Haldon Forest Park near Exeter is the only purpose-built MTB trail centre in Devon — a Forestry England plantation south-west of the city with five waymarked trails ranging from family green to red technical. It’s the natural choice for south-Devon and east-Cornwall riders who don’t want to drive to Wales or the Forest of Dean.
What to expect
The Discovery Trail (green, 5km) is the family option — flat, gravelled, surfaced for trailers. The Challenge Trail (blue, 8km) introduces gentle singletrack. The Ridge Ride (red, 8.5km) is the headline trail — rolling singletrack with technical rocky descents and quick climbs through the south Devon forestry. Black-graded freeride lines extend the offering for advanced riders. A skills area and pump track sit near the visitor centre.
Practical notes
Open year-round. Forest Cycle Hire at the visitor centre handles bike rental and basic repairs. Forestry England parking fee applies. The cafe is decent. Best as a half-day ride for Exeter-based locals or a destination day from south Cornwall and east Devon. Combine with a Dartmoor scramble or a south Devon coast day for a full weekend.
Train, parking, drive…
- Train
- Exeter St Davids (GWR), then taxi (~15 min)
- Parking
- Haldon Forest Park, pay-and-display
- Postcode
- EX6 7XR
- Drive
- ~3h from London, ~15 min from Exeter
- Car-free?
- Possible
Transport details are best-effort and worth double-checking on the day — rural buses and station services change with the timetable.
If you’ve got an extra day…
- South West Coast Path Hike from Exmouth nearby
- Flying Frenzy paragliding on the south Devon coast
- Pub at the Anchor Inn, Cockwood
Plan it yourself.
The most authoritative sources we know of for this trail — routes, conditions, governing bodies and operators. Open in a new tab.
