Quantocks Mountain Biking

The Quantocks are in south west England and they run from the Bristol Channel to Taunton in Somerset.

Similar to The Peaks and Brecon Beacons this is epic natural MTB terrain. Like them it also has a vibrant mountain bike community.

Although its compact and you are never too far to get down a hill to civilisation it can be quite exposed. Make sure you have a windbreaker and a the necessary spares you will need. 

The Quantocks Trails

• You are probably talking over 100km's of MTB trails in total. Saying that we are talking about an area that is only 19km by 7km. So it's well packed in. The terrain holds well in wet conditions (though do be prepared as the grassier tracks and the bottoms of the Combes get muddy in the winter). The Quantocks is basically a long ridge with a descent of around 250 metres so it is a lot of up and down. You get swooping hills, woodland, exposed heathland as well as steep gnarly descents. So be you an XC or a hardened  downhill rider you can pull together a great route whatever your preference.
• Given the scale of the Quantocks and the  absence of waymarking then unless you are a dab hand with a map and compass and driven by the unpredictable spirit of discovery then hook up with a local or a club in the area (see below).  

The Quantocks XC Trails

• The terrain here is hilly and so can be quite difficult. In terms of technical ability it really has something for every ability level. Twisty singletrack is its signature as are the steep descents. Some of the more well known are best are the Frog Combe decsent, Somerton Combe and the Chimney over at Triscombe.
• A good route from What Mountain Bike that covers 23km with a moderate rating can be found here. The route includes the 2 mile descent into Hodder's Combe, with singletrack, log jumps and technical climbs at Holford Combe and up Bicknoller hill. 
• Dead Womens Loop is around a 8 mile circuit. It passes through Holford Combe from Deadwomens ditch, then up past Hodders Combe, Lady's Edge, Bicknoller Post, Crowcombe Park Gate before finally back to Dead Womens Ditch.
• A classic is the Quantocks MBR Killer Loop which is 35km and having ridden many over the years MBR always deliver top routes. This one starts from Triscombe Stone,  goes through the Great Wood and the rocky Quantock Combe. It has carved sections, steep descents, tough climbs an  rock. You can check it out more here. 

The Quantocks Downhill Trails

• Quantocks is not just about XC there is good Downhill riding here too. Near to Lydeard Hill Carpark there is 'Triscombe' downhill trail. Triscombe has some carved out tree lined steep downhill tracks with some big jumps. There is also 'The Chimney leading down to 'Greatwood'. This track is fast, technical and runs through a gulley.

Closest Bike Shop

• Bike Shops: St John St Cycles, 91-93 St John St, Bridgwater TA6 5HX. 01278 441500. 
• Ralph Coleman Cycles, 79 Station Road, Taunton, TA1 1PB, 01823 275822.

 Where To Start

• Starting off from Lydeard Hill Carpark is a popular spot but there are quite a few so check out your chosen route specifically.

Useful Sites

• MBR have a neat route with GPS directions.

Clubs and Groups (NB these sites often have decent route and GPS guides)

Other Stuff

• Maps: Landranger 181 Minehead & Brendon Hills, Dulverton & Tiverton or Explorer 140 Quantock Hills & Bridgwater.
• The highest point is Will's Neck at 384m