The best MTB trails around Selborne

There are over 160 mountain bike routes around Selborne, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find approximately 49 easy routes, over 100 moderate trails, and a few more challenging options.

Yes, for families or beginners, the area offers several easy routes. A good option is the Ford on Forest Path – Woolmer Ranges Gravel Track loop from Greatham, which is 14.7 miles (23.6 km) and leads through pleasant forest paths and gravel tracks. Additionally, nearby Queen Elizabeth Country Park has a dedicated 'Wiggly Worm' green route for beginners and a 6km 'Intermediate Mountain Bike Trail' (blue route) with rollable features suitable for families.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP), a short distance from Selborne, is an excellent hub for mountain biking. It features dedicated trails like the 'Intermediate Mountain Bike Trail' (blue route) and an 'Advanced Mountain Bike Trail' (red route). QECP also offers Mountain Bike Skills and Coaching Areas, along with a pump track, perfect for practicing and refining your riding techniques. You can even find a route like the Pump Track – Cradle Lane Bridleway loop from Bordon that incorporates a pump track.

Many of the routes around Selborne are designed as loops. For example, the Woolmer Ranges Gravel Track – Devil's Punch Bowl Trail loop from Greatham is a popular 32.1-mile (51.6 km) circular trail. Another option is the Hawkley Hanger – Woolmer Ranges Gravel Track loop from Bordon, which covers 30.7 miles (30.7 km).

The terrain around Selborne is quite varied, influenced by its location at the junction of Lower Chalk and Upper Greensand within the South Downs National Park. You can expect a mix of gravel tracks, natural paths, wooded slopes, and bridleways. Some areas, like the Selborne Hanger, feature steep ascents, while others, such as The Lythes, offer more gentle woodland and meadow environments.

The mountain biking routes around Selborne are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 230 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of challenging and easy sections, and the overall natural beauty of the South Downs National Park.

Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You might encounter features like the Mill Lane Waterfall or the ancient Yew Tree at St. Mary’s Church. The Selborne Hanger and Selborne Common offer beautiful woodland scenery. For a longer ride, the South Downs Way passes nearby, offering breathtaking views across the rolling hills.

While specific routes aren't explicitly designed around pub stops, Selborne village itself has a traditional pub and cafe. Many routes pass through or near other villages in the South Downs National Park where you can find refreshments. For example, the The Deer's Hut – Woolmer Ranges Gravel Track loop from Greatham is an easy route that starts near Greatham, which may offer options.

The South Downs National Park offers enjoyable riding year-round, but spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be great, but trails might be busier. In winter, some trails, especially those with natural surfaces, can become muddy, so appropriate gear and caution are advised.

Yes, while many routes are moderate, the region offers more challenging options. The South Downs Way, which is fully traversable by mountain bike and passes near Selborne, provides a significant challenge with its 100-mile length and considerable ascent. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth Country Park features an 'Advanced Mountain Bike Trail' (red route) with more undulations, rooty sections, and drops for experienced riders.

Selborne is within a Biodiversity Opportunity Area and the South Downs National Park, making it rich in wildlife. Riding through areas like Selborne Common, The Lythes, and the wooded sections of the Hanger, you have a good chance of spotting various bird species, deer, and other local fauna, especially during quieter times of day.