The Ridge Café, Haldon Forest Park
The Ridge Café, Haldon Forest Park
Highlight • Rest Area
The Ridge Café, Haldon Forest Park
Mountain biking
4.9
(79)
Cycling
5.0
(14)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
Hiking
5.0
(1)
Tips
December 14, 2020
Mountain biking
There's both inside and outside seating, so you can sit on the covered deck and watch your bike if you're covered in mud without feeling too bad!
I'd highly recommend the soup and cheese scone combo and the homemade cakes for a mid-trail snack.
September 15, 2019
Mountain biking
July 10, 2023
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near The Ridge Café, Haldon Forest Park
4.8
(23)
354
riders
8.44km
00:45
110m
100m
The Haldon Forest loop of the ridge offers a red-graded mountain biking experience, perfect for proficient riders seeking a technical, fast, and flowing adventure. This 5.2-mile (8.4 km) route, with 349 feet (106 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 44 minutes to complete. You'll navigate predominantly singletrack with tight corners, lively descents, and undulating sections that snake through the forest, providing picturesque views of the surrounding woodlands and magnificent vistas of Exeter and the Devonshire countryside from the ridge.
This trail is well-maintained and rideable year-round, thanks to its rocky, flint base, though you might encounter puddles after heavy rain. It features a mix of hardpack and looser gravel, with natural elements like tree roots, ditches, bridges, and boardwalks adding to the dynamic ride. A new 700-meter red section was added in December 2023 to enhance the experience and improve safety, ensuring a fresh challenge for returning riders.
While officially rated as moderate and red-graded, some sections, particularly in the latter half, might feel more like a harder blue or pink grade. The route is part of the larger network at Haldon Forest Park, which also includes easier green and blue trails, a skills area, and a pump track. For an even greater test, you can access the black-graded "Ridge Ride Extreme" from this loop, featuring demanding rocks, berms, drops, and step-downs.
4.8
(32)
321
riders
10.1km
00:52
100m
100m
The Haldon Forest loop of the blue Spicers & Kiddens trails offers a moderate mountain biking experience through a wooded hilltop. As you ride, you'll navigate a combination of hard-pack gravel and rocky flint surfaces, ensuring year-round rideability. This 6.3-mile (10.1 km) route, which takes about 52 minutes to complete, features a total elevation gain of 324 feet (99 metres). You'll enjoy pleasant forest views, with tall Douglas firs providing shade, and clearings offering panoramic vistas of Exeter and the wider Devonshire countryside, sometimes extending to the coast on clear days. This loop is designed for intermediate cyclists or those looking to build their off-road skills.
This blue-graded loop is part of a well-maintained and waymarked trail network at Haldon Forest Park. You'll find the trail conveniently located close to the park's cafe and car park, making it easy to grab refreshments after your ride. While the rocky flint base makes the trails rideable throughout the year, be prepared for puddles and potentially stream-like conditions if you visit during wetter months or after heavy rain. The park also provides additional amenities like a skills area and pump track if you want to warm up or hone your abilities before tackling the main loop.
This loop combines two distinct blue-graded trails: Spicers and Kiddens. Spicers is an excellent confidence-builder with gentle gradients, ideal if you are progressing from beginner trails or introducing new riders to mountain biking. Kiddens Trail then offers a natural progression, presenting more challenging terrain with greater changes in gradient and singletrack sections, helping you further develop your skills.
4.7
(3)
8
riders
28.4km
02:29
510m
510m
Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure through Haldon Forest Park, starting near Belvedere Castle. This route offers a diverse experience, blending singletrack, paths, and cycleways with engaging technical elements like roots, rocks, and berms. As you ride, you'll encounter magnificent views of Exeter and the wider Devonshire countryside, particularly from the Haldon Forest Ridge Ride. The trail covers 17.6 miles (28.4 km) with an elevation gain of 1667 feet (508 metres), making it a solid challenge. You can expect to complete this loop in about 2 hours and 29 minutes, enjoying the varied terrain and scenic vistas.
Haldon Forest Park is a well-equipped trail center, making your visit straightforward. Parking is generally available directly at the park, providing convenient access to the trailhead. Thanks to its rocky flint base, the trails are rideable throughout the year, offering a consistent option for mountain biking enthusiasts. However, be prepared for puddles and potentially muddy sections if you plan your ride during wet weather. Always check local conditions before heading out to ensure the best experience.
This trail is notable for its year-round accessibility and the quality of its mountain biking features within Haldon Forest Park. The park itself is a managed woodland area, providing a dedicated space for outdoor activities. The combination of natural forest environment and purpose-built trail elements creates a dynamic riding experience. It stands out as a prime destination for mountain biking in the region, offering both challenge and rewarding views.
Details
Informations
Elevation 250 m
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Wednesday 20 May
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12°C
11 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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