Merton Grounds Gravel Path loop from Bicester North is an easy 16.4-mile (26.4 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 31 minutes to complete, making it a great option for those new to mountain biking.

Many of the trails are suitable for families, especially those looking for less strenuous rides through the gently rolling countryside. The region's moderate elevation gains and well-maintained gravel paths make it accessible for various ages and skill levels. Consider the easier routes for a pleasant family outing.

The terrain around Preston Bissett is characterized by gently rolling countryside, featuring a mix of rural roads, gravel paths, and tracks. You'll ride past open farmland, small woodlands, and historic estates, with generally moderate elevation gains.

For a longer ride, consider the Claydon House loop from Buckingham, which is 29.3 miles (47.2 km) long and typically takes around 2 hours 55 minutes. Another substantial option is the RAF Croughton – Ancient Lime Tree loop from Bicester North, covering 41.6 miles (41.6 km).

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Preston Bissett are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Ancient Lime Tree – Tusmore House loop from Bicester North and the Tusmore House – Gravel Track to Hethe loop from Mixbury.

The gently rolling countryside and mixed terrain of rural roads and gravel paths make Preston Bissett suitable for mountain biking through much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, many routes remain accessible, though some paths might be muddier.

The trails often pass by historic estates and open fields. You can also find interesting landmarks and natural features nearby, such as the Palladian Bridge at Stowe, the Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins, or the Diamond Jubilee Obelisk at Tusmore Park.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful rural roads, and the opportunity to explore historic points of interest and open countryside.

Given the landscape of open farmland interspersed with small woodlands, there are opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for local birds and small mammals, especially during quieter times of the day or in the wooded sections of the trails.

The duration varies depending on the route and your pace. Shorter, easy trails like the Stone Bench on Rural Road – Merton Grounds Gravel Path loop from Bicester North can be completed in about 1 hour 31 minutes, while longer moderate routes such as the Claydon House loop from Buckingham might take closer to 2 hours 55 minutes.