[Closed] Quantocks ~ Your Favourite Combe or Trail?

Only been there once but if you're putting a route together don't miss Somerton/Hodder's Combe, Smith's Combe, and Weacombe. They're real gems of natural singletrack, so fast and with so many stream crossings you'll want to whoop with joy. We did the Killer MBR Loop which was great but I would miss out The Great Wood when I go again.[url= http://mudbloodandcrud.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/quantocks-mbr-killer-loop-10th-august.html ]Ride report here if you're interested in the route we did.[/url]

Smiths combe - just do all the BWS in the area and you wont go wrong... suggest exmoor as well - superb riding there too

paul

We have been here before. Wor lass loves Weacombe, smiths less so.

Brendons 😯

Only 1 fav that's hard to choose. There's so many and it all depends, did enjoy somerton Combe today it rode really fast. Love smiths Combe as well but there's so many to choose from up there

You don't have to be limited to one, you can expand! Smiths - I massively over cooked a corner into a stream and some how hung on to the bike as it went over the top before stopping in the stream. Tasha didn't like the rock and roots going into smiths

Bin combe (five lords) I love the top section of somerton but Bin combe is just oh so sweet, a little rooty then a sweet launch of the road into the off camber left hander, after you stay left and your rewarded with the most sweetest ribbon of singletrack and that magical gradient where you just continually gain speed as it dips in and out of a gully and around the trees. Not many people seem to ride it so normally a little debris or leaf cover. Last rode it 4 weeks ago and unfortunately there's a big tree which has fallen across the trail towards the end, but still worth riding down. To get out go under a large tree trunk and after its left up through the trees and holly bushes. I could spend the day just riding this 1 descent

Somerton is the tops , smiths is good but a pain to get out of.

Frog combe is a blast

Weacombe is just dodgy as hell especially with the stream on the right ( I need to shake the monkey off my back) 😳

Took a while to write this so Ruscle has covered Bin.

But here's my brief guide to the Q's top trails.

I've always said Bincombe is my favourite, perhaps because it's not overly rode. It'a a trail of subtle incline that once you get to know it, becomes a twisty playful ribbon of giggles, features to get you flicking the ass end out, jinking left and right as you hurtle inches past tree stumps and roots laying in wait for your bad forward vision. From top to bottom 3-5mins of shits and giggles, thrills and spills. Pure natural fun.

Another fav will always be Somertons top section, but it's been getting wider as the years go by as riders run wide scrubbing out a new rut. At it's best it's a fast and furious descent to the tree line along a moorland piece of single track, the worn shallow rut means that when the turns come, you can get the front tyre to stick so you don't lose momentum, and after the slight pedally bit around back side the trail is just pure bliss as at speed you'll get a little drift as you flick left, right, left, left and left mind the rock then into the trees, 80m and slight(18" step) into rooty braking bumps, sharp right, moist butt and follow the wider track along side the stream, it gets pedally but crank it and enjoy.

Weacombe, mind the drop to the right most the way along it's mile and a half length, though it's not on the trail itself, so eyes ahead(once they've stopped rattling in side your head from the stuttery first 150m) Pin it at your own peril, Weacombe is just waiting for the over enthusiastic it will bite, It's non steep and non technical, it's just FAST!

Frog combe, traverse or Roller coaster. Not an obvious to find trail but if you survive the initial steepish rooty run in, the reward along the traverse is a very natural twisty piece of 400mm trail, that joins the main frog combe trail near the bottom. I like because it bit me tearing my ACJ and collapsing my lung, so i bit it back, harder.

Smiths is a love hate affair for me. Love it because it has a good mix, grass, roots, stoney, hard pack and stream crossings.
Hate because i always have a bad feeling about it once i let go of the brakes on the mid section. It's not a comfy landing...And the climb out usually bitch's at me.
From Beacon hill trig, it's a mile long.

If you want pure speed, followed by a burger, you'll be after the descent North of the Hill fort (Dowsborough) It's wide, there's a few bumpy bits on the first hundred metres then it's loose stone till it rises for moment, about enough to gather your breath then it's down, down, more loose stuff making a drifty left and then into the trees to a gate. Careful in there, there's monsters lurking on the ground ready to spit you off course and watch the long right hander at the bottom, trees hurt.

Did you say your favourites? Then let me continue...

Slaughterhouse, Concrete block, Dead womans ditch north side, and te Hare knapp splits(two choices) even holly bush gives me the necessary smiles.

