Forest singletrack and Devonshire views — Haldon Forest MTB trails

Based on a wooded hilltop overlooking Devon’s capital city of Exeter, Haldon Forest Park is a brilliant trail centre for beginner and intermediate level riders, as well as family groups. You’ll find four different waymarked MTB trails here, including a green-rated family loop, two different blue routes and a more difficult red-rated loop and new black trail, plus a skills area and pump track.

The trails at Haldon Forest Park are well made and rideable year-round thanks to their rocky flint base. Having said that, you will inevitably find a lot of puddles in the wetter months and after heavy rain some of the trails appear more like stream beds, so come prepared to get your feet wet!

Start out with the two blue-rated trails if you’re new to Haldon Forest, which give you some good loops to warm up and get used to the trails here. If you’re an experienced mountain biker and keen to try something more challenging, the red-rated Ridge Ride trail that heads across the main road from the centre is a great option. This trail not only delivers some technical rock garden sections and little drop-off features, but also magnificent views of the city and Devonshire countryside. For a step up again for experienced mountain bikers, take in the black-rated Ridge Ride Extreme to really test yourself!

In this Collection, I’ve also included a cross-country style loop that takes in some of these marked trails but also a hefty chunk of gravel fire roads and more natural riding, including the brilliant St Andrew’s Lane bridleway, a firm favourite with local riders.

There’s more besides the riding at Haldon Forest Park too. You’ll find both walking and orienteering trails, plus guided segway trips in addition to the bike hire and servicing centre and the brilliant Ridge Cafe and children’s play area.

The best way to reach Haldon Forest Park is by car, and there is ample parking for a fee, although season parking tickets can help if you plan on visiting regularly. The Park is a 15 minute drive from central Exeter, or just 3 minutes from the A38. If you’re riding from Exeter St Davids train station, the journey is 6.6 miles (10. 6 km).

There are plenty of facilities at the Forest Park, including toilets and a bike wash, so that’s one less thing to clean when you get home! For more information about these facilities and bike hire, visit: forestcyclehire.co.uk