**Where to Ride

Bikemagic trail guide: Haldon Forest, Exeter, Devon

Destination: Haldon, Nr Exeter, Devon

Only ten minutes outside of Exeter, Haldon Forest is the UK’s most southerly trail centre. It’s a stunning expanse of woodland and, although the way-marked trails are a little on the short side, they’re good fun and there are plenty of extra-curricular trails to find and explore.

Jumping about at Haldon.
Image: AJHosgood via Flickr

Much of the old freeride area has been dismantled by time, storms and the Forestry Commission.

How to get there

Turn off the A38 at Exeter racecourse and follow the signs for Haldon Forest Park. The Haldon Gateway Car Park is signposted further along the road on the left.

Sat Nav: EX6 7XR

Facilities

Full Forestry Commission facilities including Bike Hire and a quality Cafe.

Trails

The 2.5 km green Discovery Trail is definitely a family friendly bimble.

The blue Challenge trail, which is 9.5-12km, depending on whether you take the short or long option, is far more fun. There’s some really good quality flowing single track and, especially if you ride it hard, is worth blasting round as a warm-up.

The 9km red grade Ridge Ride Trail is surprisingly fast and, with most of the trail very narrow, definitely keeps you on your toes. It’s kitty litter surfaced, so watch your front tyre on some of the corners.

Keep an eye out for bits of secret singletrack disappearing into the trees, you never know what you’ll find.

There’s a 1 km black graded extension but it’s definitely over-graded and more like a red route at a Welsh trail centre.

There’s also a decent skills area with easy, medium and hard options and a fun pump loop.