And that's just on the Heath and combe.
The Forestry has alot on offer too but these aren't named so are not so easy to find. There's Sam's track and the Chimney dropping into Great wood, then in Cockercombe there's around 40 DH runs of varying difficulty, most can be ridden on a HT IMO.

That's enough to keep most people busy for a weekend or two.

Enjoy!

I love Weacombe. we don't get much singletrack up here, and I just love pushing my own limits for (what seems like) mile after mile

Hi Sharki, how's it going? You answered my call last time I came across a fallen tree, which was at the bottom of the twisty section of the dead women's ditch descent which was much appreciated. The fallen tree at the bottom end of Bin combe is much bigger and I wondered if you had a bigger saw and a lot of time on your hands??! 😉

I think some ballroom blitz is required....

I ride up there once or twice a week and always wondered why people like Smith's combe, I've always thought it's just an average descent and there's far better up there.

My favourites are the chimney (although the top section is looking a bit battered from forestry work now), slaughterhouse combe, frog combe, and the twisty bit from hare's knapp into holford.

Jambo, you'll start Dibbs off again.. 😆

Ruscle, All's greet thanks.

Is the tree raised off the ground? If it's laying on the ground then maybe, just maybe a pile of stone and soil will find itself on the facing edge creating a naturally formed way over it. Though if it's a bigun, then a way round will need to found, the rangers don't venture down there, and i'm not going the use a Chainsaw in there. I will look into it though and see what can be done.

Same as you Mark - not that fussed by smith's but like the techy challenge of the chimney. Also really fond of the cheeky bit of frog's that sharki mentioned.
There's a whole load of others I should know the names of as I am up there most weeks!

Good to hear your doing well Sharki.

The tree is of a very substantial size and just before 1 of the last little dives into the gully. It was raised slightly due to its branches if I remember correctly and would be more of a climb over than a nice jump if you were to build it up on the facing edge. Its a real shame as when we came across it I thought that no rangers or anyone else will ever be able to remove it so will for ever stop the sublime flow of this descent albeit towards the very end.

I have only managed to get down to the Tocks twice this year due to family and setting up my own driving school. I was starting to fall out of love with biking as had no time to get to any decent riding, un-till I last visited the Tocks a few weeks ago. Then the love soon came flooding back 😀

It's not a classified path so the Rangers have no obligation to unsure it's clear. If there's a way i can clear the gully i will, though it's unlikely, it's best therefore if a trail appears higher to get above it.

I'll send out the wildlife to begin walking a new trail in. 😉

Which could work well in keeping the trail above the other fallen trees.. But it'll need to happen naturally. 😉

My favourite is probably Slaughterhouse, because it doesn't get ridden as much as some of the others and has a more natural feel.

Smith's. I even get nervous thinking about it.

The bumped, grassy start sucks you into high speed and hopping. Then you go into the steeper, rocky-rooty woods section waaay too fast and poo bricks just hanging-on to the bars as every possible line looks equally disastrous at this speed and gradient. But you can't brake to slow down much and the bike is all over the shop. Then it "eases" into the madcap blind corners and stream crossings. Somehow one survives it all! The climb out is brutish - I've not yet cleared the steep bit but you know it's do-able.

It's fast and scary. It's a crash waiting to happen.

Meh! 'this'combe, 'that'combe... Willoughby Cleave is where it's at!

And Weacombe, and Smiths, and Slaughterhouse and Stert/Somerton and Hodders and...

I'll send out the wildlife to begin walking a new trail in.

Which could work well in keeping the trail above the other fallen trees.. But it'll need to happen naturally.

To be fair, nature has done an excellent job all over the Quantocks, so as long as they get a wriggle on I'm sure the end result will be good. Its just a matter of time and my legs still being able to turn the pedals in years to come when they finally finish it!

I love the different takes on the various tracks. We may try smiths again, though we didn't think it was worth the hype last time, especially for the climb out. We've read through this thread and both wondered about the perils of the river in Weacombe, we've obviously never paid attention to it! We normally finish on Stert and somerton before heading back to campsite via the pub at holford.

Don't bother with smith's, your first thoughts are correct as its just not worth it. The river is on the right of you on the way down Weacombe and is a 10-15ft vertical drop in places 😯

The drop off of Hill fort is a blast as you go to full speed in seconds and its pure rock garden with absolutely no control over the outcome, you are just along for the ride. Always makes me smile and laugh at the insane-ness of it.

