The best MTB trails around Outwood

The Outwood area offers a diverse network of mountain bike trails, characterized by woodlands, open fields, and rural paths. You'll find a mix of surfaced and unsurfaced tracks, with gentle elevation changes and rolling terrain. Many routes utilize established bridleways and byways, providing accessible rides through the local countryside.

Yes, Outwood has a good selection of easy trails perfect for beginners and families. Approximately 45 of the routes are rated as easy. An example is the Gayhouse Lane Windmill – Wilmot's Lane Byway loop from Horley, which is 14.2 miles (22.9 km) and navigates through rural lanes and open countryside. Another easy option is the Park Hill Bridleway – St Mark's Chapel loop from Outwood, covering 20.7 miles (33.3 km).

Outwood's trails are generally accessible year-round due to the gentle terrain and mix of track surfaces. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. During wetter months, some unsurfaced bridleways might become muddy, so checking local conditions and preparing with appropriate gear is advisable.

Many of the mountain bike routes around Outwood are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the popular Worth Way – Worth Way loop from Horley is a 25.6 miles (41.3 km) circular trail. Another option is the St Mark's Chapel – Park Hill Bridleway loop from Horley, which is 22.5 miles (36.3 km) long.

The mountain bike trails around Outwood are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the accessibility of the routes, and the scenic beauty of the woodlands and open fields.

The length of mountain bike trails in Outwood varies significantly. You can find shorter, easier loops like the Gayhouse Lane Windmill – Wilmot's Lane Byway loop from Horley at 14.2 miles (22.9 km), or longer, more moderate rides such as the Worth Way – Worth Way loop from Horley, which spans 25.6 miles (41.3 km). There are over 100 routes in total, offering a range of distances.

While some routes are more popular, Outwood's extensive network of bridleways and byways means you can often find quieter paths. Exploring some of the less-trafficked routes, particularly on weekdays, can lead to a more secluded experience. The Wilmot's Lane Byway – Gayhouse Lane Windmill loop from Outwood is an easy 18.9 miles (30.4 km) route that offers a peaceful ride through the countryside.

Many of the bridleways and public rights of way in Outwood are dog-friendly, provided your dog is well-behaved and kept under control, especially around livestock. Always check local signage for specific restrictions and be mindful of other trail users. It's good practice to keep dogs on a lead in areas with wildlife or farm animals.

While mountain biking, you can explore various natural and historical points of interest. Nearby attractions include several lakes such as Spynes Mere Nature Reserve and Mercers Country Park Lake. You might also encounter natural monuments like The Crowhurst Yew or enjoy views from Gravelly Hill.

The Outwood area is primarily characterized by gentle elevation changes and rolling terrain, making it more suitable for easy to moderate rides. While there are some routes with slightly more challenging sections, only a small number (3 out of 117) are classified as difficult. Riders seeking very technical or steep descents might find the options limited compared to mountainous regions, but the longer moderate trails offer good endurance challenges.

Outwood is a rural area, and while specific public transport links directly to trailheads might be limited, nearby towns like Horley (which is a common starting point for several routes) have train stations with connections to larger networks. It's advisable to check local bus and train schedules for the most convenient access points to the trail network.