MTB

The Quantocks are ideal mountain biking territory, with a dense network of superb natural trails and great scenery. The Quantock Hills are a compact range, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB covers just 99 square kilometres or about 38 square miles, with the main ridge being about 19km (12 m) in length and rising to just 350m (1150 ft). Yet it offers far more variety and a wilder feel than this small scale would suggest. Two things make the Quantocks a stand-out mountain biking destination:

First, the natural sculpture of the range creates a wide variety of terrain. The western side is generally the steeper, dissected by deep cup-like valleys known locally as combes (pronounced "coom"). The high ridge line offers rolling contours and wide views, from the lowlands of Somerset and the neighbouring heights of Exmoor to the sweeping seascape of the British Channel (home, incidentally, to the second highest tidal range in the world). On the east side broader valleys spread out more gently to the plains, where there’s some lovely gentle cycle-touring to be enjoyed when you need a change of pace.

Second, the Quantocks have an unusually dense network of trails designated as bridleways and therefore legally open for biking. This is a historic legacy. Here and on Exmoor there’s a long tradition of grazing ponies on the high open heath and moor (The Exmoor pony is a recognised breed but most of the ponies on the Quantocks have mixed bloodlines). These ponies aren’t wild but are allowed to roam freely for much of the year. It's because of this equine tradition that we have so many fine trails to ride in the Quantocks; obviously all responsible bikers will slow down and take care near any grazing animal but we should also give them a grateful nod. And these handsome little beasts do add an extra level of interest to many rides!