Many moons ago on the narrowest stretch of weacombe where the trail runs closest to the stream my bike and I parted company. OTBs through bracken and stingers and then the strangest sensation of weightlessness whilst staring up at the sky. Then a big thump as I landed flat on my back in the stream gulley. Amazingly nothing worse then a few cuts and bruises, but I had to walk back down the stream to clamber out ... cause the banks were too steep at the point that I'd landed. The trail has changed a bit since then, but Weacombe remains one of those perfect pieces of singletrack, albeit one that since that particular day, I am probably more respectful of than I might otherwise be! In fact, I wrote about that particular moment [url= http://lifeofmyride.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/gravity-my-friend/ ]here[/url] 😉

Personal tastes clearly differ!

The wide track down from the hill fort doesn't light my fire especially. For the most part it is wide, gently graded, with complete visibility, no corners and uniformly littered with rubble. On the plus side, you can go so fast your eyeballs fall out 🙂

I rode the Quantocks for the first time this summer and must say I loved Smiths, Weacombe and Somerton / Hodders.
Can't wait to go back and explore a bit more! 😀

Buzz, if you split off to the right just below the cairn below the hillfort it gets silly fun in a 'where the hecks the trail gone, i'm in a gully a foot deep in dry leaves' pinging about on tree debris and rocks.

Whenever i write about those hills it's Warra Play ground'..

I must have been so focused on Weacombe as I don't even remember any big drops off the side of the trail?! The climb back out of Smith's was a real bitch now I think back on it. I inadvertently flew off the biggest drop off yet on the way down Somerton combe as I was going too fast to avoid it. A big tree had either fallen (or been placed) across the trail. Making me smile just thinking back on all that sublime singletrack., got to get back down there soon.

Buzz, if you split off to the right just below the cairn below the hillfort it gets silly fun in a 'where the hecks the trail gone, i'm in a gully a foot deep in dry leaves' pinging about on tree debris and rocks.

Yeeehaaa. That sounds more like it!

The Quantocks is the perfect mtb playground with wonderful and sublime varied descents every where. The climbs are a good challenge to, especially as you always know that just over the top is one of those great descents 😀

Are these trails all very technical?
I'm planning a first trip in a couple of months with some relatively inexperienced mates. I don't want to scare them with too many roots & rocks.
Can anyone pick a couple of combes with nice twisty flowing tracks, and nothing to technical?

Thanks.

Frog combe for me.

God I miss that place being on my doorstep 🙁

Everything becomes technical once you hit a speed above your ability.
But other than the concrete block trail(that's not named on the map) everything mentioned has nothing that would cause an inexperienced rider issues.
The tree step on Somerton can be ridden around. I'd avoid Smiths though with that group. There will be roots on the trails as they all end up in the woods, but they an be seen easy enough and dealt with by most newbie riders.

Both of the Frog descents have roots that'll make some new to riding roots clench their gluts.

Weacombe, holford, hodder, and many others are all easy at sensible speeds. Great wood is where a lot of the tech stuff is hiding. Smiths might be a bit iffy with noobs.

FWIW I was there with a varied bunch from mrs p's work earlier this year - ranging from total newbs on hired bikes to some fairly experienced types. As far as I know nobody got lost or properly hurt, and when we met up for lunch everyone seemed to be having fun. In fact i think the biggest offs & worst bike damage came from those that should've known better but got carried away.

is there a good map of all these somewhere?

As per sharkis post most of it is very rideable, but more experience allows you to get the best from it. Noobs will not see the benefit from the steepish climbs.
Did a few today, Bins being the favourite, just the right side of being too fast. A truly magical bit of singletrack

The 25k OS names most of the combes. Start there and after a few rides once you have the lie of the land start following your nose.

My favourite is probably Slaughterhouse, because it doesn't get ridden as much as some of the others and has a more natural feel.

Dibbs - Member
My favourite is probably Slaughterhouse, because it doesn't get ridden as much as some of the others and has a more natural feel.

POSTED 19 HOURS AGO # REPORT-POST

Having a senior moment there dibbs?

I went for the first time on Saturday, loved it but underestimated quite how big an area they cover. Smiths was my fav, however hodders was fun as well.

@ Dekerf853 - no, they are not 'technical', you can ride them slowly and you'll have no bother. Speed up however and they are utterly superb. Great Wood did have more technical stuff, however it was no better than in the hills around Bath, not worth heading over purely for that for me.

It was the views as well as I went around that I loved, truly brilliant.

P20, Was the tree still across the lower section of Bin combe? It is a sweet descent and spanks the arse out of Smith's imo

I mainly love the fact that the quantocks r 10 mins from my front door so I can take full advantage of the great trails up there

Yes the tree is still across the track, but I loved that track so much it didn't bother me.

