The best MTB trails around Long Crendon

The mountain bike trails around Long Crendon offer a varied rural landscape. You'll find routes traversing the rolling Chiltern Hills and the open Vale of Aylesbury, primarily utilizing a network of bridleways through woodlands and open countryside. The terrain ranges from gentle gradients on former railway lines to more challenging ascents and descents, particularly around areas like Chinnor Hill. There are 9 easy routes, 28 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route available, catering to different ability levels.

Yes, Long Crendon offers several easy mountain bike routes perfect for beginners and families. A popular choice is The Phoenix Trail – Phoenix Trail loop from Thame, which is 13.7 miles (22.1 km) long and follows a former railway line, offering a smooth surface. Another family-friendly option is The Hyde Garden – Holy Trinity Church, Bledlow loop from Thame, an easy 13.4-mile (21.6 km) path winding through picturesque countryside.

For more experienced riders seeking a challenge, the area around Long Crendon offers moderate to difficult routes, often featuring more significant elevation changes. Consider the Chinnor Hill Descent – Icknield Way Trail loop from Thame, a 29.2-mile (46.9 km) moderate route with over 430 meters of ascent, or the Lacey Green Windmill – The Phoenix Trail loop from Thame, a 27.1-mile (43.6 km) moderate trail with over 370 meters of climbing.

The trails offer views of the Chiltern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and magnificent vistas over the Vale of Aylesbury from locations like Chinnor Hill. You might also catch glimpses of the striking Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit), a geologically significant Site of Special Scientific Interest. Additionally, some routes follow paths alongside the River Thame, providing pleasant riverside scenery. For specific viewpoints, check out View of the Vale of Aylesbury from Chinnor Hill or View of Stokenchurch Gap.

Yes, the region around Long Crendon is rich in historical sites and landmarks. You can pass by Holy Trinity Church, Bledlow on some routes, or see Brill Windmill and Wheatley Windmill in the wider area. The Phoenix Trail itself is a former railway line, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past.

Many of the bridleways and public rights of way in the Long Crendon area are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control, especially around livestock. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and that you adhere to local signage regarding dog access. It's advisable to keep dogs on a lead on shared paths and near roads.

The best time to go mountain biking in Long Crendon is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and the trails are drier. Winter riding is possible, but some trails, especially those through woodlands or on natural surfaces, can become muddy and slippery, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Long Crendon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, Chinnor Hill Descent – View of the Fields loop from Shabbington is a 25.2-mile (40.6 km) circular trail, and The Phoenix Trail – Phoenix Trail loop from Thame is also a popular circular option.

Parking availability varies depending on the specific trailhead. Many routes start from villages or towns like Thame or Shabbington, where public car parks may be available. For trails accessing areas like Chinnor Hill, look for designated parking areas or roadside parking where permitted. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.

The mountain biking experience around Long Crendon is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of the Chiltern Hills and Vale of Aylesbury, and the extensive network of bridleways that allow for diverse routes through woodlands and open countryside. The mix of easy and more challenging trails also contributes to its appeal.

While Long Crendon doesn't host dedicated mountain bike parks with purpose-built singletrack, the area's extensive network of bridleways provides varied riding experiences. These bridleways often traverse natural surfaces through woodlands and open fields, offering a more natural, cross-country style of mountain biking rather than technical singletrack. Routes like those around Chinnor Hill will offer more varied and potentially challenging sections.