Exmoor and Quantocks
11th - 12th July 2009

This weekend will take in two superb mountain bike areas in the South West- Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. We will be based in the tiny village of Kilve on the northern edge of the Quantocks. The accommodation is all en-suite and many of the rooms retain the charming period features of this 17th century coaching inn, with a fantastic beer garden to relax in after a hard day in the saddle!

Tour Itinerary

Saturday 11th July
we will leave our accommodation in the Quantocks with a half-hour transfer to Dunster on the east side of Exmoor. From here we will embark on an epic 40km route, starting with a long fire road ascent (360m of vertical climb). The height gained sets us up for a descent along a mixture of a fast and furious fire-road and technical single-track, onto a short section of country lanes into Wootton Courtenay, where there will be a chance to take on some refreshments. We move onto some cross-country single-track to take us into the heart of Exmoor and a superb descent into the tiny village of Horner; for the hard-core rider there will be an opportunity to take on a stream crossing, as fellow riders look on to see if you make it! We can again take on refreshments in Horner, after which we will cover some undulating bridleway and a small section along country lanes to bring us to the real challenge of the day- a steep technical climb taking us to a ridge at 300m. We follow the ridge, dropping down a fast, twisting, single-track descent to Dunster. If time permits there will an opportunity to look around the picturesque village of Dunster or head for a well-earned drink! We will then return to our base in the Quantocks for our evening meal.

Sunday 12th July
We will depart straight from our accommodation by bike up a challenging 270m ascent to the higher areas of the Quantocks, where we will gain magnificent views across the Bristol Channel and (weather permitting!) into Wales. The day's ride will consist of some of the best natural single-track descents the UK has to offer, coupled with a range in severity of climbs back up the numerous Combes making up the Quantocks. We will traverse the whole area using these ascents and descents, as well as some flat riding along the upper parts. Refreshments will be courtesy of a tea shop and an ice cream van! The climax of the day will be a breathtaking descent that takes in a steep, loose, rocky section as well as fast, smooth, twisting single-track, to return you via a mile long section of road to our base for a well earned drink.

Location:
Exmoor & Quantocks

Tour Date:
11|07|09 - 12|07|09

Duration:
2 days

Costs:
£140

Grade Rating:
6/10 Challenging

Distance:
50 miles

Terrain:
Off Road

Meeting:
Taunton, Sommerset