ART

I had the same misshap down weacombe highside off the bike and down the ditch 🙄

2 months off the bike 🙁

been going over the OS maps looking for the ones mentioned.

Also found this: http://www.gpsies.com/map.do;jsessionid=F1D7703ED2D5C694DEA640B64375E34F?fileId=xrorajzyazoenjyp

That's the route I referred to in my earlier post, it takes in some great bits, but be prepared for some big climbs. The Great Wood section on that route is the only weak part imho, felt like a lot of ascent and not much payoff.

I had the same misshap down weacombe highside off the bike and down the ditch

2 months off the bike

Of course like others, I had never really appreciated how far down the stream drops from the trail in that combe cause you can't really see it through all the undergrowth ... Had to retrain my 'looking ahead' especially for Weacombe after that one!

Qs are a real gem of a place you're never gonna get bored, and you get to wave at Knottie *waves - hello from Sat* as often as not 🙂

I'd say Weacombe is the most popular from speaking to various riders, purely because it is so rapid. Had some mates have close encounters with the stream but no one has spilled into it!

It's worth giving the Hare Knapps a mention. The left one is amazing as starts on grass fairly steep (careful of the sheep), there are little bumps on the way down so you can get some good air down them at speed. Then you climb for a little, and the rest of the way is majestic single track, twisty fun, with a nice little jump towards the end, carry on to the left at the junction and you end in Hodders beaming from ear to ear!

Just for dibbs...

Just thought - has anyone mentioned the single track from Triscombe Stone that runs parallel to the road? That is sweet and is always a favourite of mine. Although I don't find the flow of it as good as it used to be.

I need to get up more. I've lost my mojo for it a bit this year with the weather, forestry etc. But talking about it on here makes me want to get back in the saddle!

Regular visitor here, once or twice a year but always on the calendar!

Back again weekend after next for a weekend of cider and cycling 😀

Here's a video guide to some of the trails mentioned above (excuse the drunken tomfoolery inbetween!)

Never ridden Bin Combe! Does anyone have a grid ref for the start please?

Andy, if you climb up Ladys Combe, there's an obvious tree in a clearing on your left. There's a small track off to your right down to the road. On the opposite side of the road is Bin Combe, in general keep left, it's a joyous magical narrow track through the trees, best enjoyed on the slightly too fast side of sensible!

Os ref: 164388 (according to wor lass, not me if it's wrong)

Bin Combe for me. It's possible to make it longer by starting from the top of Holford Combe too.

Thanks P20 will have a look

[IMG] [/IMG]
Classic Qs trail and one of my favs
[IMG] [/IMG]
love this one , just like riding on marbles or a flat tyre.
[IMG] [/IMG]
not a combe but a great downhill blast.
BUt I think my all time fav is Crowcombe CP start up to the trig point turn right to Wilmots pool then left to the wide side of Frog combe all the way down to Holford. Best ridden as your running out of light and in a hurry to get to the pub. (waves and shouts "high" at ART) .
oh yeah CB is good too
[IMG] [/IMG]

It's a bit bitty but I love the descent down Wills Neck, followed by the singletrack alongside the road mentioned by DJ up there, a quick blat off the fireroad down that bit with the 90 degree right hander before finishing down the Chimney, awesome stuff!

Frog Combe in my very limited experience.

Note to self - Must plan the next trip down.

I will also give "Jambo and Sharki" a mention. The upper part is getting rougher, messier and harder as it is ridden quite a lot. But I still really like it.

nice to hear its still there.

Willoughby Cleave in the dry.

Having a senior moment there dibbs?

I don't know what happened there, some kind of tablet related delayed action double post. 😳

It's flippin gorgeous up on the Quantocks this morning BTW, shame I was only walking the dog 🙁

Spotted one of the "locals" too.

[img] [/img]

@ buzz, is Jambo & Sharki's still there? Last time I attempted it (a couple of months ago now) the top was completely destroyed by forestry, don't know if it was still intact further down (sorry Jam bo 🙁 )

is Jambo & Sharki's still there? Last time I attempted it (a couple of months ago now) the top was completely destroyed by forestry,

Oh nuts 🙁

Was hoping to ride it on Saturday too.

Jambo and Sharki's is just about still there, although it has been crossed in a number of places and the third section that contours along to the middle of the chimney has been completely wiped out by forestry machinery tracking along it.

All ridable but more disrupted now.

we are heading up there in a few weeks, can anyone list some of the besterest descents in a logical order, we normally set off from bicknoller village.
cheers.

Did the MRB killer loop last week end. Enjoy all the descents (with the exception of Great Wood). Here the summary: