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Exmoor National Park 

Distance - 31.5km
Fitness Level - Level 2
Days - 1 day ride
Ascent - 1,000m​
Skill Level - Intermediate
Discover Exmoor's flowing singletrack and venturing across the hills of Northern Exmoor. This trail takes in some amazing views of the Exmoor coastline and even better single track. Don't let the 31.4km fool you as you'll be climbing over 1,200m in elevation, so expect a few steep climbs but O boy are they worth it for the descents.
The start of the day will see you climbing and traversing under the towering Dunkery Beacon, keep your eyes peeled for deer and wild ponies. You'll soon drop into some of Exmoor's famous singletrack, known by some as 'Magi Combe' (better known as Dady Combe) for it's a magical babbling brook that the trail hugs as it follows with the river to the valley floor.

After climbing up to an old farmhouse the trail turns alpine with fast steep switchbacks as you descend to the river. Here you'll be immersed in more flowing singletrack that passes through ancient oak forests.

The second part of the ride will see you climbing out of the beautiful village of Porlock, following the river you'll emerge onto the moorland for some wide open descents and fantastic sea views.
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Descending down the infamous Hawk Combe there will be nothing but smiles and woops to be heard in the forest. One final short climb and you'll be rewarded with an epic rocky and tight descent that will spit you out into the village of Porlock, make sure you stop off at the Ship Inn to refuel after the ride!
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  • The descent down Dady Combe where you ride alongside a stream that runs through an oak forest
  • Forna and Flora, expect to see ancient oak forests, wild ponies, dear and plenty of interesting plants 
  • ​The incredible sea views from the top of Porlock bay, the high sea cliffs mean you can sea over to Wales on a clear day
  • The remoteness, Exmoor is spread over a large area with many trails meaning it's not uncommon to ride this route and only see a few people. 
Lunch
  • Horner Tea Gardens
  • Porlock Village - Grab a quick bite at The Big Cheese or Cost Cutter in the village
  • Periwinkle Cottage tea rooms (Not on route - about 20mins cycle over to Selworthy Beacon ) ​
​​Dinner
  • The Ship Inn (Porlock) & The Bottom Ship (Porlock Weir) Both pubs are run by the same people, the local fish and chips are a must. If you're lucky enough to be around for Wierfest then you're in for a treat! 
  • Horner Farm Wood Fired  Friday Night Pizzas (Summer only) 
  • Dan French - Exmoor Adventures - 07976 208 279 info@mtbleadership.com
  • Tom Everett - 
  • Simon Hogg - Tuned Cycles - (Also local mechanic) - 07774 607 526 
Camping
  • Pool Bridge Campsite 
  • Sparkhayes
B&B/Hotel
  • Horner Farm B&B
  • Quarry Cottage 
  • Lorna Doone Hotel 
  • Porlock Village Hall
  • Porlock Car Park
  • Horner National Trust Car Park 

Trail respect

  • The trails are all o'natural fun so don't expect any well shaped berms to catch you around the corners, there will be loose and rocky descents, potential branches from trees blown down obstructing trails, and unexpected trail features. 
  • This is a popular area for walkers and horse riders, respect trail users and be wary of what is around the corner 
  • The combs can become flooded in wet winter/spring months so be wary of high rivers at the bottom of the trails
  • Exmoor weather changes rapidly so take spare clothing, at the start and end of the day the route will be traversing open moorland which can be subject to bog, high winds, rain and cold temperatures so pack spare kit. 
  • This is not a bike park - The route takes you far away from civilisation and emergency access so pack first aid and go steady. 
  • Livestock - Sheep and cattle roam the moors so keep an eye on your trail dog. 
  • There isn't a stop for water or food until half way round so pack spare water and food  #Leavenotrace #Trashfreetrails

Hours

Anytime

Telephone

+44 7885 489 062

Email

Ride@trailunknown.com

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  • Tours
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