The Quantocks is home to a stunning network of unsculptured natural trails that spread their way across the area.
Tackle steep climbs, exhilarating descents and stream crossings as you make your way through woodland, valleys and heathland.
Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Bristol Channel.
It’s easy to see why the area has been featured in many mountain bike magazines!
I have frequently made the 3.5-hour journey from my home to this part of Somerset to get my MTB fix.
When I first started researching and planning an MTB trip to this area I realised that I was looking at numerous sources to gather all the information I needed to ensure my trip would run as smoothly as possible.
My aim is to provide you with an easy reference page to answer your questions and help you to enjoy some of the best biking around!
- Where are the trails?
- What are the trails like?
- What is the best route?
- Where can I stay?
- Where can I buy cake?
Table of Contents
The Trails
It’s important to remember that the Quantocks are not a trail centre, this is natural trails and singletrack at their finest.
The trails aren’t officially graded, you won’t see any signposts and there are no official routes but don’t let that put you off!
Mountain bikers really are spoiled for choice in the Quantock Hills but I’ve done my best to narrow down the list and below you can find extra information about my Top 5 Trails!
Though the trails are not officially graded, I have given each a difficulty rating based on the below categories.
Blue – Suitable for mountain bikers with basic off-road skills
Red – Challenging trails, more proficient skills required – may include off-camber sections, roots, jumps , rocky terrain and slight drops
Black – Expert use only. These trails require all of the skills required for Blue and Red but are substantially more difficult.
My Top 5 Quantock Hills MTB Trails
# 1 Stert Combe (blue)
Nice trail! Nice open grass section at the top leading into single-track between the heath.
You can really get some speed on this – beware of a couple of log drops further down
# 2 Smiths Combe (red)
This trail has it all rocks, roots and really nice single-track.
Bit of a climb back out but so worth it.
# 3 Weacombe descent (Blue)
From the top this starts as a fast wide open grass descent.
You soon gather speed and before you know it you are hurtling down sublime singletrack.
There is nothing too scary here but do not be fooled! There are some bits that can catch you off guard.
This trail is rocky and rutty in places and has a couple of stream crossings.
No trip to the Quantocks is complete without a run down this awesome descent.
# 4 Frog Combe and Frog Combe singletrack (Red)
This one quickly spits you into a techy rooty section. It is a bit eroded. Nice swoopy descent through the trees.
# 5 Sheppards combe and lady’s edge
Did someone say single-track? The singletrack on these trails is what the Quantocks are renowned for. Singletrack heaven!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG5fRGAcgI4&t=1s
Routes
Parking – Places to stay – Where to eat
If you prefer to just go out and ride without any planning as you can see from the map below there are plenty of places to park.
I find Crowcombe Gate car park ideally situated, also there are no height restriction barriers and an ice cream van in the summer months is a welcome bonus!
Just head up to the ridge from here, pick any trail and enjoy the descents.
It is a very popular area with mountain bikers so there will always be someone about to point you in the right direction.
Crowcombe Park Gate car park, Holford, Taunton TA4 4AD
where to stay
Camping
Moorhouse Farm, Holford TA5 1SP
01278 741295
The perfect base for Mountain biking in the Quantocks on a working farm with a relaxed vibe.
The facilities are good with a decent shower to wash all that Quantocks dust away.
If you are camping solo they offer pitches for £13.00 per night (without a car) or £15.00 per night with a car.
The Plough Inn is within walking distance.(More details further down)
Caravan park
Blue Anchor Bay Rd, Blue Anchor, Minehead TA24 6JT
01643 821 360
Hoburn caravan park is another great option when staying in the area.It had everything required to keep my partner occupied and comfortable whilst I was riding in the hills.
https://www.hoburne.com/holiday-parks/somerset/blue-anchor/
Hotel
Premier Inn Minehead, TA24 6DF
For no-frills comfort, this is a great option for mountain bikers.
They allow you to take your bike inside your room which is a much better option than leaving it in your vehicle.
Bed and breakfast
Pardlestone Farm, Kilve, TA5 1SQ
01278 256629
Pardlestone farm in Kilve offers B&B and also a self-catering cottage complete with secure bike storage.
Hire and repairs
Bike Hire
Exmoor Adventures, Minehead, TA24 8PB
01643 805001
Good quality Mountain bike and e-bike hire and can also arrange guided rides.
Bike Repairs
Bicycle chain, Taunton and Bridgwater.
Taunton 01823 252499
Bridgwater 01278 423640
For repairs/ parts get in contact with these guys.
Food and drink
The Plough Inn Holford, TA5 1RY
01278 741 624
This is such a welcoming place to visit. The owners are very friendly and it is dog friendly too!Really nice food at a really good price. I would advise booking a table as it is vey popular.
The Foxy bean, Adscombe, TA5 1HN
01278 733114
Quite simply the best coffee and cake in the area which is staple for us mountain bikers!
John’s Chippy 1 Long St, Williton, Taunton TA4 4QT
Excellent fish and chips. Fast and friendly service.
LIMP FOOT MTB Destination rating
I really enjoy the MTB Trails in the Quantock Hills and can see myself returning time after time.
The trails would probably be best described as XC, if you are used to the more man made trail centre runs with jumps and table tops etc you may want to try out the downhill runs at Triscombe
I have ridden a handful of trails there and it is an area I plan to explore more on future visits.
There are a lot of uphill climbs in the Quantocks and some degree of fitness will make any rides you do a lot more comfortable.
I would definitely recommend a visit to this gem of a Mountain biking destination and I am giving it a solid ..
9/10
Are you planning a mountain bike trip to the Quantock Hills?
What do you think are the Quantock Hills has to offer to Mountain Bikers?
Do you have any top tips you’d like to share?
Let me know in the comments below.
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