The best MTB trails around Thrushelton

Thrushelton and the surrounding Devon area offer a wide selection of mountain biking opportunities. Our guide features 12 distinct mountain bike trails, with many more available across the broader region, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Thrushelton has several easy and family-friendly options. The historic Meldon Viaduct, part of the Granite Way, offers a well-surfaced, flat path suitable for all ages. An excellent example is the Meldon Viaduct loop from Lydford, an easy 20 km ride.

The terrain around Thrushelton is quite diverse. You'll find everything from the well-surfaced, flat paths of the Granite Way to the varied landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, which include challenging singletracks, technical descents, and rocky, root-strewn paths. Some routes around Roadford Lake also feature unpaved sections.

Absolutely. Many trails offer stunning vistas, especially those within Dartmoor National Park. For example, the The Tors Inn – Cullever Steps Ford loop from Sourton traverses parts of Dartmoor, providing varied terrain and scenic views. You can also find breathtaking views from natural monuments like Yes Tor summit and Widgery Cross at Brat Tor, which are accessible from some routes.

Yes, the region features several beautiful lakes and water features. You can find routes around Roadford Lake, offering varying distances and elevations. Additionally, the River Tavy – Gibbet Hill loop from White Lady Waterfall includes the picturesque Whitelady Waterfall.

While our guide focuses on easy to moderate trails, the broader Devon area, particularly around Princetown and locations like Gawton Gravity Hub, offers more strenuous options. These include highly rated black-difficulty downhill trails with steep gradients and technical features for experienced riders seeking an adrenaline rush.

The area is rich in natural landmarks. You can ride near the historic Meldon Viaduct, explore parts of Dartmoor National Park, or visit natural monuments like Yes Tor summit and Widgery Cross at Brat Tor. The Meldon Viaduct – Dartmoor National Park loop from Lydford is a longer route that takes you through some of these areas.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Thrushelton are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Meldon Viaduct loop from Lydford and the The Tors Inn – Cullever Steps Ford loop from Sourton.

The mountain bike routes in Thrushelton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park, and the variety of trails that cater to different skill levels, from easy family rides to more challenging adventures.

Yes, you can find options for refreshments. For instance, the Upper Tamar Lake Café is located near Roadford Lake, which features several cycling routes. There are also pubs and cafes in nearby villages like Lydford and Sourton, which serve as starting points for some trails.

Thrushelton is suitable for mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, but trails can be busier. During winter, some trails, especially those on higher ground in Dartmoor, might be more challenging due to weather conditions, so checking forecasts is advisable.

For a longer ride, consider the Meldon Viaduct – Dartmoor National Park loop from Lydford. This moderate trail covers approximately 46 km (28.7 miles) and typically takes around 3 hours and 4 minutes to complete, making it a good option for a more extended outing.