The best MTB trails around Ottery St Mary

The terrain around Ottery St Mary is diverse, ranging from gentle tracks and sweeping singletrack to steep climbs and rocky descents. You'll find trails with features like berms, drops, jumps, and gap jumps, particularly in areas like East Hill. The region, nestled in the River Otter valley and East Devon National Landscape, offers varied elevation changes through rolling hills and lush woodlands.

Yes, Ottery St Mary offers a good selection of trails for beginners. Out of the 63 mountain bike routes available, 25 are classified as easy, providing a great starting point for those new to the sport or looking for a more relaxed ride. These trails often feature gentler paths through the scenic landscape.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Ottery St Mary has several difficult trails, including those with technical features like berms, drops, and jumps, especially around East Hill. An example of a more demanding route is the Hawkerland Bridleway – East Devon Way loop from Newton Poppleford and Harpford, which is 53.8 miles (86.6 km) long and features significant elevation changes.

There are 63 mountain bike trails available around Ottery St Mary, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars.

While mountain biking near Ottery St Mary, you can encounter several natural features and landmarks. The trails often pass through the scenic River Otter valley and the East Devon National Landscape. Notable attractions include the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, known for its re-introduced beaver colony, and viewpoints like Fire Beacon Hill, which offers impressive views of the surrounding countryside. The dramatic red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast are also a short distance away.

Yes, the natural landscapes around Ottery St Mary offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. The River Otter is home to a re-introduced beaver colony, particularly visible in the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve. The East Devon National Landscape, with its lush woodlands and rolling hills, is rich in diverse wildlife, making it possible to encounter various species during your ride.

Many mountain bike routes in the area provide scenic views. For example, the Wooden Boardwalk Cycle Path – View of the River Exe loop from Newton Poppleford and Harpford offers expansive views of the River Exe. Additionally, the route from Fire Beacon Hill provides impressive panoramas of the surrounding countryside.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Ottery St Mary are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Mutters Moor – The Byes Riverside Walk loop and the East Devon Way – View of the Mantle Bank loop, both offering varied experiences.

While specific parking areas for mountain bikers are not detailed in the route descriptions, Ottery St Mary and nearby villages typically offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local council websites or parking apps for the most current information on car parks and any associated fees in the area you plan to start your ride.

Mountain biking in Ottery St Mary can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summers are generally good, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and shorter daylight hours, especially on trails through woodlands.

Yes, Ottery St Mary has several family-friendly options. Many of the 25 easy-rated trails are suitable for families, offering gentler paths through the scenic River Otter valley and East Devon National Landscape. These routes provide a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors together.

Many trails in the East Devon National Landscape are dog-friendly, especially those on public bridleways and rights of way. However, it's always best to keep dogs under close control, particularly around livestock or in nature reserves like the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve. Always check local signage for specific restrictions or requirements.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from flowing singletrack to challenging descents, and the beautiful natural surroundings of the River Otter valley and East Devon National Landscape. The variety of trails catering to different skill levels is also frequently highlighted.