FATMAP by Strava

Exmoor Porlock ride

Exmoor National Park

Discover Exmoor's 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.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
32 km
Ascent
1.2 km
Descent
1.2 km
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
35 m
High Point
419 m
Gradient
11˚
Exmoor Porlock ride Map

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 1,400m in elevation, so expect a few steep climbs but O boy are they worth it for the descents.

Description

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 Daddy Combe) for its 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.

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!

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between March and December

Features

  • Flow
  • Singletrack
  • Roots